2019 Audi A3 Review

The 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, and some of its competition has caught up for 2019. Nevertheless, when it comes to convincing small luxury sedans and convertibles, the A3 is still an intriguing choice.

Ongoing updates to the A3's features set has 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.

What it's like to live with?

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.

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's 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 cosmetics 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 doorsills.

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 and automatic high beams). Some of the features found on the Premium Plus and the Prestige can be added to the lower trims as options.

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 2.0T Quattro Sedan (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

Since this test was conducted, the current vehicle has received some revisions, including changes to features availability and the addition of a seven-speed automatic transmission for Quattro models for 2019. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's vehicle, however.