2015 Audi A3

2015 Audi A3

Pros: Nimble, sporty handling with decent ride quality; upscale (if understated) cabin; available all-wheel drive; peppy acceleration, especially with 2.0-liter engine

Cons: Limited passenger and cargo room; some drivers dislike Audi MMI infotainment system; premium-grade gasoline is required

CG Says: After a short hiatus for the 2014 model year, Audi revives its A3 compact as a 4-door sedan instead of a 4-door hatchback. An A3 convertible joined the lineup as a mid-year addition. The new A3 undercuts the base price of Audi’s larger A4 compact 4-door sedan by about $4000 in comparable entry-level form, and about $2000 all-wheel drive form. The three available engines are a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, a 220-hp 2.0-liter four, and a 150-hp 2.0-liter diesel (which is offered only on the sedan); all engines are turbocharged and come standard with a 6-speed automated manual transmission that works much like an automatic. We at Consumer Guide were fans of the previous A3, but many potential buyers apparently thought that its four-door hatchback body style was too “budget-looking” for the price tag. The 2015 Audi A3 has a traditional sedan body that should rectify those concerns, and it’s an invigorating drive as well. If you can live with the cozy passenger- and cargo room, the A3 is a fine premium compact.

The Facts
Class Premium Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible
Passenger Count 5, 4
Drive Wheels front or all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Audi
Nation of Manufacture Germany, Hungary
Base Prices 1.8T Sedan: $29,900
AWD 2.0T Sedan: $32,900
AWD 2.0 TDI Sedan: $32,600
1.8T Cabriolet: $35,600
2.0T Cabriolet: $38,600

Base Engine
1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower
170
Std. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
23
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
33

Optional Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower
220
Std. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
24
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
33

Optional Engine
turbodiesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
150
Std. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
31
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
43

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2015 Audi A3
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