2023 Audi A3

Overview

The 2023 Audi A3 packs a lot of premium content into its compact four-door body, and it also features spry handling and strong performance. As the entry point to the Audi brand, the A3 distills much of the lineup’s tech-focused ethos into a smaller, less expensive package. It’s a desirable choice among its entry-luxury rivals that include the Acura Integra and the BMW 2-series Gran Coupe. The A3’s cabin is snug but is outfitted with a large infotainment display and a digital gauge cluster, among other luxury and convenience features. A 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard, and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional. For those seeking even more thrills in their small luxury car, the more powerful S3 is worth a look; we review that model separately.

What’s New for 2023?

The top-spec Prestige trim has been discontinued for 2023 but the A3’s remaining trim levels gain more standard and optional features. All models now come with LED headlights and nicer door armrests. The Premium Plus trim can now be had with an LED interior lighting package, and adaptive cruise control can be added to the base Premium trim as a standalone option. The optional Convenience package now comes with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Black Optic package now includes unique 18-inch wheels.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The A3 is offered in Premium and Premium Plus trims. We recommend the Premium Plus model, which offers the best mix of features and price. This trim adds niceties such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, memory seat and mirror settings for the driver, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and passive keyless entry.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Even though European models offer a variety of powertrains, the A3 that’s earmarked for North America offers a single engine choice: a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. On a brief test drive of the new model, we were happy to find that the playful handling that made the previous-generation model so entertaining was preserved in the makeover. The turbocharged four-cylinder feels perky and eager, even if its horsepower rating isn’t as high as the outgoing car’s optional 228-hp powerplant. Those who want more power should consider the S3, which gets boosted to 306 horsepower. When we get a chance to take the A3 to our test track, we’ll update this story with test results.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the 2023 A3 should deliver 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway when equipped with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive models are rated for 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. When we get the chance to put the new A3 through our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route we’ll update this story with results. For more information about the A3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside the 2023 A3, Audi’s designers have taken the more staid styling of the larger A4 sedan and dialed in more personality. Two large air vents flank the car’s gauge display, and a stitched panel lines the top of the dashboard. The available sport seats feature faux-suede upholstery and quilted seating surfaces. Small-car cargo space isn’t usually particularly generous, but we’re expecting the A3’s trunk to provide enough space for an average grocery-store haul or a weekend’s worth of luggage.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The A3 features either a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen or a larger, optional 12.3-inch unit. Mercifully, the A3 forgoes the brand’s new dual-screen setup that makes climate controls and vehicle driving-mode switches a digital affair. Instead, those secondary controls are handled here by good old-fashioned buttons. Audi’s digital Virtual Cockpit gauge is also standard. This reconfigurable screen is a popular feature across the rest of the Audi lineup and can display a large map in the center of the instrument cluster as well as other vehicle information, along with standard gauges for speed and rpm.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance technology is featured heavily on the new A3, with basics such as automated emergency braking being standard and more advanced tech coming with option packages. For more information about the A3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi’s standard warranty package is nothing special and both its limited and powertrain warranties match those offered by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Rivals such as the Cadillac CT4 will offer more value here with longer powertrain coverage; the BMW 2-series offers three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Audi A3

Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
$34,945

ENGINE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 201 hp, 221 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION

7-speed dual-clutch automatic

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 103.5–103.6 in

Length: 176.9–177.3 in

Width: 71.5 in

Height: 55.7–56.2 in

Passenger Volume: 88 ft3

Trunk Volume: 8–11 ft3

Curb Weight (C/D est): 3350–3550 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 6.2 sec

100 mph: 15.0 sec

1/4-Mile: 14.7 sec

Top Speed: 130 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 32/29/38 mpg

More Features and Specs