After having received a full redesign for the 2015 model year, changes to the A3 for 2016 are minor. This is good news for fans of Audi’s most diminutive sedan, who appreciate it for the large amounts of quality it packs into a small package.
Shoppers considering the A3 get started by choosing from the current body styles, either sedan, cabriolet, or the sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.
Those opting for the sedan can pick from either the base four-cylinder 1.8 TFSI with front-wheel drive (starts at $31,600; 170 hp, 199 lb-ft of torque; 10.0/7.1 L/100 km city/hwy) or step up to the four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI with quattro all-wheel drive (starts at $36,400; 220 hp, 258 lb-ft; 9.8/7.2 L/100 km).
Prospective cabrio owners will find the 2.0 with quattro to be the only engine option (starts at $42,600; 220 hp, 258 lb-ft; 10.1/7.5 L/100 km).
The sportback e-tron comes with a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder 1.4 TSFI (150 hp) mated with an electric motor (102 hp) for a combined power rating of 204 hp and 258 lb-ft (starts at $39,200; 6.4/5.7 L/100 km).
All of these are paired with a six-speed S tronic automatic transmission.
In the gasoline-powered configurations, both are available at the base Komfort and mid-range Progressiv trim levels, while the top Technik trim is only available with the premium engine.
Key standard features on the Komfort models include 17” alloy wheels, Audi’s MMI Radio with a 5.8” colour display, driver’s seat power lumbar support, and heated front seats.
Progressiv trim adds 18” alloy wheels, xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights and tail lights, and some aesthetic accents.
Technik models include navigation, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear-view camera, and advanced parking system among other features.
Many premium features can be added at lower trim levels via the A3’s seven packages, which range from the S line sport package to styling additions and also include convenience or safety bundles.
The sportback e-tron’s trims and feature lists are more basic and economy-oriented. The entry-level Ultra trim features 16” wheels with low rolling resistance tires, Audi’s MMI Radio with 5.8” display, and the premium lighting configuration. Progressiv upgrades the wheels to 17”. At the Technik trim, navigation is added along with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear-view camera, LED headlights, advanced parking system, and other options. Three packages are available to add parking features, navigation, or a modest suite of safety features at any trim level.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
