2020 Audi A3

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

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

CG Says: The 2020 Audi A3 line is trimmed with the deletion of the convertible, along with the Titanium and Prestige sedan trim levels. The A3 and related S3/RS 3 performance models are premium compact sedans that are 10.6 inches shorter than Audi’s other compact sedan, the A4.

The Audi A3 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 184 horsepower for front-wheel drive cars (badged Sport) and 228 hp for all-wheel drive quattros (labelled S line). The sporty S3 also has a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 288 hp. The turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine of the high-performance RS 3 is rated at 394 hp. All engines are paired with a 7-speed automated-manual transmission.

The A3 significantly undercuts the base prices of Audi larger A4 compact lineup and offers a similarly invigorating driving personality, albeit in a smaller, slightly less versatile package. If you can live with the cozy passenger- and cargo room, the A3 is an excellent premium compact. The S3 offers even zippier performance and the RS 3 is almost supercar fast, but both require a fairly steep price premium.