2020 Audi RS 3

What Is the 2020 Audi A3?

The A3 is Audi’s entry-level car and is available as a five-seat sedan; the previously available convertible version has been discontinued for 2020. The front-wheel-drive A3 comes with a 184-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive version gets a 228-hp, turbo four-cylinder. Both engines work with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The A3 is also offered in two performance-tuned variants, the S3 and RS 3. The S3 gets a 288-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the RS 3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that makes 394 hp. Competitors include the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

What’s New on the 2020 Audi A3?

A new Final Edition Package includes black or red leather sport seats with contrast stitching, and a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. All-wheel-drive A3s get S line badges, aluminum door sills and unique 18-inch wheels. A new, less expensive Premium trim level joins the S3 lineup for 2020.

What Features in the 2020 Audi A3 Are Most Important?

All-wheel drive has been a hallmark of Audi’s lineup for decades, and it’s standard or available on all variants of the A3 line. The A3 also offers many features found on larger luxury models, including a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The S3 and RS 3 have sports-car-challenging performance. Bear in mind, however, that the price of a fully loaded RS 3 can be about double that of a base A3.

Should I Buy the 2020 Audi A3?

If you want an Audi badge for a minimum amount of money, the A3 is a tempting proposition; it has much of the design and driving experience provided by bigger, more expensive German sedans. A cramped rear seat and some austere cabin trim detracts from the overall posh image, however.