2016 Audi A3

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Rating8.1

Ranked #3 in 

Subcompact Sedan
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$30,900 - $48,450
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Commendable performance despite smaller engines

Rivals offer much better rear row space

Few new driver assistance stuff

Agile handling

Mediocre cargo room

No mechanical changes

Pleasant ride quality

Plenty of tech features

Specs & Features

$33,200

price

150 hp @ 3500 rpm

horsepower

236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automated Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 6AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 Audi A3 Sedan is a subcompact sedan offered in 3 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $30,900. For that price, it mainly competes with the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class Sedan and indirectly the compact sedan class goes against the Volvo S60, and BMW 3-Series Sedan. Between 3 trims, the Audi A3 offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 1.8L turbocharged Inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission capable of making 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque.

If more power is required, there is also a 220 horsepower-making 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The Audi A3 Sedan reaches 60 mph from zero in 7.2 seconds on its base engine, which gets pumped up to 5.8 seconds with the 3.0L turbocharged engine. Depending on the powertrain, the A3 can manage a combined fuel economy between 27 and 25 mpg. While we're on the topic of choices, the 10 striking colors the 2016 A3 Sedan comes in really pull you towards itself.

It is known that Americans love their sedans and if you want a luxury compact sedan on a tight budget, the 2016 Audi A3 makes a perfect option for you. The A3 offers premium build quality, modern technology, and great ride & handling helps it mark a great entry point to the luxury cars segment. For all those reasons, we along with the likes of "Kelly Blue Book" also recommend having a closer look too, check out their video below. 

Key observations in the video

  • Comfortable and agile handing
  • Strong performance & fuel efficiency
  • Plenty of standard features
  • No rear-view camera as standard
  • Cramped rear seat

Buying Advice

Most buyers should be able to find enough features in the entry-level Premium trim. Buyers can further enhance the value and tech by adding optional Audi MMI Navigation Plusfor an additional $2,200.

Trims

    Premium
    $30,900 onwards
    • 17-inch silver painted aluminum wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
    • Parking assist
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    Premium Plus
    $33,600 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6AM
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 3500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg
    Premium Plus S Line
    $34,400 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6AM
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 3500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg
    Prestige
    $39,750 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6AM
    • Horsepower: 150 hp @ 3500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$30,900- $48,450

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.12

Horsepower

220 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,900- $34,890

Gasoline

7.47

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,700

Gasoline

8.05

255 hp @ 6400 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,845- $26,495

Gasoline

8.22

155 hp @ 6000 rpm

150 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$32,050- $34,050

Gasoline

7.94

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,680- $45,000

Gasoline

7.86

150 hp @ 5000 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$34,150- $59,700

Gasoline

8.41

240 hp @ 5600 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

-

Read Review

2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2016 Audi A3

    Ranked #4

    7.2 sec15.8 sec130 mph
    6.1 sec15.1 sec-
    6.71 sec14 sec135 mph
    6.9 sec15.1 sec130 mph -
    7.8 sec15.5 sec114 mph
    2016 Mazda 3

    Ranked #6

    8.2 sec16.4 sec130 mph

    2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2016 Audi A3

      Ranked #4

      23 mpg33 mpg27 mpg13.2 gal.303.6/435.6 mi.
      2016 Mazda 3

      Ranked #1

      29 mpg41 mpg33 mpg13.2 gal.382.8/541.2 mi.
      28 mpg40 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.406/565.5 mi.
      26 mpg38 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.343.2/501.6 mi.
      25 mpg36 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.330/475.2 mi.
      25 mpg37 mpg29 mpg17.8 gal.- -

      2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2016 Audi A3

        Ranked #7

        175 in.70.7 in.55.8 in.6 in.103.8 in.
        183.7 in.71.3 in.56.3 in.5.1 in.110.2 in.
        183.3 in.70 in.57.2 in.5.2 in.104.4 in.
        182.5 in.73.4 in.58.4 in.5.4 in.109.3 in.
        182.3 in.70 in.56.6 in.3.9 in.106.3 in.
        181.9 in.70.6 in.55.6 in.5.3 in.105.1 in.

        2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2016 Audi A3

          Ranked #5

          10 cu.ft.125.6 cu.ft.-
          15.7 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.28 cu.ft.
          2016 Mazda 3

          Ranked #2

          12.4 cu.ft.96.3 cu.ft.14.4 cu.ft.
          12.3 cu.ft.89.3 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.
          -93 cu.ft.10.9 cu.ft.
          13.8 cu.ft.90.2 cu.ft.-

          2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2016 Audi A3

            Ranked #1

            -10 cu.ft.-67 ft.
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            28 cu.ft.15.7 cu.ft.28 cu.ft.-
            -13.8 cu.ft.--
            10.9 cu.ft.-10.9 cu.ft.-
            2016 Mazda 3

            Ranked #6

            14.4 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.14.4 cu.ft.-

            2016 Audi A3 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2016 Audi A3

              Ranked #1

              1102 lbs.3175 lbs.
              1078 lbs.3025 lbs.
              890 lbs.- -
              949 lbs.3737 lbs.
              2016 Mazda 3

              Ranked #1

              -2869 lbs.
              1070 lbs.3252 lbs.

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