2019 Audi A3 Convertible
What’s new
- Quattro models get an 8-hp increase and a new transmission
- Additional standard equipment and revisions to feature availability
- Part of the second A3 generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
- Good balance of a comfortable ride and sporty handling
- Strong acceleration from the turbocharged engine
- Refined and stylish cabin
- Small trunk, especially with all-wheel drive
- Limited backseat space
Which A3 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.3 / 10The Audi A3 has consistently been the most well-rounded model in the entry-level luxury car segment. That's down to its appealing blend of style, performance and creature comforts that, until recently, was tough to beat. It's getting on in years now, having been introduced in 2015. Even so, when it comes to convincing small convertibles, the A3 is an intriguing choice.
Ongoing updates to the A3's feature set have helped keep it fresh. This year, for instance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were formerly optional on the base trim level, are now standard. Plus, Quattro models receive a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that replaces last year's six-speed unit. Oddly enough, the extra gear didn't result in improved fuel economy like we'd expect. In fact, the EPA says the Quattro has dropped by 2 mpg in combined city/highway driving compared to last year.
Another surprise is how good one of the A3's new rivals, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, is. It's won us over with its premium cabin design, capable infotainment system and all-around performance. But if you can deal with its snug accommodations, the 2019 Audi A3 remains a solid pick for an affordable luxury sedan.
2019 Audi A3 models
The 2019 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 Titanium, 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 (184 hp, 221 lb-ft). These models have a fuel economy edge over their all-wheel-drive (Quattro) brothers to the tune of 4 mpg (EPA combined). Quattro variants have a similar engine, but a few changes elevate its gumption to a more robust 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. All A3s are fitted exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The base Titanium, available only as a sedan, is well-equipped, sporting features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker sound system, and a power-adjustable driver seat. The Premium is similarly equipped, but it is available as a sedan or a convertible. Premium Cabriolet models get a power-folding soft top, a nine-speaker sound system and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
For a reasonable sum, the Premium Plus adds a mix of cosmetic and worthwhile convenience features such as 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable passenger seat (sedan), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, parking sensors, full LED headlights, and wireless charging. 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 a parking assistance system, power-folding mirrors, 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 the Prestige can be added to the lower trims as options.
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 Audi A3 Prestige Quattro Convertible (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, along with a new seven-speed transmission for Quattro models. Our findings remain applicable to this year's A3, however.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.3 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 7.0 |
| Interior | 7.5 |
| Utility | 7.0 |
Driving
8.0Acceleration
7.5Braking
7.0Steering
8.0Handling
8.0Drivability
8.0Comfort
7.0Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
7.5Noise & vibration
7.0Interior
7.5Ease of use
9.0Getting in/getting out
7.0Roominess
6.5Visibility
7.5Quality
9.0Convertible top
7.0Utility
7.0Small-item storage
7.0Cargo space
7.0Sponsored cars related to the A3
Features & Specs
| 2.0 TFSI Premium 2dr Convertible 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,900 |
| MPG | 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 2dr Convertible AWD 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $41,700 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,100 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| 2.0 TFSI Prestige 2dr Convertible 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $47,100 |
| MPG | 26 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 10.9% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Audi A3 vs. the competition
Audi A3 vs. Audi S3
All of the Audi A3's attributes are bumped up a notch in the S3. The S3 is a quicker, better-equipped and sharper-handling A3. It comes at a price, however. The S3's base price is some $12,000 higher than that of a base A3. But if you're considering a top-trim A3, you should consider the S3 as it actually costs a few hundred dollars less.
Audi A3 vs. Audi A4
The A4 is a larger sedan than the A3. If you plan on using the back seat with any regularity, it's worth taking a look at the A4. The A3, however, is a nimbler car with better steering. Depending on your budget and needs, it might make sense to go for an A4 instead of a top-trim A3. The A4 also benefits from a newer design.
Audi A3 vs. BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is a step up from the A3 in size and price. But although its hatchback body style makes the BMW more practical, its substantially higher price makes it less appealing. Also, the 3 Series Gran Turismo weighs several hundred pounds more than the A3 and has barely any more power. While the regular 3 Series is all-new for 2019, the 3 Series Gran Turismo isn't. Stick with the A3 in this case.
FAQ
Is the Audi A3 a good car?
What's new in the 2019 Audi A3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Audi A3:
- Quattro models get an 8-hp increase and a new transmission
- Additional standard equipment and revisions to feature availability
- Part of the second A3 generation introduced for 2015
Is the Audi A3 reliable?
Is the 2019 Audi A3 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 Audi A3?
The least-expensive 2019 Audi A3 is the 2019 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $38,900.
Other versions include:
- 2.0 TFSI Premium 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $38,900
- 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $41,700
- 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $45,100
- 2.0 TFSI Prestige 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $47,100
- 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $42,300
- 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $49,900
What are the different models of Audi A3?
More about the 2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3 Convertible Overview
The 2019 Audi A3 Convertible is offered in the following styles: 2.0 TFSI Premium 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM).
What do people think of the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 A3 Convertible 4.0 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 2019 A3 Convertible.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 A3 Convertible featuring deep dives into trim levels including 2.0 TFSI Premium, 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro, 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible here.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 2019 Audi A3 Convertible?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 Audi A3 Convertibles are available in my area?
2019 Audi A3 Convertible Listings and Inventory
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible and all available trim types: 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro, 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro, 2.0 TFSI Prestige, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Audi A3 Convertible include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Audi A3 Convertible?
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