2016 Audi A3 Wagon Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The A3 was Audi's attempt to enter the small family car market. Though best known for luxury and higher end sedans, the A3 became an almost instant hit when introduced in 1996. Audi released a Sportback model, which served as its new station wagon in the 2010s, but that model was originally only available overseas. The Sportback, also known as the wagon, is now available in North American markets. While it retains the small shape o the A3, the 2016 Audi A3 Wagon has more space.

What's New for 2016

The new 2016 Audi A3 Wagon is pretty much the same as the one released in 2015, but the manufacturer did make some simple changes to give the public a reason to invest in the newer model. The company offers this model, which some call a hatchback, at a price well below other luxury vehicles available. It also comes packed with entertainment and safety features that help it stand out in the marketplace.
 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Audi A3 Wagon – The Pros

Standard Engine Packages and More

The 2016 Audi A3 Wagon comes standard with 1.8L 170 horsepower engine that helps the car get up to speed quickly with little drag or performance problems. Some may prefer one of the turbocharged engines that produce up to 220 horsepower. All engine packages perform better than competitors do.

Subcompact Fuel Efficiency

While the A3 Wagon is a smaller car, it's larger than a subcompact and gets gas mileage on par with those models. The base model gets 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine option does even better and gets between 31 and 43 mpg.

Front Wheel Drive

The front wheel drive that comes standard on 2016 Audi A3 Wagon Base models can handle a wide range of road surfaces, including gravel and pavement, with ease. All-wheel drive is available on the upper-end models. Those who spend a lot of time driving in the snow or rain may prefer front wheel drive.

Parking Sensors

With both front parking sensors and back parking sensors coming standard on all models, drivers will never again have problems pulling into or backing out of space. Those sensors alert them to the presence of any obstacles or hazards. They can also get help turning the wheel and adjusting the tires.

Standard Infotainment System

The standard infotainment system on the A3 Wagon sits on the dashboard and features a clear screen. The display screen retracts into the dashboard to keep it out of the way. An auxiliary port beneath the screen can accommodate different electronics too.

Optional Features

Shoppers can add some great optional features when buying a 2016 Audi A3 Wagon, including a push-button start system and cruise control. They can also add a warning system that prevents accidents with other vehicles. Some may want to spring for the warning system that alerts them of traffic in nearby lanes too.

Audi Connect

Though Audi Connect is an optional feature that does not come standard with this model, many will want to pay extra for it. This creates a mobile WiFi hotspot within the car. It also allows users to search for directions via Google Maps.

High Safety Ratings

The 2016 Audi A3 Wagon received high safety ratings from two major institutions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it an overall five-star rating. It also received good overall ratings across all areas from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Air Bag Features

An airbag in the steering wheel and one in the dashboard protect the driver and anyone in the front seat. The backseat of the Wagon has both side and head air bags.

Lights and Signals

Standard lights and signals on the Wagon include daytime running lights and auto-leveling headlights. It also comes with light up turn signals inside its mirrors.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Audi A3 Wagon – The Cons

Cramped Backseat

It's hard to find many complaints about the 2016 Audi A3 Wagon, but one complaint involves the cramped feeling of the backseat. As this is a station wagon with a hatchback look, the roof curves down along the back. This can make those sitting in the backseat feel like they have little space to move around.

Cargo Hold

Station wagons typically have large cargo holds that have space for groceries, luggage and much more, but the same cannot be said of the trunk on the 2016 Audi A3 Wagon. This trunk is so small that some may find that it lacks the room they need for their belongings. The sedan model has slightly more trunk space.

Infotainment System Placement

While Audi placed the infotainment system on the A3 Wagon in the center of the dashboard, the company placed it in an out of the way location. Those sitting in the driver's seat may have a hard time seeing the buttons and using the interface. Passengers, however, can easily see and reach this system.

How it Stacks up to the Competition

One car that has a similar look to the A3 Wagon is the Subaru Outback. While the Outback costs significantly less, it gets poorer gas mileage and lacks many of the entertainment features available on the A3. Some say that the Lexus IS is a competitor to the Wagon too. The IS costs nearly $7,000 more than the Wagon and doesn't come in as many trim packages either. The Wagon also has an infotainment system that comes with more features and is easier to use than the one found on the IS.

Conclusion

The 2016 Audi A3 Wagon is one of the most stylish and comfortable station wagons available today. While it comes packed with all the features that shoppers expect to find on luxury automobiles from Audi, it has a much lower price tag than they might expect too. While it may not have as much space as the standard sedan A3 has, it has more interior room than other wagons.