2018 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI FWD

pros

Compact size; upscale feel; clean styling; available all-wheel drive; three body styles, including convertible; hybrid model; high-performance S3; even higher performance RS3

model highlights

The Audi A3 is offered as a sedan, convertible, or 5-door Sportback. Power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Audi A3 sends power to all four wheels via quattro all-wheel drive, though front-wheel-drive versions are available as well. A high-performance version of this same engine powers the Audi S3, where it makes 292 horsepower--enough to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The RS3 comes only as an all-wheel drive sedan, and is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that makes an almost-unbelievable 400 horsepower.

Finally, the A3 Sportback e-tron hybrid utilizes an electric motor that makes 102 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, plus a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine capable of 150 horsepower. When combined, the two powerplants make 204 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hybrids available. The Sportback e-tron can drive on purely electric power for about 17 miles.

The Audi A3 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium trim includes leather seating with heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, bi-xenon automatic headlights, power adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera and parking sensors, "Alu-optic" interior trim, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, twin USB power/data ports, and a 10-speaker sound system with a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

A convenience package adds keyless start, stop and entry, as well as Audi's music interface and better smartphone integration. The sport package on the other hand, adds sportier front seat, a driving mode selector and a flat bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. A sport suspension is also available that reduces the ride height by 15 mm.

The Premium Plus trim adds 18-inch wheels, aluminum interior accents, Audi side assist, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and keyless entry. The Prestige package, meanwhile, includes everything in Premium Plus, as well as an S-line exterior body kit, a navigation system, Audi connect and LED headlights.

Option packages on the Premium Plus include a technology package that features Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS, a navigation system, Audi's side assist system with rear traffic alert and what Audi calls their "virtual cockpit," which is a digital display in the instrument cluster featuring a view of the road ahead as well as plenty of relevant driving information.

The RS3 is, in its way, a separate beast. Besides the tremendous engine, the RS3 comes with a unique red-stitched Nappa leather interior as well as 19" 5-arm wheels, full LED headlamps, RS-specific fascias and diffuser and magnetic ride suspension.

Safety features on all the A3 models include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Airbags include advanced driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, thorax side airbags as well as side curtain airbags. An anti-theft alarm system comes standard, while Active Lane Assist, Audi Pre-Sense automatic braking and adaptive cruise control are all optional on the A3 Prestige.

model news

The Audi A3 returns for 2018 with few changes. Heated front seats are standard, as are dual USB ports for data and charging. The A3 Premium Plus trim now features standard Audi side assist, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system is available. The S3 now includes an optional S sport package, with red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride. An even higher-performing RS3 sedan becomes available this year.

value writeup

The Audi A3 competes against other compact premium cars such as the BMW 2-Series, the Mercedes CLA and, to a lesser extent, the MINI Cooper. In past decades, owning a small car meant dealing with little more than bare bones transportation. These days, though, owners of small cars need not be deprived of anything, and the A3 looks to continue that trend by offering a vehicle with a small footprint but with luxury-car performance and amenities. The A3 starts under $32,000.

Warranty Information

Basic:
4 Years/50,000 Miles

Drivetrain:
4 Years/50,000 Miles

Corrosion:
12 Years/Unlimited Miles

Roadside Assistance:
4 Years/Unlimited Miles

Maintenance:
1 Years/10,000 Miles

Crash Test Rating

US NHTSA CRASH TEST RESULTS:

Overall Rating: * * * * *

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating: * * * *

Overall Side Crash Rating: * * * * *

Side Barrier Rating: * * * * *

Side Barrier Rating Note: These ratings do not apply to vehicles with optional torso/pelvis side air bags in the second row.


Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings:
Front Seat Rating: * * * * * Rear Seat Rating: * * * * *

Overall Rollover Rating: * * * *
Dynamic Test Result: No Tip
Risk of Rollover: 10.90%

Note Regarding Driver Rating:

Male: Average sized adult male dummy in 35-MPH crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs. Female: Small-sized adult female dummy in 35-mph crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs.

Rollover Note: Dynamic (moving) test results (Tip or No Tip) and measured rollover-related properties determine vehicle's risk of rollover in single vehicle crash and its rollover rating. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is.

Recall Information

US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
17V508000

Mfg's Report Date:
AUG 15, 2017

Component:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
8383

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.

Consequence:
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.

Dates of Manufacture:
SEP 22, 2016 to AUG 24, 2017

Manufacturer Recall Number:
24DF
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
18V803000

Mfg's Report Date:
NOV 13, 2018

Component:
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
169

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.

Consequence:
If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).

Dates of Manufacture:
JUN 07, 2018 to JUL 10, 2018

Manufacturer Recall Number:
VW 72H8 / Audi 72H9
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
18V863000

Mfg's Report Date:
DEC 04, 2018

Component:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
1104

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.

Consequence:
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BK.

Dates of Manufacture:
MAR 11, 2018 to APR 16, 2018

Manufacturer Recall Number:
20BK
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V095000

Mfg's Report Date:
FEB 12, 2019

Component:
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
3326

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.

Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy:
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.

Dates of Manufacture:
APR 11, 2018 to JUL 01, 2018

Manufacturer Recall Number:
72I8
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V474000

Mfg's Report Date:
JUN 18, 2019

Component:
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
138896

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Consequence:
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Dates of Manufacture:
JUL 06, 2016 to MAR 13, 2019

Manufacturer Recall Number:
69Z4
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
21V198000

Mfg's Report Date:
MAR 21, 2021

Component:
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
153152

Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

Consequence:
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy:
The remedy program is still in development. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed May 21, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

Manufacturer Recall Number:
69BY

Rebate Information

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