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2015 Audi A3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Audi A3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Excellent cabin design 
  • Exciting engines that are both powerful and efficient
  • Plenty of standard and optional equipment

Cons

  • Minimal cargo space, even for the class
  • Cramped back seat is unsuitable for tall passengers
  • Lack of wide availability for the rearview camera

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Luxury in a small package

The 2015 Audi A3 is proof that luxury doesn’t have to mean huge or even flashy. In typical Audi style, this small, entry-level luxury car is understated in its glamor, making it timeless. It ticks all the boxes for anyone wanting a fun little car that’s also cool and classic.

All Audi A3 years

5 reasons to buy the 2015 Audi A3

1. Full redesign for 2015 

The 2015 Audi A3 has been fully redesigned for 2015, bringing with it multiple benefits, not least of which is a style upgrade. A four-door sedan-style version replaced the hatchback for this year, while a two-door convertible version also joined the lineup later in 2015. There are three trim levels – Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige – and the new designs give a much more luxurious impression than the previous hatchback style. 

2. Superior cabin feel 

Appealing as it is from the outside, much of the luxury of the 2015 Audi A3 is inside the cabin. In typical Audi style, it’s decked out with appealing surfaces and it strikes a balance between simple and luxurious. The interior of the 2015 Audi A3 is minimalist and beautiful, with small details like the MMI display that raises and lowers from the dashboard, the sleek air vents, and the finely crafted switchgear catching the eye. The interior of the 2015 Audi A3 is posh without being alienating, which is something Audi excels at. 

3. Punchy engine options 

The base 2015 Audi A3 comes with a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieving 170 hp, which is enough for most types of driving. There’s also an available turbodiesel engine with 150 hp, and both of these are exclusively available in front-wheel drive. However, if you’re looking for more grunt, it’s worth keeping a look out for the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder version that achieves 220 hp, which achieves 292 hp and is solely available as an all-wheel drive version. 

4. Coupe or convertible 

Halfway through 2015, after the Audi A3 had switched from hatchback to sedan-style, Audi also released a convertible version with a soft top roof. Both contain the standard Audi benefits of stunning interior, a long list of standard equipment, and impressive engine options, but there’s also the benefit of deciding between a suave coupe and a playful convertible. When shopping for this car, it’s good to know that there’s more than one style to compare. 

5. Three trim levels 

As well as two body types, there are also three trim levels for the 2015 Audi A3: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The three powertrains (the two FWD versions and the one AWD) are interchangeable across trim levels. The Premium is more than enough for most people, including the MMI infotainment system with a seven-inch screen, 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth® connectivity, and leather seats. However, it’s worth looking for the Premium Plus if you want heated front seats and push-button start, or the Prestige for the sporty S-Line exterior styling. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2015 Audi A3 is a sporty luxury car. Customers like the A3's smooth ride and fuel economy.
3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Audi A3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A3 15th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A3

Audi A3 features and specs

Premium Plus 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

200

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

102.2"

Overall length

175"

Height

55.5"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 31.9"

Head room

F 37.4"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P225/40HR18

Rear tires

P225/40HR18

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2015 Audi A3 FAQ

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