Audi A3 Sedan
The 2018 Audi A3 is an entry-level luxury sedan, starting at $31,950, that delivers performance, features, and style along with safety. The 2018 A3 follows the revisions to this auto’s lineup from a few years ago, including three trim levels. It offers the option of a four-door sedan, a plug-in-hybrid hatchback, or a two-door soft-top convertible. There is also an S3, which is sportier and available as a convertible or sedan in two trims.
Performance
Audi RS 3 Sedan
The 2018 A3 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Models with front-wheel drive generate 186 horsepower along with 221 pound-feet of torque. The A3 Quattro models have all-wheel drive and increased output of 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Front-drive A3s use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission while the all-wheel-drive versions have a six-speed dual-clutch. There is also the Audi A3 e-tron, which uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 75-kilowatt electric motor along with an 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack for 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. The 2018 A3 e-tron is unsurprisingly the most efficient of the A3s, delivering 83 MPGe combined.
Safety
Audi RS 3 Sportback
Driving the 2018 Audi A3 will give you plenty of confidence in terms of safety. The IIHS rated the A3 as a Top Safety Pick. All models have a standard rearview camera plus automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. You can also get blind-spot monitoring that includes rear-cross traffic alerts, front and rear parking sensors, active lane control, and a set of full LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Styling
Audi A3 Sportback
The styling of the Audi A3 is very similar to that of the rest of the automaker’s range. It also has shorter overhangs both fore and aft, a stylishly rounded roofline, and a smallish rear deck. As mentioned, there are multiple body styles available, including a sedan and a cabriolet, with the styling theme working even better on the latter.
Interior Features
The 2018 A3 features a pop-out infotainment screen as well as a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit that gives the appearance of a dash without a screen. Other than the display, the dash remains relatively simple with just circular HVAC vents and a small selection of buttons and trim separating the climate controls and the dash.
Unsurprisingly, all 2018 Audi A3s are well-equipped. The standard features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustment for the front seats, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. You do, however, have to add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless ignition, and heated front seats to the base model if you want them. Higher trims add in Audi Connect Telematics, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, 14 speakers of Bang & Olufsen sound, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. You can also opt for the sports package for Audi Drive Select, a sports suspension, rear-seat side airbags, a flat-bottomed steering wheel featuring paddle shifters, and sports seats.
Seating and Comfort
The front seats of the Audi A3 are comfortable as well as supportive. They offer more than enough headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. Adults will likely only want to sit in the rear seats for shorter trips. This second row is better suited to fitting children than adults.
