Name: 2018 Audi A3
Brand: Audi

Audi A3

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

4-door hatchback

convertible

sedan

7-speed Sequential
6-speed Sequential

1.4-liter 4 hybrid (204 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (220 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (292 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (186 hp)
2.5-liter 5 turbo (400 hp)

Model History

2022-

Current Generation

Audi improves upon its capable entry-level sedan with an all-new 2022 model featuring sleek exterior styling; a more refined, driver-focused interior; and technology upgrades that are already standard on larger and more expensive Audis. Among them are an optional configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and active driver assistance features. The car has larger interior and exterior dimensions than the previous iteration. The S3 augments its more staid A3 sibling with a lower stance, a more powerful engine, bigger, vented front brakes and vented rear brakes, and Audi's adaptive sport suspension system. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard. The A3 will only be available in the U.S. as a four-door sedan. The high-performance RS 3 version gets a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Both the A3 and S3 will come standard with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and Pre-sense, a system that does things like pretension occupants’ seat belts, close the side windows and sunroof, and activate the hazard flashers if the driver brakes hard or the electronic stability control is activated, indicating an impending crash. Adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot warning, rear Pre-sense, and rear cross traffic warning are all optional.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

This wholly redesigned Audi A3 is part of a wave of compact luxury-branded models for buyers who have one eye on their budget and the other on gas prices. While it's tempting to get the basic Premium model, with the 1.8-liter engine for its relatively low price, you might be happier with the Premium Plus trim, which includes more of the features you expect in a luxury car and lets you get the Driver Assistance package, which includes blind-spot monitoring. For 2016, Audi added a standard backup camera, heated mirrors, and a USB port—replacing the optional media interface and its unique Audi proprietary cable. Also, a front-wheel drive hatchback with a plug-in hybrid powertrain joined the line.

2006-2014

2006 Redesign Year

The A3 is an upscale little hatchback with a tasteful interior and, in most versions, a gutsy turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Closely related to the VW Golf and Jetta, the A3 hatchback resembles a small wagon. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available as an option. We found the A3 quite nimble and quick in our tests, but the steering feels a little too light at low speeds. The automated manual S-tronic transmission works very well. A more powerful 3.2-liter V6 was optional on front-drive and standard with AWD models until 2009. Starting with 2010, the V6 went away and a 140-hp four-cylinder diesel joined the lineup. The 2013 models were the last year for this version of the little hatchback, as a new sedan replaced it for the 2015 model year.

Audi A3

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2018 Luxury entry-level cars Ratings