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2018 Audi A3

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Make
Audi
Model
A3
Year
2018
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Used Car Price Range
$13,999 - $28,400
$13,999 $28,400
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2018 2.0T Premium 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,950
2018 2.0T Tech Premium 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $33,650
2018 2.0T Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sedan Price:   -  From $34,950
2018 2.0T Tech Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sedan Price:   -  From $36,650
2018 2.0T Premium 2dr Front-Wheel Drive Cabriolet Price:   -  From $38,350
2018 2.0T Tech Premium 2dr Front-Wheel Drive Cabriolet Price:   -  From $40,050
2018 2.0T Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Cabriolet Price:   -  From $41,050
2018 2.0T Tech Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Cabriolet Price:   -  From $42,750
2018 S3 2.0T Premium Plus 4dr All-wheel Drive quattro Sedan Price:   -  From $43,650
2018 S3 2.0T Tech Premium Plus 4dr All-wheel Drive quattro Sedan Price:   -  From $45,550
Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

The 2018 Audi A3 is the smallest and least costly model the brand's lineup, available in three body styles and offering a potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But its tiny rear seat and trunk may be deal breakers for some, with the A4 and Q5 serving as better options.

What's New for 2018

Minor equipment changes mark the 2018 A3; the current-generation model is now in its fourth year. All models now have heated front seats and two USB ports. Blind-spot monitoring is standard with the mid-trim Premium Plus.

Audi A3

Choosing Your Audi A3

Audi offers the 2018 A3 in three grades: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The sedan and the soft-top convertible models have standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Sedan cargo space comes in at 12.3 cubic feet, but the convertible is much slimmer, measuring just 9.9 cubic feet.

The A3 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, regardless of body style or trim. In front-wheel drive models, this engine produces 186 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. In models equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi boosts output to 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while all-wheel drive models lose a cog and have a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive adds $3,000 to each grade in the sedan and the convertible.

Most options come within specific grades, but there are notable exceptions. For example, the A3 Premium sedan has $900 Convenience (keyless entry and start, Audi music interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto) and $650 Sport (sport front seats, Audi drive select, and a sport steering wheel with shift paddles) packages, and charges $500 for heated front seats, $350 for rear side airbags, and $250 for a sporty suspension.

Premium Plus models offer a $3,000 Technology Package (Audi Connect, navigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a Audi Virtual Cockpit) a $1,050 LED Lighting Package (LED headlights and taillights), and a $950 Bang and Olufsen sound system. Similar package choices come with the convertible.

Audi also offers an A3 E-Tron Sportback that adds a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a versatile five-door body. This model is listed separately.

Audi A3

Premium

The standard A3 Premium sedan costs $32,175 (including a $975 destination charge). This grade includes xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a 10-speaker audio system, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a basic collision preparation system. The collision preparation system detects when a collision is likely, by automatically tightening seatbelts, raising windows, and closing the sunroof. It also aids in braking control when a collision is imminent.

Cabriolet models in the standard trim start at $38,575.

Audi A3

Premium Plus

Starting at $35,425, the A3 Premium Plus adds LED tail lights with rear fog lights, dual exhaust outlets, and S Line exterior appearance trim. This model also has 12-way power-operated and heated front seats, a smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, and a rear-view camera that includes front and rear parking sensors.

Cabriolet models in the Premium Plus trim start at $41,825.

Audi A3

Prestige

With a beginning price of $41,125, the A3 Prestige includes power-folding side mirrors, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system. Audi Virtual Cockpit – available on the Premium Plus – now comes standard, replacing the standard instrument cluster with a versatile, reconfigurable 12.3-inch display. Driver assist features include adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality and lane-keeping assist.

Cabriolet models in the Prestige trim start at $47,475.

CarsDirect Tip

Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system is hard to pass up, a $3,000 option that adds more sure-footed handling and extra power. We'd strongly recommend adding Audi Virtual Cockpit, but you can probably get by without going for the whole-hog Prestige.

Get your price on an Audi A3 »

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Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Go to Home Depot, and the friendly folks in the lumber department will cut your timber of choice into any size you please. At Audi, the story is much the same: the friendly folks in the sales department will sell you a sedan in any size you please. Such is the nature of the brand's design language, which lengthens rather than changes as you scale the pricing ladder. For the diminutive Audi A3 sedan (and cabriolet), this is a boon, offering buyers the style of the premium models but without their size and sticker-shock.

Best Value

The beauty of the A3 is that it gives buyers an opportunity to pledge allegiance to the Audi dynasty without spending a royal sum. That statement is best exemplified by the mid-level Premium Plus, which provides additional sport-inspired exterior trim, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, rear cross-traffic alert and keyless entry.

Tack on Quattro all-wheel drive – both because an Audi isn't really an Audi without Quattro and it increases the engine's output from 186 horsepower/221 pound-feet of torque to 220 hp and 258 lb-ft – for $3,000, and then plan on dropping another $3,200 for the Technology Package. If you're on a budget and need to choose between these two, go with the latter. It adds Audi's fantastic Virtual Cockpit, which replaces the traditional gauges with a reconfigurable 12.3-inch display. Not only is it beautiful, but it's extremely functional, to the point that you don't even need to consult the pop-up center display. This pricey package also adds a Bang and Olufsen audio system, navigation, and the Audi Connect telematics system.

  • Model: 2018 Audi A3 Premium Plus
  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder
  • Output: 220 horsepower / 258 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 26 City / 35 Highway / 29 Combined
  • Options: Quattro all-wheel drive ($3,000), Technology Package ($3,200, Audi Virtual Cockpit, navigation, Bang and Olufsen audio, Audi Connect), rear passenger side-mounted airbags ($350)
  • Base Price: $36,175 (includes $975 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $42,725

Performance

Audi A3

Like nearly all cars in this price range (regardless of segment or prestige), the engine doing the dirty work is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. It powers every variant, be it front- or all-wheel drive, cabriolet or sedan. The Quattro models do, however, boast a higher state tune, putting out 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, versus 186 and 221 for the front-driver. The former will do 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the latter does the same sprint in 6.6 seconds.

The dual-clutch automatic transmission comes with either six or seven cogs, depending on how many wheels are being driven by the engine. With front-wheel drive, seven speeds abound, while opting for Quattro means six gears instead. Regardless of which transmission is equipped, shifts are fast and smooth in nearly all situations, which we've come to expect from the Volkswagen Group's dual-clutch gearboxes.

Though the A3 is compact, it doesn’t ride like the econoboxes it shares dimensions with. It is comfortable and serene on the road, managing to mask the inherent lack of ride quality typical of small, short-wheelbase cars. However, the littlest A-sedan does show its lineage in the way of road noise, and also suffers from handling that protests rather than acquiesces when pushed into a corner.

Style

Like all Audis, the A3’s design is understated, and matches nearly tit-for-tat the lines of the more prestigious sedans in the lineup. It’s not too surprising that Audi downsized its design language so completely to its smallest offering, as the little bugger wears it well. No detail looks foolish or out of place, and we may even be so bold to say that the A3 might wear the familial styling best. The cabriolet isn’t exempt from this praise, either. With just two doors and and a folding canvas roof, it comes off as a handsome little urban warrior to run some errands while soaking up some sun.

Inside, the conservative-classy trend continues. A pop-up infotainment screen hides inside the dash when not in use, and in that position the dash exudes a vibe of minimalistic tastefulness that is typical Audi. The aesthetic appeal isn’t hampered by quality, either - the buttons and knobs all have a substantial feel that belies the A3’s position as the entry-level Audi. Where its compact status makes itself apparent, though, is in roominess, or rather, the lack of it. The car has tiny dimensions, measuring just 175.5 inches from grill badge to exhaust outlet. Cramming a three-box sedan into that footprint means space is at a premium, as rear-seat adult passengers will painfully discover during their first time caged in the penalty-box back seat.

Up front, at least, there’s enough space that drivers shouldn’t have to worry about comfort or claustrophobia. The seats there are comfortable and supportive, as well as 12-way power adjustable (even on the base model). If a higher dose of sport is on the shopping list, the $900 Sport Package brings a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters and sport seats, and can be complemented by the $250 sport suspension.

The Best and Worst Things

The A3’s greatest asset lies in its ability to convey that unmistakable Audi profile without looking dorky. In doing so, it manages to maintain an air of sophistication that oftentimes gets lost on teeny luxury cars, and will probably fool some unwitting neighbors or coworkers into thinking you bought an A4 or maybe even an A6.

However, there’s nothing sophisticated about the tiny backseat and clumsy handling when driven spiritedly, two traits that underscore the plebeian roots from which the A3 has sprung from.

Right For?

Audi A3

Buyers who are single or otherwise rarely carry passengers and cargo will find themselves at home in the handsome, understated A3.

Wrong For?

Anyone with a family will be constantly frustrated with the lack of space for people and cargo.

The Bottom Line

Audi has come a long way in the last couple decades, and the overall competence of the A3 underscores that improvement. Small in stature but large in nearly everything else, this tiny sedan or cabrio makes for an excellent upscale commuter that delivers style and quality. Without a doubt, the A3 proves that there’s nothing wrong – and maybe everything right – with being a cut-to-size version of Audi’s larger sedan portfolio.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 186 HP / 221 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 7-spd S tronic auto-shift man w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
26 / 35 / 30 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 186 HP / 221 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
26 / 35 / 30 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
12.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
175.5 " / 175.7 "
Exterior Width
70.7 "
Exterior Height
55.7 "
Front Headroom
39.6 "
Rear Headroom
36.4 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
54.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,197 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
18.1 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Polished W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Polished W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power) / 10-way (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way / 10-way (8-way Power) / (8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power) / 10-way (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
10 / 14 Bang & Olufsen
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt / Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1 / 2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Audi Pre Sense Front Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Audi Side Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Audi Active Lane Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High-beam Assistant Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Audi Parking System Plus Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iv
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2018 Audi A3 for Sale

9 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Audi
2.0T Tech Premium
Color: Gray
Price

$13,999

Mileage

86,911 mi

Map location icon

Crown Auto Gallery (46 mi)

Phone: (951) 228-4760
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: Nano Gray Metallic
Price

$14,000

Mileage

89,799 mi

Map location icon

Wholesale Investments Inc (22 mi)

Phone: (818) 997-3058
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: Blue
Price

$18,293

Mileage

33,118 mi

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STG Auto Group of Bellflower (15 mi)

Phone: (562) 302-4744
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: Gray
Price

$18,995

Mileage

66,029 mi

Map location icon

K 1 Motors (19 mi)

Phone: (818) 232-7275
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