2024 Audi A3

Buyers might be considering their first luxury car, or perhaps acquiring a second. Either way, a new Audi A3 could be just the thing. This generation launched for the 2022 model year, so everything is still fresh. And for all those people who have admired Audi’s distinctive style from afar and thought to themselves “one day,” then that day could be here right now.

The cars in this A3 range are great for city driving, small enough to make parking easy, comfortable enough to combat fatigue. Then it all depends on how far and how fast you want to travel. The regular A3 is a fine example of a subcompact luxury sedan. It then gets progressively hotter with the quick-and-lovely S3 and then the ballistic RS 3.

Apart from some interior cosmetic changes and a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel available in the Black Optic Sport package, the only other change is that the HomeLink remote garage door opener (part of the A3’s Convenience package) is incorporated into the rearview mirror.

Like the A3, both the BMW 2 Series (from $38.4K for the 4-door 228i Gran Coupe) and Mercedes-Benz CLA (from around $42K) ranges go from runabout to remarkable. The front-drive-only Acura Integra starts at $31.5K. Or perhaps the 315-horsepower Volkswagen Golf R (from around $45K) might make an alternative to an S3, especially with its more practical hatchback body shape. If one size up would be a better fit, the Audi A4 starts at $41.2K.

Before buying a new A3 subcompact luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are not an A3 strength, lower in the tables than the 2 Series, CLA, and Integra.

We think the 201-horsepower A3 40 TSFI is absolutely fine for workaday stuff while driving around in an incredibly pleasant environment. And sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds is kind of fun. The 228-horsepower BMW 228i Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 (with 221 horses) are in that same ballpark. All-wheel drive is optional in the A3, providing reassurance in the wet and optimum traction in the dry.

Those seeking a thrill or three, though, will need to look at the S3. We’ve found that there’s such a great balance to this car, 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. It zips to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, similar to the M235i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 — both with 302 horsepower.

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.

As a general note, we’ve preferred the A3’s outward vision over its German rivals.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury cars, including the Audi A3.

Fuel Economy

With standard front-wheel drive, the 2024 A3 achieves 32 combined mpg (28 city, 38 highway). When all-wheel drive is in the picture, it’s 30 combined mpg (27 city, 35 highway). These figures compare well with the 228i Gran Coupe and CLA 250, with 28 and 29 combined mpg respectively (front-wheel drive). The base-model Integra returns 33 combined mpg.

The S3 runs to 26 combined mpg, and the RS 3 is rated at 23 combined mpg. The A3 is OK with regular gasoline; the S3 and RS 3 require the premium stuff.

The A3’s 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 an 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, beating its German rivals. The Integra has 37.4 inches. Trunk space isn’t so useful: 10.9 cubic feet, or just 8.3 cubic feet in the S3 and RS 3. These are the smallest in the class. For comparison, the 228i Gran Coupe has 15.2.

Changes this year include carbon accents replacing aluminum equivalents in the S3 and RS 3. High-quality Nappa leather becomes an individual option in the S3’s Premium Plus and Prestige trims. And the accent stitching in the RS 3 is now red exclusively.

In general, we think the 2024 A3 luxury compact sedan speaks the usual highly stylish Audi design language, only in shorter sentences. The 40 TSFI comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, the S3 swaps those for 18-inch rims. The optional Black Optic Sport package for the A3 and S3 offers 18-inch alloy wheels and a 2-tone finish. The RS 3 comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, while adding model-specific bodywork like large front air intakes and a carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, plus a black grille surround and mesh.

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.

Park Assist
This optional feature helps steer the A3 into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.

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.

Virtual Cockpit
Optional in the 2024 A3’s Premium Plus trim, this is a 12.3-inch digital driver information display that can be configured to show different types of information, including the navigation system’s maps. It’s easy to use and a great piece of equipment.

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.

S3
It’s the whole 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.

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 wilder.

The 40 TSFI drivetrain in the 2024 A3 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This connects to a 7-speed automated transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) as 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.

The 2024 S3 also has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but this one generates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automated transmission is deployed here as well, but all-wheel drive is 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.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. This is typical among European luxury car manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The A3 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.