2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich A3 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
8.3 / 10The latest-generation A3 debuted in 2015 and marked a departure from the generation it replaced, eschewing the hatchback body style for sedan and convertible body styles. It then received a modest face-lift in 2017.
The A3 debuted just one year after the debut of the Mercedes CLA-Class, marking the dawn of a new entry-level era among German automakers. BMW has yet to introduce a sedan in the vein of the others, instead doing battle with its rear-wheel-drive 2 Series coupe.
The A3 Cabriolet models lose the roof but gain reinforcements elsewhere to shore up the structure. In the bargain they gained about 250 pounds compared to their sedan counterparts. The power-folding top is fully lined, but its narrow rear window and large, unbroken swaths of fabric obscure visibility.
Under the skin, the A3 is closely related to the Volkswagen Golf. That's no bad thing, as both are quite accomplished compact cars. Be aware that it's possible to option up an A3 to an eye-watering degree. At some point, buyers might consider an A4 over a heavily optioned A3.
2018 Audi A3 configurations
The 2018 Audi A3 is offered in four-door sedan and two-door convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. Both are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The trim levels are named Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige in Audi speak, which are listed in order of increasing content.
Front-wheel-drive A3 models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 221 lb-ft) and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. These models have a fuel economy edge over their all-wheel-drive brothers to the tune of 2 mpg (EPA combined). All-wheel-drive variants (Quattro) have a similar engine, but a few changes elevate its gumption to a more robust 220 hp and 258 lb-ft. Perhaps paradoxically, Quattro variants have one fewer gear in their dual-clutch automatic transmissions than do front-wheel-drive models. Despite this and their inevitably heavier weights (160 pounds for sedans; 200 pounds for convertibles), Quattro models handily out-accelerate their front-wheel-drive counterparts. No manual gearbox is available on any flavor of A3.
The base Premium is well-equipped, sporting features such as leather upholstery, a backup camera, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, a 10-speaker sound system, heated front seats and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment. Cabriolet models are similar but have a power-folding soft top, a nine-speaker sound system and six-way power front seats with lumbar.
For a reasonable sum, Premium Plus adds a mix of cosmetics and worthwhile convenience features such as 18-inch wheels, an eight-way power passenger seat with lumbar, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, parking sensors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. These models also gain a dose of exterior appearance items such as revised bumpers, side sill extensions and illuminated aluminum front door sills.
The Prestige goes all out with power-folding mirrors, LED headlights, an expanded Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, navigation, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system and a host of driver assistance features (including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise, automatic high beams).
Some of the features found on the Premium Plus and Prestige can be added to the lower trims as options. An optional Sport package is available on all three trims; it adds a sport steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, sport front seats with extendable thigh support, and selectable driving modes. A sport-tuned suspension is optional with the Sport package selected.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro Sedan (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current A3 has received some revisions, including a host of new driver assistance and cabin features. Our findings remain applicable to this year's A3, however.
Driving
9.0Acceleration
9.0Braking
9.0Steering
8.0Handling
9.0Drivability
9.0Comfort
8.0Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
8.0Noise & vibration
8.0Interior
7.5Ease of use
9.0Getting in/getting out
6.0Driving position
Visibility
9.0Quality
9.0Utility
6.0Small-item storage
Cargo space
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Audi A3.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite A3 safety features:
- Active Lane Assist
- Helps to keep you in your lane by monitoring lane markings and applying gentle steering corrections.
- 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
- Adjusts your set speed when you approach traffic and maintains a predetermined gap. Can resume travel even after traffic stops.
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See your car's value2018 Audi A3 Overview
The 2018 Audi A3 is offered in the following submodels: A3 Sedan, A3 Convertible. Available styles include 2.0 TFSI Premium w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium w/Prod. End 6/18 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus w/Prod. End 6/18 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus Summer of Audi 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Summer of Audi 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro Summer of Audi 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), and 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro Summer of Audi 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM).
What do people think of the 2018 Audi A3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Audi A3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 A3 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 A3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi A3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 A3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Audi A3?
2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
The 2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,855. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $4,663 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,663 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$41,192.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is10.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Audi A3s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Audi A3 for sale near. There are currently 5 new 2018 A3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $34,855 and mileage as low as 8 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Audi A3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,663 on a used or CPO 2018 A3 available from a dealership near you.
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Find a new Audi A3 for sale - 9 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $21,831.
Find a new Audi for sale - 1 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $17,579.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Audi A3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Audi lease specials
Check out Audi A3 lease specials