Audi A3

Though it's certainly near the end of its lifecycle, the current generation Audi A3 — it's been out since 2015 — remains a solid pick in the small luxury sedan class. Much of that comes down to its well-rounded nature. There's enough style, performance and comfort here to make you feel like you're getting your money's worth. And unlike some Audi sedans, it's available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Audi didn't add anything new to the A3 for 2020. Rather, it's relying on a thorough reshuffling of the sedan's trims and features to keep buyers interested in what will likely be the A3's final year. The company has downsized the trim options from four to two for the 2020 A3. The A3's features, though, are essentially the same. Audi also discontinued the slow-selling A3 convertible.

We do suggest checking out the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class; it surpasses the A3 in a lot of ways, especially in technology features. BMW has also come out with an all-new 2 Series Gran Coupe. Even the sporty Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which shares some corporate DNA with the A3, could be worth a look if you want to save some money. But overall we think the A3 should satisfy the needs of most shoppers in the market for a small luxury sedan.

What's it like to live with the A3?

MatoCar' editorial team acquired and lived with an Audi A3 2.0T Quattro sedan for a full year, logging 20,000 miles. It quickly became obvious that although the A3 is Audi's entry-level sedan, it's a proper luxury car. We love the strong engine, quiet cabin and front seat comfort, but we found the trunk space a bit limiting and out-of-warranty maintenance fairly expensive. Note that we tested a 2015 A3, but most of our observations still apply to the 2019 A3. To read about our entire experience, check out our long-term A3 test.

Which A3 does MatoCar recommend?

We recommend the A3 S line. It delivers the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, which we think are worth the added cost. But we'd stick with the well-featured Premium trim, which is amply equipped for most buyers.

For 2020 Audi eliminated the A3's cabriolet (convertible) body style leaving only the sedan, which is offered in front-wheel drive (A3 Sport) or Quattro all-wheel drive (S line) configurations. Both drive configurations are available in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus.

All Audi A3s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The front-wheel-drive A3 Sport is rated at 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while all-wheel-drive S line trims make more power and torque: 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both are fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The elimination of last year's base trim (called Titanium) makes the Premium trim the base A3 in 2020. It is well equipped with 18-inch wheels, keyless start and entry and Audi Drive Select, the brand's name for its adjustable drive modes. Tech highlights in the base car include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Leather seating and heated front seats are also included.

Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim adds a variety of extra tech and safety features. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. Wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen audio system round out the interior upgrades.

The Driver Assistance package, which is optional on Premium Plus trims, adds active lane keeping, adaptive cruise control and parking assist, which controls steering during certain parking maneuvers. Also available only with the Premium Plus trim, the Navigation package adds navigation as well as Audi's configurable high-resolution Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.