2019 Audi A3 Sedan Review

Car buyers have come to know and love smaller cars with premium build quality and features. Nowhere is this more notable than in the compact premium executive class, where Audi's A3 sedan sits comfortably near the top of its segment. The 2019 Audi A3 Sedan is in its final form before it gets a complete redesign for 2020, but still looks as good as its contemporaries with sharp lines and LED lighting everywhere you look. Because it's up for a redesign, you get a lot of features that would have been missing on earlier versions. You can expect Audi's legendary build quality and a range of potent engines, slick dual-clutch gearboxes, and even though it shares its platform with the VW Golf, it feels undeniably Audi. It's fun to drive and ticks a lot of boxes for those looking for something smaller and cheaper than the traditional A4, 3 Series or C-Class.

What's the Price of the 2019 Audi A3 Sedan?

The 2019 A3 Sedan range starts off with the Titanium Edition 40 TFSI front-wheel drive that goes for an MSRP of $33,300. Stepping up in the range, the Premium 45 TFSI Quattro goes for an MSRP of $35,600. You'll pay $36,500 for the front-wheel-drive Premium Plus 40 TFSI and $41,700 for the front-wheel-drive Prestige 40 TFSI. The Premium Plus Quattro sells for $39,600 and finally the top of the range Prestige Quattro goes for $44,800. Prices exclude $995 destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges.

2019 A3 Sedan Exterior

Dimensions

2019 A3 Sedan Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Audi has found a good balance with the A3 Sedan, which was never designed to be a hot hatch rivaling sports car. In typical German fashion, the A3 Sedan is easy to drive fast, and almost fools you into thinking you're driving at an acceptable speed (this could in part be attributed to the solid interior insulation). Audi gives you the option of fitting Sport or S-line suspension, but those don't exactly suit the image or purpose of the car and can be rather jarring to most. Instead, the standard MacPherson front suspension and four-link rear suspension setup proves to be more than capable of keeping the A3 composed whether cruising around town, or pushing on through canyon roads. There's lots of grip to be found, especially on the Quattro, which feels like you've glued it to the road. The electrically assisted steering does a fairly good job, and weighs up nicely, but doesn't exactly have a direct and sporty feel.

2019 A3 Sedan Interior

2019 A3 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2019 Audi A3 Sedan A Good car?

The 2019 A3 Sedan is a premium compact executive sedan that looks, feels and drives like a bigger car, but there's a catch; it's not big at all, and that could put some off the idea of an A3 with a trunk. The A3 Sedan shines in terms of interior comfort and build quality, the same goes for its choice of powertrains. Front passenger space is class competitive, but room in the rear, as well as total cargo space, is at the bottom of the class. The higher spec Quattro gets a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive but sacrifices gas mileage and trunk space. Safety levels are excellent, but in order to qualify for IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus status, you'll need to opt for the Premium Plus or Prestige trim. Despite numerous recent recalls, the 2019 A3 Sedan should prove reliable.

What Audi A3 Sedan Model Should I Buy?

The A3 Sedan range already features a lot of tech and safety features as standard. A good balance of comfort, features, and performance is easy to find in this range, but at the best price, the Premium Quattro with the high output engine takes it. For only a few grand more than the Titanium model, you get all-wheel drive and a decent dollop of extra power. The features list isn't as long as the Premium Plus or Prestige, and you'll miss out on the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, but as a whole, it represents the best mix of performance and everyday comfort. You can always include the Technology package into the deal if you don't want to use Google Maps on your phone and really need that 14-speaker sound system.

2019 Audi A3 Sedan Comparisons

2019 Audi A3 Sedan vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

Both these German baby execs come powered by four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The

The A3 Sedan's high output 2.0 turbo 4 cylinder unit produces 40 more horsepower and 37 lb-ft more torque than the A-Class and makes it quicker to 60 than the Mercedes. The Audi also uses less gas, beating the Merc by 2 mpg on the city cycle,and the A3's gas tank is also bigger (14.5 vs. 13.5 gallons). J.D. Power and Associates' 2019 survey show that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th while Mercedes is ranked 13th. A Consumer Reports survey revealed that Audi boasts more reliable vehicles, ranking ten places higher than its German rival.

2019 Audi A3 Sedan vs Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

First of all, the A3 Sportback is the more practical car thanks to its four doors and hatchback trunk lid, but the Sedan beats it hands down in the looks department with its sleeker profile. They both share the same interior materials and options, as is to be expected. The Sedan is more expensive than the Sportback, and when a few added options are selected, gets close to the price of the A4. It all boils down to how much utility you require from your A3. The Sportback does more, but the Sedan looks better doing less.