Used 2023 Audi A3

A small luxury sedan like the 2023 A3 is such a non-conformist move these days. Thank goodness there are such superb ways to buck the SUV trend. This is going to drive far more sweetly.

An all-new generation of A3 debuted just last year, so there are no misgivings about how current the tech is. And Audi designs tend to wear the years well anyway, so no worries there.

The A3 could be the proverbial toe in the luxury car waters. Buyers looking to go deeper can see what Audi’s S cars are all about with the S3. And those fully committed can get a taste of the most extreme Audi approach with the RS 3.

Nice runabout, bona fide driver’s car, or pocket rocket — it’s great to have the choice.

It has to be said that 201 horsepower in a luxury car is not that much, even if it is only a subcompact. The 2023 40 TSFI is absolutely fine for the workaday stuff while driving around in an incredibly pleasant environment, but those seeking a thrill or three will need to look at the S3.

There’s such a great balance to the S3, and not just in the sense of weight distribution. The amount of muscle — 306 horsepower — coupled with a sport suspension (lower than the A3 by about 0.6 of an inch; it’s optional in the A3) and variable-ratio steering all combine to make the S3 a wonderfully enjoyable experience on freeways and canyon roads alike.

The S3 also offers the option of a more sport-focused suspension. But the ultimate sports machine in this lineup is the 400-horsepower RS 3, capable of sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.6 seconds. And instead of a limited-slip differential, the RS 3 has what Audi calls a torque splitter sending drive to just one rear wheel, so the driver can initiate tailslides on a track quite easily.

This year brings a few small changes to the 2023 A3 cabin. Simulated leather covers the 40 TSFI version’s armrests, and the optional Convenience package from the Premium trim adds a wireless charging pad. The Premium Plus trim gains LED interior lighting along with Agate Gray fine-grain birch wood inlays.

The rest of the interior displays typical Audi characteristics of elegant and innovative design, high-quality materials, and cool technology. Scale up the dimensions to fit into something bigger, like the A6, and it would still work.

Even the most affordable new A3 comes with a 10.25-inch driver information display, leather seating surfaces, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.

At 35.2 inches, rear legroom is pretty good for a subcompact sedan. Trunk space isn’t so useful: 10.9 cubic feet, or just 8.3 cubic feet in the S3 and RS 3.

Full LED headlights become standard in the 40 TSFI model. The optional Black Optic package for the A3 and S3 now offers 18-inch alloy wheels with a five Y-spoke design and a 2-tone finish.

In general, the 2023 A3 luxury compact sedan speaks the usual highly stylish Audi design language, only in smaller proportions. The 40 TSFI comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, the S3 swaps those for 18-inch rims, and the RS 3 gets 19-inch alloys.

The RS 3 also adds model-specific bodywork like large front air intakes and a carbon-fiber rear lip spoiler, plus a black grille surround and mesh.

1. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard in every new A3, S3, and RS 3, this allows users to integrate their smartphones without having to plug in a cable. And wireless phone charging is also now available.

2. Matrix-design LED headlights
These units upgrade the usual setup with multiple small LEDs that can illuminate the road effectively without dazzling anyone else. They come in the S3’s Prestige trim.

3. Virtual Cockpit
Optional in the 2023 A3’s Premium Plus trim, this is a 12.3-inch digital driver information display that you can configure to show different types of information, including the navigation system’s maps. It’s easy to use and a great piece of equipment.

4. Bang & Olufsen audio system
The Danish sound wizards have a long and fulfilling relationship with Audi. The system offered as an option in Premium Plus trims and standard in the S3’s Prestige trim has what the company calls 3D technology, otherwise known as surround sound.

5. S3
It’s the whole 2023 S3 package that’s so appealing. There’s an ideal amount of power with a chassis perfectly up to the job of complementing it. The suspension is sporty and fun, but still able to cope with rough surfaces.

6. Kyalami Green
This is an exclusive paint color for the RS 3. It’s a kind of electric/acidic hue reminiscent of Lamborghini supercars and makes the choice of an RS 3 even more non-conformist.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque goes into the 40 TSFI drivetrain of the base 2023 A3 luxury subcompact sedan. This connects to a 7-speed automated transmission, and front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) offered as an option.

A mild-hybrid system augments this engine, helping it achieve peak output faster, making the fuel-saving stop/restart function nice and smooth, and allowing the car to “coast” on long downhill sections.

The 2023 S3 also has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but this one generates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Audi uses a 7-speed automated transmission here as well, and all-wheel drive comes standard in the S3.

There’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine in the RS 3, developing 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive complete the picture.

The A3 is OK with regular gasoline, while the S3 and RS 3 require the premium stuff.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (A3 40 TFSI)
201 horsepower @ 4,200-6,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/38 mpg (FWD), 27/35 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (S3)
306 horsepower @ 5,450-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 (RS 3)
401 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg