2020 Audi A3 Review
2020 Audi A3 Review
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2020 Audi A3 Review
byJosh Jacquot
Correspondent
Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Good balance of a comfortable ride and sporty handling
- Strong acceleration from the turbocharged engine
- Refined and stylish cabin
Cons
- Small trunk, especially with all-wheel drive
- Limited backseat space
What's new
- Minor changes to standard and optional equipment
- Titanium and Prestige trim levels are discontinued
- The A3 Cabriolet (convertible) is no longer available
- Part of the second A3 generation introduced for 2015
Overview
Though it's certainly near the end of its lifecycle, the current generation Audi A3 — it's been out since 2015 — remains a solid pick in the small luxury sedan class. Much of that comes down to its well-rounded nature. There's enough style, performance and comfort here to make you feel like you're getting your money's worth. And unlike some Audi sedans, it's available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A3 Sport Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$141/mo for A3 Sport Premium
A3 Sport Premium
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Audi didn't add anything new to the A3 for 2020. Rather, it's relying on a thorough reshuffling of the sedan's trims and features to keep buyers interested in what will likely be the A3's final year. The company has downsized the trim options from four to two for the 2020 A3. The A3's features, though, are essentially the same. Audi also discontinued the slow-selling A3 convertible.
We do suggest checking out the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class; it surpasses the A3 in a lot of ways, especially in technology features. BMW has also come out with an all-new 2 Series Gran Coupe. Even the sporty Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which shares some corporate DNA with the A3, could be worth a look if you want to save some money. But overall we think the A3 should satisfy the needs of most shoppers in the market for a small luxury sedan.
What's it like to live with the A3?
Edmunds' editorial team acquired and lived with an Audi A3 2.0T Quattro sedan for a full year, logging 20,000 miles. It quickly became obvious that although the A3 is Audi's entry-level sedan, it's a proper luxury car. We love the strong engine, quiet cabin and front seat comfort, but we found the trunk space a bit limiting and out-of-warranty maintenance fairly expensive. Note that we tested a 2015 A3, but most of our observations still apply to the 2019 A3. To read about our entire experience, check out our long-term A3 test.
Which A3 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the A3 S line. It delivers the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, which we think are worth the added cost. But we'd stick with the well-featured Premium trim, which is amply equipped for most buyers.
2020 Audi A3 models
For 2020 Audi eliminated the A3's cabriolet (convertible) body style leaving only the sedan, which is offered in front-wheel drive (A3 Sport) or Quattro all-wheel drive (S line) configurations. Both drive configurations are available in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus.
All Audi A3s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The front-wheel-drive A3 Sport is rated at 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while all-wheel-drive S line trims make more power and torque: 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both are fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The elimination of last year's base trim (called Titanium) makes the Premium trim the base A3 in 2020. It is well equipped with 18-inch wheels, keyless start and entry and Audi Drive Select, the brand's name for its adjustable drive modes. Tech highlights in the base car include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Leather seating and heated front seats are also included.
Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim adds a variety of extra tech and safety features. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. Wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen audio system round out the interior upgrades.
The Driver Assistance package, which is optional on Premium Plus trims, adds active lane keeping, adaptive cruise control and parking assist, which controls steering during certain parking maneuvers. Also available only with the Premium Plus trim, the Navigation package adds navigation as well as Audi's configurable high-resolution Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#25 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A3 from 2008-2022.$629/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).3.04x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.7%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Audi A3.
5 star(64%)
4 star(4%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(7%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
The best damn little car I ever had!
Glenn Tanner, 03/31/2017
2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
If you want to turn heads, a great ride, and affordability, this is the car for you. When I say great ride, I mean great ride. It hugs the road. It's almost as if the car is saying, "Let me show you what I can do". I was on the highway one afternoon, and the engine was purring like a much contented cat, when I glanced at the tach, and it was around 2000rpms. Then, I looked over to the … speedometer, and I doing close to 90mph. It' just that smooth. Of course I slowed down, but jeez! Curves, cake. Passing, let's go. When you get in, you feel pampered, but not overwhelmed. The controls and appointments are laid out in a pleasing and thoughtful manner. Yes, the trunk is small, but are you really going to throw 100 pounds of mulch back there? Didn't think so. I looked at the Mercedes CLA-4 MATIC, and the Cadillac ATS, but neither came close. If you like to drive as much as I do, drive the Audi A3.
5 out of 5 stars
Luxury in a smaller package
robsA3, 06/20/2017
2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I LOVE my new Audi A3!! Beautiful to look at ( I have the Cosmos Blue with chestnut)....and SO FUN to drive. With 220 hp, it has excellent pick up and speed, beautiful sound from the Bang and Olefsun stereo system...and the VIRTUAL COCKPIT is AMAZING!! From a BMW to a Mercedes... now to my AUDI....love it.
5 out of 5 stars
Best interior in its class
Charles Sacks, 12/07/2016
2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I own this car less than a month so ratings for some items are N/A. No memory seats combined with smaller door openings make getting in and setting up a little inconvenient. The AWD eats up 2-3 CF of trunk space. Car is very well made. Layout of controls is very logical - European logical, and that is a good thing. Best feature - Virtual cockpit. All my nav, media, and car info can also … be displayed and controlled independently in front of me in addition to the Nav screen in the center. The center Nav screen retracts into the dash which is better than the more expensive BMW, and Mercedes which have an afterthought I-Pad glued onto the dash. I recommend this car
6.07.17 - after 6 months and about 1,800 miles - PERFECT. nuff said.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my A3
Nina Psihoules, 11/14/2017
2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I love this car. I leased a 2015 A3 base model, and loved it so much I upgraded to a 2017 Premium Quattro. Although it is a little small for my husband's comfort (he's 6'2") I am completely comfortable in the car. I feel safe and secure. I hope to own this car for a very long time.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Audi A3, so we've included reviews for other years of the A3 since its last redesign.
2020 A3 Highlights
Sport Premium
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $141/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the A3 models:
- Active Lane Assist
- Available only with the Driver Assistance package, Active Lane Assist helps to keep you in your lane by monitoring lane markings and applying gentle steering corrections.
- Side Assist
- Side Assist monitors the car's blind spots and illuminates a light when a car in an adjacent lane is in your blind spot.
- Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go
- Part of the Driver Assistance package, this feature adjusts your set speed when you approach traffic and maintains a predetermined gap.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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