Familiar face, but with distinctive headlight graphics and "double wing" lower fascia. Five-spoke wheels are 17s, ten-spoke wheels are 18s.
You might think you've seen this car before. But more complex side surfacing than other Audis. Appears a bit toy-like when viewed from the side. Small sedans have challenging proportions.
Mercedes took greater risks with the exterior of the competing CLA250. Less toy-like with gray paint and smaller, five-spoke wheels.
View the new A3 at even a slight rearward angle, and that front overhang magically disappears. Strongly beveled character lines trace a wedge through "flowing and sensual" body sides.
A3 1.8Ts get single dual-tipped exhaust rather than dual single-tipped exhaust. Refreshingly back-to-basics, or overly spartan? Leather and a large sunroof are standard.
Instrument panel upper gives when pressed with a fingertip, but looks like hard plastic. Controls mostly easy to use, but base A3's tiny HVAC graphics are hard to read while driving.
Google Earth. Unlike in BMW and Mercedes, display that appears retractable actually is retractable. Overly firm and flat driver seat provides zero lateral support in curves. Sport buckets optional.
Just enough room for me. If you're tall, maybe not enough room for you. Trunk of the FWD A3 (pictured) about average for a compact sedan. AWD robs a couple of cubes
The 170-hp 1.8-liter (in photo) and 220-hp 2.0-liter are part of a smooth new engine family. Smooth, fairly quiet, and either quick (pictured 1.8) or quicker (2.0). Good but not best mpg.