2016 Audi A3 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Audi A3 convertible (Cabriolet) and luxury sedan are gaining lots of popularity thanks to the blending of an established luxury brand and entry-level price. Despite the relatively low price, the new A3 doesn't feel compromised. It has an opulent interior; it is fun to drive and comes with a potent engine lineup. It brings the same solid qualities delivered by its bigger siblings, a quiet interior with nimble handling.

The 2016 Audi A3 is available as a Cabriolet (convertible) that can seat four or a sedan seating 5. An automated manual transmission and front-wheel drive come standard, although the all-wheel drive is also available. The Audi A3 got a complete redesign for its 2015 model and had seen minor changes for this year.

 

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

1) Contemporary Design

Critics hold that the 2016 model has one of the best interiors in its class, having elegant, top-quality materials and understated design.

The Audi A3 has the feel of:

• More comfort
• More interior space
• An airier cabin
• Fewer blind spots for the driver
• A sharper handling.

Test drivers have indicated that the Audi A3 of 2016 cabin has luxurious materials, a handsome and contemporary design. The infotainment system has been reviewed as incredibly user-friendly.

2) Performance

The 2016 Audi A3, according to the majority of automotive experts is engaging to drive, with strong road grip, nimble handling, and potent turbocharged engine options. Also, it has a smooth, comfortable ride and offers excellent fuel economy.

The Audi A3ride is comfortable and composed while the cabin is quiet. The turbocharged engine supplies a solid low-end power that gives you confidence when driving on the freeway or around town.

3) Uncluttered Dashboard

The 2016 Audi A3 Sedan has been fitted with an clean uncluttered dashboard that places more emphasis on functionality. The highlights of the dashboard include several understated styling components like a simple instrument cluster composed of 4 analog gauges and chrome-ringed air vents.

4) MMI Infotainment Interface

The MMI system of 2016 Audi A3 is among the leading in the class, with quick response time and straightforward modern controls. The Audi A3 latest MMI version with its aluminum dials, buttons and switches are visually clean. The controls are easy to operate through simple touching.

It is packed with features that include:

• 3D animations
• A drawing pad
• Intuitive software.

5) Excellent Craftsmanship

Similar to other Audi models, the interior of the 2016 Audi excels in craftsmanship and style. It is refined, roomy and straightforward regarding layout and design.

6) Adjustable Driver’s Seat

A power-adjustable and well-bolstered driver's seat, together with a front passenger seat that is manually set furnishes excellent support when moving. The car drives smoothly and manages somehow to feel like a class above when you are on long cruises on the highway.

7) Acceleration and Power

Reviewers have praised the entire engine lineup of the A3.

• The engine feels strong when passing and merging at speed

• The 2.0-liter engine supplies a quick speed burst

• The TDI diesel engine nicely balances fuel economy and performance

• Shifting is quick and smooth with the automated manual transmission

8) Handling and Braking

Automotive journalists have observed that the 2016 model rides comfortably when on uneven pavement, easily smoothing out the bumps as they emerge. The Quattro setup of the car puts you solidly on the road and holds you there firmly, gripping, grabbing, and braking perfectly as you would expect.

9) Powerful 300-Horsepower 4-cylinder All-Wheel Drive

For those who prefer a drive that is more aggressive, the powerful 2016 Audi sedan standard all-wheel drive and nearly 300-horsepower 4-cylinder engine will make easy work of whichever twisty road you put it on, as well as a comfortable ride around your local town.

10) Recalls & Reliability

The2016 Audi A3 has had no National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety recalls. It comes with a 50,000-mile/4-year limited warranty.
 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Audi A3 – The Cons

1) Seating Capacity

The 2016 A3 sedan has been designed to seat 5 while the convertible version only holds 4. Therefore, space has been seen an issue.
The rear-seat accommodations are rather tight, particularly when you have three passengers behind there.
The front seat lacks lateral support, although a more significant matter of concern is the 2016 Audi A3 backseat.
When seated, the legroom is seriously compromised.
2) Cargo Holding

The trunk space of the 2016 Audi A3 stands at 12.3 cubic feet, which is rather small for that class of vehicles. Nearly all-wheel-drive models come with trunk space measuring ten cubic feet.

The convertible models provide 9.9 cubic feet when the top is up and only 7.1 cubic feet when it is down. The majority of critics agree that space is tight. A tiny trunk and a cramped backseat are without question the biggest drawbacks of the 2015 Audi A3.

3) Low MMI infotainment Interface Placement

Reviewers have remarked that the MMI infotainment interface has been placed quite low on the 2016 Audi A3 dash. This makes it rather hard to make out the button and their functions until you've finally mastered them by touch.

4) Safety Standards

The 2016 Audi A3 has not received a rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also, the A3 lacks any knee airbags, a feature found on lots of luxury cars and even several non-luxury cars.

5) Cost Effectiveness

The interior design and electronics need updating, particularly the dashboard placement of gadgets. It should not be assumed that the Audi badge itself will be sufficient to sell the model. The competition out there, including from the lineup of Audi itself, is perhaps more compelling.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The Audi A3 compares very favorably with the Lexus 2015 RC and the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class regarding performance.

• The safety rating for this make stands at 9.3, higher than the 8.9 for the 2015 Mercedes BenzC-Class and slightly lower than Lexus 2015 RC’s 10 rating.
• The 2016 Audi A3 is cheaper than both its peers in all aspects.

Conclusion

The Audi A3 has set the benchmark for a smaller new segment for entry-level luxury sedans. Certainly, it's small, but that does not make it less rewarding or luxurious to drive when contrasted against the pricier Audis. With its broad range of technology, luxury and powertrain options, the 2016 Audi A3 is offering something for everybody at an entry price that is attractive.