2024 Audi A3

2024 Audi A3 Expert Review

The 2024 Audi A3 continues to prove that entry-level luxury doesn’t mean sacrificing performance, design, or advanced technology. Compact yet refined, the A3 delivers a premium driving experience at a relatively accessible starting price of $35,400.

With sleek styling, an upscale cabin, and the latest Audi tech suite, the 2024 model offers strong competition to rivals like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Whether you’re a first-time luxury buyer or looking for a sophisticated daily driver, the A3 may just hit the sweet spot.

Overview: The Smallest Audi Sedan with Big Appeal

The Audi A3 sits at the base of Audi’s sedan lineup, but don’t let its size fool you—this car is packed with refinement. The 2024 model sees subtle updates to its styling and tech, keeping it competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Trim levels include:

• Premium
• Premium Plus

The A3 is powered by a mild-hybrid turbocharged engine, offering both performance and efficiency in a well-rounded package.

Exterior Design: Sharp and Modern

Audi designers gave the A3 a clean, sculpted exterior with bold lines and aerodynamic curves. The large hexagonal grille, aggressive LED headlights, and angular air intakes give the A3 a mature and confident appearance.

Key exterior features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels (18- or 19-inch optional)
• LED headlamps and taillights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Available S Line appearance package for sportier styling
• Dynamic turn signals (on Premium Plus)

The A3 strikes a perfect balance between elegant and sporty, making it stand out without being too flashy.

Interior: Minimalist, Premium, and Smartly Packaged

Step inside the 2024 A3, and you’re greeted with a cabin that embodies Audi’s minimalist philosophy. The clean dashboard layout features horizontal lines, tactile materials, and ambient lighting that enhance the premium feel.

Standard interior features include:

• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power front seats with heat
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Higher trims offer the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, a 12.3-inch digital display that replaces traditional gauges with vibrant graphics and customizable layouts.

The cabin is quiet and well-insulated, with ample space up front. Rear-seat legroom is tight for taller passengers, but typical for the compact segment.

Performance: Punchy and Efficient

Under the hood of the 2024 Audi A3 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing:

• 201 horsepower
• 221 lb-ft of torque
• 0–60 mph in around 6.3 seconds

The engine is mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering smooth and quick shifts. You can choose between front-wheel drive or Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system for better traction and performance.

The ride is composed and agile, with responsive steering and well-tuned suspension. While it’s not a performance car like the Audi S3 or RS3, the A3 handles curves confidently and feels refined in daily driving.

Fuel Economy: Great for Commuting

Thanks to the mild-hybrid system, the 2024 A3 is surprisingly efficient for a luxury sedan.

• FWD models: 29 MPG city / 38 MPG highway
• AWD (quattro) models: 27 MPG city / 35 MPG highway

These numbers make the A3 a strong candidate for commuters looking to save at the pump without sacrificing luxury or style.

Technology: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich

Audi equips the A3 with an intuitive and responsive infotainment system. The 10.1-inch touchscreen integrates seamlessly with smartphone platforms and voice commands.

Notable features:

• MMI infotainment system with haptic feedback
• Navigation with real-time traffic
• Optional Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
• Wireless phone charging
• USB-C ports and Bluetooth connectivity

The tech suite is forward-thinking but not overwhelming, making it ideal for tech-savvy drivers and newcomers alike.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Audi prioritizes safety with the A3, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.

Standard safety features:

• Audi pre sense® front (autonomous emergency braking)
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Rearview camera

Available in Premium Plus trim or via package:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition

These features help the A3 earn strong safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its role as a smart and secure daily driver.

Pricing and Trims

With all options added (like larger wheels, Bang & Olufsen audio, and S Line styling), the A3 can reach around $45,000. However, even the base model includes most of the features drivers expect from a luxury brand.

Competitors: How It Stacks Up

The 2024 Audi A3 competes with:

• BMW 228i Gran Coupe
• Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
• Acura Integra A-Spec
• Lexus IS 300

The A3 holds its own with balanced performance, advanced tech, and subtle yet sophisticated styling. Where the BMW feels more aggressive and the CLA more flamboyant, the A3 feels mature and purposeful.

Final Verdict: Compact Luxury Done Right

The 2024 Audi A3 is a fantastic choice for anyone entering the luxury sedan market. With its refined design, solid powertrain, and high-end features, it doesn’t feel like an entry-level car. It combines performance and practicality with just enough personality to stand out.

Pros:

✅Upscale interior

✅Strong fuel efficiency

✅Confident performance

✅High-tech features for the price

✅Clean, understated styling

Cons:

❌Rear seat space is tight

❌Can get pricey with options

If you’re looking for a compact luxury sedan that’s easy to live with but still feels premium every time you drive it, the 2024 Audi A3 deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Price Summary:
2024 Audi A3 – Starting at $35,400
Available with quattro AWD and Premium Plus trim for additional cost

2024 Audi A3 Videos:

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