2018 Audi A3 review

What We Like

Performance: The A3 strikes a sublime balance of performance and comfort. It’s quick, handles precisely, brakes smoothly, and rides comfortably. Audi has refined this formula for decades and distilled it to the pint-sized A3. Front-wheel-drive models pack a light but adequate punch with 186 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models get a boost to 220 hp and extra low-end acceleration. A firm suspension makes the A3 feel agile in twists and turns, even more so in all-wheel-drive models, yet doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable ride for responsive handling.

Comfort: The A3’s roomy and comfortable front seats feel more typical of a larger luxury sedan, and they remain firm and supportive even during long stints behind the wheel. A well-sorted suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps in the road and helps minimize road noise, making the A3 a car you can drive for hours without fatigue. Space is at a premium in the back seat, but no more so than in its rivals.

Interior: The A3 is Audi’s entry-level sedan, but the leather upholstery, contrast stitching, textured panels, and aluminum accents make it feel like a pricier model. Even the knobs and switches operate with a heft that suggests a more expensive car. Clear views out of the front and sides boost confidence when hustling through quick turns or threading hectic traffic, while a pop-up screen and intuitive infotainment controls make it easy to call up a map display to see where you’re headed. The convertible version, with its fabric top and narrow rear window, doesn’t offer quite the same unbroken panorama, though.

What Needs Improvement

Cargo space: The A3’s tidy dimensions and all-wheel-drive system don’t leave much room for stuff. Given that it’s the shortest car in its class, it’s no surprise that the A3’s 10 cubic feet of trunk space is also the smallest. For cargo hauling, the larger A4 might be a better bet.