The 2016 Audi A3 is a luxury car that just happens to be built as a compact. It follows the still relatively new path of high-end appointments in a small footprint. Quality is therefore excellent both inside and out, and design takes a prominent role — so does refinement. One year on from its launch, this generation of the Audi A3 has expanded to include sedan, cabriolet and now hatchback body styles.

Autotrader's Advice:

The e-tron and soft-top Cabriolet models have their own particular sets of attractive traits. When considering the regular sedan, there’s no reason not to go for the 2.0T if budget allows. It brings a livelier experience and the reassurance of all-wheel drive, and it doesn’t involve a penalty in fuel consumption. The $37,825 Premium Plus package won’t break the bank yet still offers a useful amount of features.

What We Like:

Overall premium feel; satisfying driving experience; leather and panoramic sunroof come standard in the sedan

What We Don’t:

Small trunk; dashboard seems sparse; adding a few options can quickly push the bottom line of even an entry-level trim into the $40,000 region (when new)

Original MSRP:

$31,825-$40,525 (when new)

MPG:

Fuel economy estimates for the sedan are 24 mpg city/33 mpg hwy, good for 27 mpg combined; the cabriolet achieves 23 mpg city/32 mpg hwy and 26 mpg combined. The front-drive-only Sportback e-tron has a range of up to 17 miles in all-electric mode, there’s potentially the equivalent of 83 miles per gallon equivalent. The 1.8T has an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 23 miles per gallon in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg combined. The cabriolet version fares better: 24 mpg city/35 mpg hwy and 28 mpg combined.

Standard Features and Options:

The 2016 Audi A3 sedan comes in 1.8T or 2.0T form. Each can be ordered in Premium, Premium Plus or Prestige trim.

The 2016 Audi A3 1.8T Premium ($31,825, when new) includes leather, a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat, xenon headlights with LED running daytime lights and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

The 2016 Audi A3 1.8T Premium Plus ($34,525, when new) adds an Interior Trim package with aluminum accents, keyless starting, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and the Technology package with active lane assist and adaptive cruise control.

The 2016 Audi A3 1.8T Prestige ($40,675, when new) trim comes with full LED headlights, a 14-speaker/705-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation, Audi MMI with gesture control and exterior appearance add-ons.

The 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium ($35,125, when new), and the same equipment as the 1.8T accompanies the more powerful engine and quattro all-wheel drive. This formula is retained for the 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Premium Plus ($37,825, when new) and 2016 Audi A3 2.0T Prestige ($43,975, when new).

Bear in mind the Sportback e-tron ($38,825, when new) is eligible for federal and state tax incentives, which offset the retail price. It comes as its own well-appointed trim level that includes Audi drive select and model-specific ultra-low-rolling resistance tires. Adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assistance are optional here.

Safety:

In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash-test program, the A3 sedan took a maximum five stars overall: four stars for frontal-impact protection and five for side-impact performance. The car was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with maximum scores across the board.

Behind the Wheel:

Despite a compact interior, the A3 feels well-proportioned and has sufficient rear space to encourage longer drives with four occupants, largely thanks to a conventional C-pillar that deliberately avoids the coupe-wannabe look that’s the current trend. The 1.8T has sufficient punch for most situations involving freeway driving and passing maneuvers, although the engine sometimes feels like it’s working too hard. The 2.0T is far more satisfying and energetic. Aided by all-wheel drive, it handles curves with strong grip and confident direction changes. Body control in general is excellent, resisting lean through the bends. Extensive use of aluminum helps keep a check on curb weight, bringing benefits in acceleration along with handling. The 1.8T can hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 7.2 seconds; the 2.0T only takes 5.8 seconds. The Sportback e-tron is actually just as much fun as any other A3. There’s no punishment here for saving fuel. The soft-top Cabriolet, meanwhile, can still seat four, but accommodation in the back is limited by the requirement of space for stowing the folded roof. On the plus side, all it takes is the push of a button to operate the hood at speeds of up to 31 mph, and the operation is completed 18 seconds later.

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