Audi introduced the first generation of the A3 back in 1996, and it used the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf. During the first decade or so, the Audi A3 was only being produced and sold as a hatchback. However, this changed when the Ingolstadt-based carmaker released the second generation of the A3 which was made available in a convertible/cabriolet form as well. The sedan avatar was finally launched along with the all-new and refreshed third generation A3 in 2013. The A3 sedan slots into the compact or entry-level luxury sedan segment, one of the most important segments for many carmakers.
Much like its preceding iterations, the 2019 Audi A3 (sedan) also shares its basic underpinnings with the Golf, though both these cars now utilize VW Group’s latest MQB platform. The 2019 Audi A3 sedan takes on tough competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW M2 Coupe, and the Volkswagen Golf.
Exterior
The exterior styling of the 2019 Audi A3 may not be as exuberant and thrilling as that of the CLA, but it is far from boring. On the contrary, the handsome proportions and unfussy lines of the A3 sedan make it look purposeful and confident, but also exude a sense of effortless sophistication. The front is dominated by Audi’s ‘Singleframe’ grille with chrome surrounds, sharply-styled headlights with neat-looking LED daytime-running lights, and a stylish bumper.
The well-balanced side profile of the A3 sedan has distinctly flared fenders, sporty 17-inch alloy wheels, pronounced character lines, and stylish door-mounted mirrors. At the back, the well-sculpted boot gets a lip spoiler, striking taillight-design, and a neat-looking rear bumper with dual-exhaust pipes and an air diffuser. The 2019 Audi A3 sedan measures 4.458 meters in length, 1.796 meters in width, 1.416 meters in height, and its wheelbase stretches 2.637 meters. Boot space is amongst the best in its segment, with 425 liters of uninterrupted space.
Interior
The interior styling of the 2019 Audi A3 is perhaps one of the best in its class, and comes across as a premium and posh space to spend time in. The flat-bottom steering wheel, substantial gear lever, circular air vents, and the driver-oriented center stack area all look and feel sporty. Despite being one of their most affordable cars, the interior of the Audi A3 doesn’t feel low-rent. Audi cars are well-known for their sturdy build quality and impeccable fit and finish, and the 2019 A3 is no exception to this. Most of the materials feel high-end and the ones that don’t, are tucked away out of sight. There’s more than enough room for those at the front, while the rear seats aren’t too shabby, either.
The 2019 Audi A3 sedan can be had with leather upholstery, power-operated front seats, panoramic sunroof, automatic and adaptive LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, all-around parking sensors with rear camera, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instruments display, Audi’s MMI infotainment system. Meanwhile, the standard safety gears include 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability and traction control, hill assist, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, and much more.
Engine and performance
The standard 2019 Audi A3 sedan range can be powered by one of three turbocharged engines – a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder, or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The smallest unit makes 116 HP and 200 Nm, whilst the two-liter develops 190 HP and 320 Nm of torque, and can do 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. All engines are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and are front-wheel drive, only. Depending on the engine, fuel consumption will vary between 4.7-5.8L/100 km.
Verdict
The 2019 Audi A3 sedan costs between AED 101,200 and AED 121,500, while insurance starts at AED 2,277.
