2020 Audi A3 Review

The 2020 Audi A3 is a well-equipped entry-level compact sedan that delivers more substance than flash.

The 2020 Audi A3 is in the twilight of its current design, but remains a feature-filled compact luxury sedan worth consideration. The design has held up well thanks to its combination of good performance and surprising luxury features for a modest price.

A new A3 is set to arrive in the U.S. for 2021, but for now we rate the 2020 A3 at 6.7 out of 10.

For its final year, the A3 lineup is pared to Premium and Premium Plus trims in sedan guise only. Last year’s cabriolet and Prestige trim levels bite the dust. In their place is a new $800 Final Edition package that comes with sports seats and a few cosmetic bits that don’t raise our pulse very much.

Luckily every version of the 2020 A3 provides good acceleration thanks to a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that comes in two states of tune depending on if power is sent forward or to all four corners. Front-drive cars aren’t as balanced, but they are plenty peppy and they’re remarkably frugal. Look for 30 mpg in mixed driving while using regular unleaded. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip, though it’s saddled with a lower-tech transmission that guzzles more fuel.

An S3 and RS3 are available to well-heeled buyers looking for more performance.

Inside, the A3 doesn’t look as dressy as it does outside, but the usual combination of nice Audi touches is abundant. An optional digital instrument cluster is a spendy feature that gives the A3 a high-tech feel. Even the standard 8.0-inch screen that rises to the occasion out of the dash impresses, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility adds to the appeal.

Styling

The 2020 Audi A3 has pint-size A4 looks, and that’s a compliment.

The 2020 Audi A3 doesn’t look much different than far more expensive A4 and A6 sedans parked across the showroom. That’s good news for buyers on a budget since the A3 has pleasantly upmarket looks for a reasonably affordable price. We rate it at 7 out of 10.

Up front, the angular LED lights frame a big grille that lacks the finish seen on the latest Audis, but looks nearly the same from just a few feet away. Most models ride on 18-inch wheels that fill the wells nicely and impart a bucks-up look not necessarily seen on some competitors. From the rear, the pert taillights have intricate designs as well.

The A3’s interior doesn’t go as screen-heavy as its pricier siblings and instead draws from the smaller TT sports car. The look is minimalistic and clean, though the pop-up infotainment screen and available digital gauge cluster relay a lot of information. With the screen stowed away, the interior is refreshingly simple, but not spartan.

Performance

Good turbo punch ensures that the 2020 Audi A3 has no problem merging onto highway.

The 2020 Audi A3 is available in four configurations, all of which provide ample performance. Lively handling adds to this small car’s appeal. We rate the 2020 A3 at 7 out of 10 for its performance. If rated separately, the S3 and RS3 would score higher.

All A3s make use of a 2.0-liter turbo-4. In front-drive form, the engine shuttles 186 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque forward through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive A4s use an uprated version of the engine that comes in with 220 hp and 258 lb-ft, as well as a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In practice, both engines furnish good acceleration with only a hint of lag from a stop.

‏Source www.yourchoiceway.com