Audi A3

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. Front-wheel drive was available through 2024. The A3 is only 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 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 optional until 2024. For 2025, blind spot warning, blind spot assistance, rear cross traffic warning and reverse automatic emergency braking are standard.

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.