2022 Audi A3 review

What We Like

Strong overall performance: Compared to its chief rivals, the A3’s 201-horsepower engine isn’t all that impressive, but that only tells part of the story. That engine benefits greatly from quick responses and an abundance of low-range and midrange power. That makes it feel more lively, and the transmission helps by keeping you in the right gear to make the most of that power. At the same time, the EPA estimates it delivers 3 to 5 mpg more than the competition.

Smart use of technology: Rather than move every control to the touchscreen, Audi smartly gave the A3 plenty of physical buttons and knobs for climate, audio, and some primary controls. These greatly reduce distraction for many functions since you can use them without taking your eyes off the road. AppleCarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ are both wireless, and a charging pad with a signal booster is available.

Comfortable ride and seats: The A3 remains a delightfully fun sedan to wring out on a twisty road, and thankfully that handling prowess doesn’t hurt ride comfort. The ride is sportingly firm, but it remains remarkably comfortable over ruts and bumps in the road. Helping matters are front seats that provide ample support and enough cushioning to keep you comfy on long road trips.

What Needs Improvement

Limited passenger accommodations: Compact sedans in this class should be considered capable of carrying adult-size passengers, but it's certainly not a strength of the A3. The front seats can accommodate taller occupants, but the rear seats are best left for smaller folks. The lack of headroom and legroom would likely get larger passengers feeling confined back there on anything longer than a trip to lunch.