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Tesla’s Wild Ride Continues2023 Audi A3: Achieves Every Goal
The 2023 Audi A3 is an athletic sedan that combines form and functionality. We look at powertrain, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s new for the 2023 Audi A3?
Audi has introduced a number of changes for the 2023 A3 and S3 twins. The A3 no longer has a Prestige trim but in return, both the Premium and Premium Plus trims get a lot more standard equipment. The S3 now has available adaptive cruise control on the bottom two trims where it didn’t exist before. In addition, a wireless device charging pad is a part of the Convenience package.
2023 Audi S3 and A3 – media.audiusa.com | Shop 2023 Audi A3 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent handling
Great engine choices
Top notch interior
Limited cargo space
Dim screen
A tad pricey
Add functions to center console
2023 A3 Specs
- 201 horsepower from base engine
- 221 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 10.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Snappy MMI system
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Four-year limited warranty
2023 Audi A3 Powertrain
The A3 and S3 have two different power levels despite using a similar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the former, it develops 201 hp and utilizes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to transmit power to either the front or all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro system. That power is fed through a seven-speed automatic gearbox regardless of drive-layout choice.
The S3 develops 306 hp thanks to numerous changes to the engine including a larger turbocharger, higher-flowing valves, a new cylinder head, and increased compression. On top of that additional power, the S3 is only available with Quattro all-wheel drive system. Just like the A3, the S3 uses a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Both cars are quick to turn and are easily placed on the road. Turbo lag is noticeable in each car in comfort mode but especially annoying in the A3 where the drop in power (compared to the S3) is much more noticeable.
Nevertheless, we’re impressed by the communicative pedal feel, excellent handling, and ease at which the A3 and S3 feel athletically inclined. The S3 is one of the best-driving sports sedans in the segment at this price point too. Those who want even more power do well to consider the fabulous RS3 which we review separately.
2023 Audi A3 Fuel Economy & MPG
According to the EPA, the A3 should get up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway when equipped with FWD. Add Quatto AWD and those figures drop to 27 and 35 respectively. The S3 takes a bigger hit and gets 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. Those aren’t all too terrible numbers considering what it’s capable of
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
There’s a lot to love about the inside of the Audi A3 and its sportier sibling the S3. The dash is layout in such a way that the driver is very clearly the focus. While there are a few cheaper materials when you look closely, the majority of the cabin feels very high-quality and refined. Ergonomically, the A3 and S3 both feel like familiar gloves.
Small touches like the interior door pull, high-mounted angular climate vents, and nicely bolstered seats make this little car stand out in its field. Front seat headroom is impressive but the same can’t be said of the rear. Two adults can fit back there sure, but three would be pushing it in our estimation. That’s also true because they won’t have much space to put their things.
The cargo space in the trunk is listed at just 10.9 cubic feet. That’s enough for shorter trips yes, but a long road trip or even a weekend away might have you deciding which things will have to stay home.
Entertainment & Technology
Audi’s MMI infotainment interface is one of our favorites. In the A3 and S3, it’s supported by a 10.1-inch landscape layout touch screen regardless of trim level and options. It’s so good in terms of everyday use that it calls into question how corporate cousin Volkswagen got their infotainment system so wrong.
Touches are met with nearly instant response, the menu layout is simple and easy to use, and finally, it’s highly configurable too. If there’s anything to gripe about it’s the screen itself. Not only is it just a bit dimmer than we’d like but we bet Audi could do a lot more if this screen was a bit bigger. That extra real estate would only improve what’s already a great system.
All A3 and S3 buyers also get a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster that we like as well. Just like the infotainment screen, it’s quick and configurable. Those who want it can add a 12.3-inch digital cockpit with integrated navigation and a Bang & Olufsen sound system on the top trim of the A3 and S3.
Safety Features
Audi doesn’t offer much in the way of standard advanced driver assistance systems(ADAS). Automated emergency braking and lane departure warning are the only features that come on every A3. Adaptive cruise and other technologies all require an upcharge. Nevertheless, the 2023 Audi A3 was just awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
2023 Audi A3 Trims & Pricing
A3 Premium – $35,995
The base A3 starts out with the 201-hp engine mentioned above, 17-inch wheels, LED tail lights, LED headlights, powered heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation.
A3 Premium Plus – $39,595
Opt for this trim and you’ll get adaptive cruise control, a wireless phone charging pad, driver’s seat memory, lane-departure mitigation, rear cross-traffic assist, and leather upholstery.
S3 Premium – $46,995
Buyers who go for the base S3 get the 306-hp engine mentioned above along with 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors.
S3 Premium Plus – $49,895
Similarly to the A3 Premium Plus, the S3 trim of the same name adds adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pad, and lane-keep assist.
S3 Prestige – $53,895
This top-tier trim gets headlights with a welcoming display along with a heads-up display. It also gets a Bang & Olufsen sound system, integrated navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Warranties
Every A3 and S3 comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty. That’s about the most basic package in the segment. Audi also doesn’t offer any sort of complimentary maintenance to sweeten the deal.
What we think
2023 Audi A3 – audiusa.com | Shop 2023 Audi A3 on Carsforsale.com
Great designs have a very focused view and the A3 and S3 demonstrate that well. Each one is meant to be a fun, fast, and functional four-door car and they both do that to the extent intended. The A3 is a fuel sipper with just enough athleticism and luxury to impress friends without breaking the bank. The S3 is properly quick and only gives up fuel economy as a tradeoff. Sure, they’re a little bit expensive as cars of this size go but they’re a bit more practical than most of the competition too. That’s what this month’s new-car incentives are for.
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