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2016 Audi A3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Audi A3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Gorgeous cabin that’s meticulously designed
  • A long list of standard equipment
  • Strong enough engines for every need

Cons

  • Very minimal storage space in the back
  • The back seat is unsuitable for a lot of adults
  • No USB ports for device plug-in

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined

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Breathing new life into luxury

The small but exciting 2016 Audi A3 is all kinds of luxurious and sets a standard for its segment of entry-level vehicles. This isn’t your grandparents’ boat of a sedan. It’s cool and crisp in its design while being fun to drive and boasting all the features you’re likely to need.

All Audi A3 years

What is new for the 2016 Audi A3?

  • A3 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade and Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Premium Plus trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The TDI Premium Plus trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The TDI Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Audi A3

1. Luxurious interior 

In typical Audi fashion, the interior of the 2016 Audi A3 is both stunning and stylish. The striking air vents resemble that of a jet engine and the switchgear looks luxurious. The way the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) screen raises and lowers from the dashboard is pleasingly fluid, and there’s not a scrap of tacky material to be seen. Indeed, all of the trim looks upmarket and the upholstery is leather, leaving you in a bubble of sophistication while driving. 

2. Powerful engine options 

There are three available engines for the 2016 Audi A3: a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0L turbocharged diesel four-cylinder. They achieve 170 hp, 220 hp, and 150 hp, respectively. The 1.8 version is the base engine for both the sedan and convertible versions of the 2016 Audi A3, and according to Audi, this engine in the sedan achieves zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds. It also achieves a very impressive EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg for the sedan, with the convertible clocking in at 27 mpg.

3. Ample standard features 

The 2016 Audi A3 boasts a long list of impressive features that make it a practical choice as well as a stylish one. Alongside the MMI infotainment system and screen, the base model of the 2016 Audi A3 offers dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, leather upholstery, and much more. For heated seats, you’ll want one of the higher trims. Audi made the rearview camera as well as parking sensors and heated mirrors standard for 2016, meaning the Premium trim is even more luxurious than it used to be. 

4. Thrilling to drive 

The 2016 Audi A3 isn’t all comfort and style – it’s also got a lot of substance to it when it comes to driving. Regardless of the body type, trim, or engine, handling is smooth and enjoyable, especially the AWD versions. The turbocharged engines make it fun to be out on the open road, making this small luxury car ideal for both navigating busy city streets and zooming down the highway at speed. 

5. Plenty of driver aids 

For peace of mind while enjoying your drive, Audi has supplied a good number of driver aids for the 2016 A3. Standard features include full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear sensors, rearview camera, and stability and traction control. Rear seat airbags are an optional extra for the sedan body type, and there are also automatic seatbelt tightening and window closing features that come with Audi Pre Sense Basic, helping you prepare should the worst happen.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2016 Audi A3 is a luxury compact car with a smooth ride and great gas mileage. Customers like the power, steering, and technology of the car.
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
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Navigation System
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Spoiler

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"

Width

70.7"

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

2016 Audi A3 FAQ

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