2019 Audi A3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2019 Audi A3, available as either a sedan or convertible, features punchy performance, sharp interior and exterior styling, and some of...

The 2019 Audi A3, available as either a sedan or convertible, features punchy performance, sharp interior and exterior styling, and some of the latest infotainment and safety technologies.

The exterior styling of the A3 is pure Audi with its sharp, rectangular headlights and large trapezoidal grille. Audi offers two powertrain options for the A3. The base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, sending 184 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. If you prefer Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), you get it with a more potent version of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both engines send power through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. You can expect 26 mpg city, 35 highway, and 29 combined with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 22, 30, and 25 with AWD. The FWD A3 will go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the Quattro version can make the same 0-60 run in 5.4 seconds.

The A3’s interior is surprisingly minimalist. The climate controls and other toggles are made up of two thin strips, and the large circular climate control vents echo the curves of the steering wheel and shift knob. But the A3’s interior isn't spartan. It comes well equipped with a standard panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats, along with 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

The A3 has three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium trim comes standard with Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Plus trim adds keyless entry, push-button start, full LED head- and taillights, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 8-way power front seats with lumbar support. The Prestige includes heated auto-dimming side mirrors, self-parking assist, 12-way power front seats, adaptive cruise control that can stop and go with traffic, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Options include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, which replaces the conventional instrument panels with a digital screen, and a sport suspension. Standard safety features include front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The A3 is also available with active-lane assist.

The Audi A3 packs a lot of technology for the size. It's a sharp, modern package, with a minimalist interior that ergonomically blends form and function.