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2020 Audi A3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Audi A3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Good balance of comfortable ride and sporty handling
  • Strong acceleration from turbocharged engine
  • Refined and stylish cabin

Cons

  • Small back seat
  • Tiny trunk

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

A streamlined 2020 Audi A3 proves small sedans can still live large

The 2020 Audi A3 marked the end of the model’s first generation, a run that established the A3 as a small Audi, not a cheap one. For 2020, the A3 dropped its base Titanium and top-end Prestige trims, moving some features from earlier Prestige models to the Premium Plus trim, including the impressive Bang & Olufsen audio system. Others were bundled into optional packages, making the 2020 A3 Premium Plus trim a solid value, especially with either of those packages. The slow-selling A3 convertible was discontinued for 2020.

The A3’s just-right blend of performance, comfort, and refinement stems from roots it shares with the Volkswagen Golf, a lithe and snazzy hatchback. Compared to the Golf, the A3 amps up the luxury details and offers all-wheel drive, making it a compelling choice among tough rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class dual threats, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (which debuted in 2020), and the Lexus IS 300. Its tiny trunk is a setback, but if your cargo needs are modest, the A3 could suit you well.

All Audi A3 years

What is new for the 2020 Audi A3?

  • The A3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Premium Plus S-Line and Premium S-Line.
  • The Prestige and Titanium Premium trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

2020 Audi A3 trims

Curious how Audi A3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium:

  • 184-hp, 221-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Sunroofs
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • View our Audi A3 Premium inventory

Premium S-Line:

Premium Plus:

Premium Plus S-Line:

Audi A3 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Audi A3

What We Like

Performance: The A3 is quick, handles precisely, and brakes smoothly. It deftly balances performance and comfort, the formula Audi has refined for years. Front-wheel-drive models offer adequate punch with 186 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models get a boost to 228 hp and extra low-end kick good enough to move the A3 from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. A firm suspension gives the A3 agility in twists and turns, even more so with all-wheel drive, yet doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable ride for responsive handling.

Comfort: The A3’s roomy and comfortable front seats feel more typical of a large luxury sedan, and they remain firm and supportive even during long stints behind the wheel. A well-sorted suspension absorbs most bumps and helps minimize road noise. Unlike the CLA, the A3 is a small car you can drive for hours without fatigue. Like most small sedans, space is at a premium in the back seat.

Interior: The A3 is Audi’s entry-level sedan, but it doesn't seem like one with its leather upholstery, contrast stitching, textured panels, and aluminum accents. 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.

What Needs Improvement

Cargo space: The A3’s tidy dimensions and all-wheel-drive system don’t leave much room for stuff. It’s the shortest car in its class, front to back, and its 10-cubic-foot trunk is among the smallest, trailing all of its contemporary competitors except the Mercedes A-Class, which has just 8.6 cubic feet. Bottom line: If you need more trunk space, consider the larger A4.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Audi A3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A3 15th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A3

Audi A3 features and specs

Premium 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

184

Torque (ft-lbs)

221

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

103.8"

Overall length

175.5"

Width

70.7"

Height

55.7"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35.1"

Head room

F 36.5"/R 36.1"

Front tires

P225/40HR18

Rear tires

P225/40HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Audi A3 FAQ

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