Audi A3



Overview of the Audi A3
Learn about the Audi A3Summary
The Audi A3 is a solid and sporty subcompact car with the refined interior that Audi is famous for. Whether you prefer an extra dose of luxury, performance or practically, the Audi A3 gives you options. Convertible, hybrid hatchback and sedan models are available in newer years. You can choose between a gasoline or a diesel engine and between a manual or an automatic transmission. For more control on the road, the Audi A3 also comes with available all-wheel drive. If fuel economy is important to you, look to the hybrid hatchback, as other models sport only average fuel economy.
Safety
All third-generation Audi A3s—which began with the 2012 model—sport a range of sophisticated safety features. The car's Xenon headlights have a range of 500 m, offering outstanding visibility during nighttime driving. The optional parking assist and rear camera will help to ensure that the sleek exterior remains scratch and dent-free. Other standard features from the last few years include:
- Adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains your speed and distance from other vehicles (from 2012)
- Active lane assist to keep your vehicle driving straight and alerts you if you begin to drift (from 2015)
- Advanced collision avoidance system that activates sensors to warn of a potential crash (from 2015)
- Multi-collision braking, which brakes the car in the event of an accident to prevent subsequent collisions (from 2016)
The 2012 model comes standard with front-seat and side curtain airbags, front headrests to lessen the effect of whiplash, and antilock brakes and stability control to avoid skidding. Models as old as the very first 2006 come standard with front, side and head-protecting airbags, as well as four-wheel disc brakes and stability control to keep the car running steady on slippery surfaces.
Interior
The Audi A3 is finished in leather—which became standard in 2009—soft black cloth and matt-brushed aluminum, giving the interior a premier feel. Front sport seats come as standard in later models, for those who plan to test the Audi A3's power on the road. Automatically dimming interior mirrors and dual-zone climate control remove distractions, allowing you to focus on the road. Privacy glass gives the car an extra level of prestige but is only available at higher trim levels.
Technology
One of the Audi A3’s strong suits is its wealth of tech features. Though, it is worth noting that these upgrades may increase the price of the car considerably. One big perk—onboard navigation and a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen infotainment system come as standard. You can connect to the infotainment system through either Bluetooth or audio jack. Available technological upgrades to the Audi on later A3 models, as of around 2013, include:
- Advanced Key, which allows you to unlock and start the car while the key still in your pocket
- Audi Virtual Cockpit, a customizable, full-colour instrument display
- Bang & Olufsen® sound system, which features high-quality sound through 14 speakers
If you're looking for an older model from 2006, you might find some equipped with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and a navigation system, which were all optional on the Premium package at the time.
Space
In general, the Audi A3 is roomy in the front seats but tighter in the back seats and the trunk. This makes it more suited for those seeking style and comfort over practicality. That said, the amount of space will depend a great deal on the body type you choose. For example, newer models come as a three-door hatchback, a convertible or a five-door sedan. You should test drive your model of choice to ensure that sufficiently meets your needs.
Comfort
The Audi A3’s dynamic suspension automatically adjusts to make the ride as comfortable as possible. The available turbocharged 2.0 L engine provides the torque that will put a smile on your face.
Pros and cons of the Audi A3
- All-wheel drive
- Available in sedan, convertible and hybrid hatchback
- Many tech features available
- Small trunk
- Limited space in rear seats
- Modest sedan styling
Safety ratings of the Audi A3

Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Frontal crash rating
- Side crash rating
- Rollover rating
- Number of airbags8
Specifications of the Audi A3
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats5
- Doors4
- Fuel typeDiesel or Gas
- TransmissionManual or Automatic
- City consumption7.5 - 10.8 L/100km
- Highway consumption5.5 - 8 L/100km
- Width1796 mm
- Length4456 - 4458 mm
- Trunk space283 - 284 L
- Cargo space736 L
Trims available with the Audi A3
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Audi A3 2015 - 2020 is available in 3 trims:Komfort trim features and specs
Available with the Komfort trim:
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch
Available with the Komfort trim:
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- Fog lights
- LED daytime running lights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof
Available with the Komfort trim:
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available with the Komfort trim:
- Android Auto (optional)
- Apple CarPlay (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- Keyless entry (optional)
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Start stop system (optional)
- Wireless charging pad/mat (optional)
Progressiv trim features and specs
Available with the Progressiv trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch
Available with the Progressiv trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Cornering lights (optional)
- Fog lights
- Glare-free high beam (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof
Available with the Progressiv trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available with the Progressiv trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Front sensors (optional)
- Keyless entry (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Rear sensors (optional)
- Rear view camera (optional)
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Start stop system (optional)
- Wireless charging pad/mat (optional)
Technik trim features and specs
Available with the Technik trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch
Available with the Technik trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- Cornering lights (optional)
- Fog lights (optional)
- Glare-free high beam (optional)
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive (optional)
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof
Available with the Technik trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
- Knee airbag
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator (optional)
Available with the Technik trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic parking (optional)
- Front sensors
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Start stop system (optional)
- Wireless charging pad/mat (optional)
Frequently asked questions about the Audi A3
Yes, the A3 is classified as a luxury sedan. It provides a refined interior, a powerful engine and, at the higher trim levels, an abundance of advanced technology.
Yes, front wheel drive comes standard in all models. Four-wheel drive is also available for additional grip and handling.
The price of a new Audi A3 starts at $36,100. However, a quality pre-owned vehicle is priced between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the year and trim level.
The Audi A3 is currently manufactured in the state of Maharashtra in India.
The newest model of the Audi A3 can achieve a top speed of around 250 km/h. Models as far back as 2001 have a top speed closer to 200 km/h, depending on the trim level.