2019 Audi A3 review

What We Like

Performance: The A3 strikes a sublime balance between performance and comfort. It’s quick, handles well, and brakes smoothly. Front-wheel-drive models pack adequate punch with 184 horsepower, while all-wheel drive models get 228 hp — 8 more hp than in 2018 — and a new transmission. Audi says the A3 can cover 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. A firm suspension makes the A3 agile in twists and turns, even more so with all-wheel drive, yet doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable ride for responsive handling.

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 the heft of a sturdy and well-built car. Clear views out of the front and sides boost confidence when hustling through quick turns or threading hectic traffic. User-friendly infotainment controls minimize distraction, and a map display that rises from the dash makes it easy to see where you're heading. The convertible version, with its fabric top and narrow rear window, doesn’t offer quite the same unbroken panorama, though.

Comfort: You’d expect to find the A3’s roomy and comfortable front seats in a larger, more expensive sedan, such is their supportive shape and long-distance comfort. A well-sorted suspension absorbs most of what a highway can throw at it, helping keep the cabin relatively immune to road noise and the driver free of fatigue. Space is at a premium in the back seat, but no more so than in its rivals.

What Needs Improvement

Cargo space: The A3’s tidy dimensions and all-wheel-drive system don’t leave much room for gear. Front to back, it’s the shortest car in its class and its meager 10 cubic feet of trunk space betters only the Mercedes A-Class and its 8.6 cubic feet. While shoppers considering compact luxury cars aren’t always focused on cargo, if you need more trunk space, consider the larger A4.