2019 Audi A3 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.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
- 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
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 4/19 (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 $4.09 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$170/mo
A3 2.0 TFSI Premium
vs
$190/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
8.2 / 10Trim 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 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.
Scorecard
| Overall | 8.2 / 10 |
| Driving | 9.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 7.5 |
| Utility | 6.0 |
Driving
9.0With 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the A3 provides plenty of power to accelerate with purpose yet still returns good fuel economy figures. Handling is noteworthy, with a direct feel and cornering that's both entertaining and reassuring.
Comfort
8.0This front-seat comfort is the kind we've come to expect from larger and more expensive sedans. And the A3 manages it without sacrificing performance. The rear seats are cramped but no more than those of other cars in this class.
Interior
7.5Like all Audis, the A3 sports an austere interior design, and that's a good thing. Tasteful aluminum accents, excellent materials quality and a generous features list make this car feel anything but entry-level.
Utility
6.0The all-wheel-drive system eats up a decent chunk of the already-smallish trunk space, and cabin storage is at a premium.
Which A3 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the Quattro guise in part for the additional power that comes with the namesake all-wheel-drive system. To keep the cost in check, we suggest sticking with the base Titanium or Premium trim. Also, consider getting the reasonably priced Convenience package for its useful blind-spot monitoring and keyless ignition and entry features.
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.