2020 Audi A3 review
Audi A3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Good balance of comfortable ride and sporty handling
- Strong acceleration from turbocharged engine
- Refined and stylish cabin
Cons
- Small back seat
- Tiny trunk
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
A streamlined 2020 Audi A3 proves small sedans can still live large
The 2020 Audi A3 marked the end of the model’s first generation, a run that established the A3 as a small Audi, not a cheap one. For 2020, the A3 dropped its base Titanium and top-end Prestige trims, moving some features from earlier Prestige models to the Premium Plus trim, including the impressive Bang & Olufsen audio system. Others were bundled into optional packages, making the 2020 A3 Premium Plus trim a solid value, especially with either of those packages. The slow-selling A3 convertible was discontinued for 2020.
The A3’s just-right blend of performance, comfort, and refinement stems from roots it shares with the Volkswagen Golf, a lithe and snazzy hatchback. Compared to the Golf, the A3 amps up the luxury details and offers all-wheel drive, making it a compelling choice among tough rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class dual threats, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (which debuted in 2020), and the Lexus IS 300. Its tiny trunk is a setback, but if your cargo needs are modest, the A3 could suit you well.
All Audi A3 years
What is new for the 2020 Audi A3?
- The A3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Premium Plus S-Line and Premium S-Line.
- The Prestige and Titanium Premium trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- The Premium trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
2020 Audi A3 trims
Premium:
- 184-hp, 221-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seats
- View our Audi A3 Premium inventory
Premium S-Line:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 4WD/AWD
- View our Audi A3 Premium S-Line inventory
Premium Plus:
- Includes all features available on the Premium S-Line
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Parking Sensors
- View our Audi A3 Premium Plus inventory
Premium Plus S-Line:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- No significant upgrades found on the Premium Plus S-Line
Audi A3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Audi A3
What We Like
Performance: The A3 is quick, handles precisely, and brakes smoothly. It deftly balances performance and comfort, the formula Audi has refined for years. Front-wheel-drive models offer adequate punch with 186 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models get a boost to 228 hp and extra low-end kick good enough to move the A3 from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. A firm suspension gives the A3 agility in twists and turns, even more so with all-wheel drive, yet doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable ride for responsive handling.
Comfort: The A3’s roomy and comfortable front seats feel more typical of a large luxury sedan, and they remain firm and supportive even during long stints behind the wheel. A well-sorted suspension absorbs most bumps and helps minimize road noise. Unlike the CLA, the A3 is a small car you can drive for hours without fatigue. Like most small sedans, space is at a premium in the back seat.
Interior: The A3 is Audi’s entry-level sedan, but it doesn't seem like one with its leather upholstery, contrast stitching, textured panels, and aluminum accents. Even the knobs and switches operate with the heft of a sturdy and well-built car. Clear views out of the front and sides boost confidence when hustling through quick turns or threading hectic traffic. User-friendly infotainment controls minimize distraction and a map display that rises from the dash makes it easy to see where you're heading.
What Needs Improvement
Cargo space: The A3’s tidy dimensions and all-wheel-drive system don’t leave much room for stuff. It’s the shortest car in its class, front to back, and its 10-cubic-foot trunk is among the smallest, trailing all of its contemporary competitors except the Mercedes A-Class, which has just 8.6 cubic feet. Bottom line: If you need more trunk space, consider the larger A4.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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 A3Audi A3 features and specs
Premium 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
184
Torque (ft-lbs)
221
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.8"
Overall length
175.5"
Width
70.7"
Height
55.7"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35.1"
Head room
F 36.5"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P225/40HR18
Rear tires
P225/40HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Audi A3 FAQ
The 2020 Audi A3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium : 27 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- Premium Plus : 27 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- Premium S-Line : 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Premium Plus S-Line : 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The Audi A3 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Audi A3 as 14 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2020 Audi A3 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Audi A3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Audi A3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Audi A3:
- Premium Plus S-Line
- Premium S-Line
- Smart Key
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.