2020 Audi A3 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Audi has made luxury sedans for the American market since 1969. They've always been ranked at the top for its performance and styling. In fact, they are even higher above similar vehicles from Lexus and BMW.

They do this in a quiet way. Where Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti shout about their vehicles, in a respectful manner, Audi isn't as brash. Yet, they continue to get awards and positive reviews. Such is the case with the 2020 Audit A3.

Part of the second-generation of design introduced in 2015, the luxury compact continues to make headway with its two styles -- the S Line and the Sport. Underneath these are two trims, the Premium and the Premium Plus. At a base MSRP of $33,000, the Audi A3 is an economical choice for a luxury sedan.

This guide demonstrates the key differences among the trim levels to assist consumers in choosing right A3 configuration that works best for them.

 

Compare the 2020 Audi A3 Premium vs Premium Plus. What's the Difference?

What this guide is looking at is the difference between the two trims for both the Sport and S-Line. Per review of the trim configurations, the main difference between the two styles is in drivetrain. The Sport has front-wheel-drive (FWD) as a standard while the S-Line has all-wheel-drive (AWD).

It sounds confusing, but Audi has a method to their madness. They wanted to make it easier for potential buyers. Thus, after the drivetrain, the trim differences in the Sport and S-Line are similar.

Performance

The Premium and Premium Plus trims have Turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) engines. A form of turbo powertrain, TFSI pressure-injects fuel straight into the combustion chamber. In turn, it creates a create a stratified charge. In other words, a spark ignition.

The Premium has a TFSI 40 model engine while the Premium Plus has a 45. Both are two-liter four-cylinder engines. The main difference is in the horsepower and torque ratings. The 40 TFSI gets 184 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. The 45 TFSI increases torque to 258 lb. ft. and a horsepower rating of 228.

Both trims have a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The S tronic combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the efficiency of a manual version. Audi has modified this by positioning the gear wheels one behind each other on the output shaft. Thus, it allows for a more compact design as well as ease of repair.

Fuel Economy

The 2020 Audi A3 trims get good efficiency ratings for both styles. The Premium gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. The 45 TFSI in the Premium Plus gets 22 miles per gallon on city streets and 30 on the highway. This is also due to the drivetrain difference -- FWD versus AWD.

The gas tank capacity is also difference between the two trims. The Premium has a value of 13.2 gallons while the Premium Plus is 14.5. When calculated, the total mileage on one tank is only 30 miles different between the two trims.

Handling

The Sport and S-Line styles of the 2020 Audi A3 get their handling from a series of high-end mechanics and design. It starts with a fully molded body of galvanized steel with aluminum hood. Together, these produce a lightweight body. In addition, they help absorb the rough surfaces that the MacPherson front struts and four-link rear suspension don't have chance to do.

The steering system is comprised of electromechanical components. It's speed-sensitive, so how it reacts depends on how fast the Audi A3 is moves. With a steering ratio of 15.3:1, the wheel doesn't need to be turned as much to move the tires. In fact, the ratio is similar to many models European luxury vehicles.

Exterior Features

There are only two differences between the trims of the Audi A3 styles. They are part of lighting package. The Premium has Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps. The Premium Plus has all-weather LED headlights and taillights with dynamic indicators.

Besides these items, the exterior features between the two are the same. The front end has Audi's iconic Singleframe grille. It not only provides the company's trademark look but also airflow to the powertrain. This is paired with sport line front/rear fascia and side sills.

The side-mirrors are heated, as well as the windshield washer dispensers on the hood. These are advantages in cold environments. Particularly the dispensers, since they can get clogged and take a while to defrost.

Interior Features

Besides the audio and technology, the 2020 Audi A3 has numerous interior features. Like the exterior, only a few differ between the Premium and Premium Plus trims. For instance, the latter has an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with built-in digital compass. The other is a backseat package that adds an additional USB port and 12-volt power outlet.

For climate control, the trims both offer dual-zone adjustment that can be automated. This helps adjust the temperature as the outside environment heats up or cools down. On top of this, the Audi's HVAC unit also comes with a charcoal-activated air filter. It not only cleans odors from the air put also removes impurities to increase the health of its occupants.

Further cleaning of the interior's air, as well as a way to absorb the warmth of a pleasant day, is done with a panoramic sunroof. It's part of the standard package on both trims.

Leather upholstery covers several surfaces. It coats the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The seats are heated and allow the driver and passenger to adjust them automatically eight ways. Furthermore, they both have four-way power lumbar adjustments.

Audio and Infotainment

Let's talk about the similarities first. Both trims of the Audi A3 have a seven-inch color infotainment touchscreen that's compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The technology allows drivers to utilize the apps on their smartphones on the display.

The system comes with Bluetooth wireless integration. It allows for music streaming through the Audi's audio system. It also permits hands-free calling, also heard from the vehicle's speakers.

The audio system is one thing different between the two trims. The Premium features one with ten speakers and a CD player with MP3 playback capability. The Premium Plus offers consumers a Bang & Olufsen system with 750 watts of power and 14 speakers.

Another addition in the Audi Premium is the smartphone box. It offers a signal booster and wireless charger. Thus, vehicle occupants can have a full-power smartphone when they reach their destination.

Safety

Like other European luxury sedans, the 2020 Audi A3 ensures the safety of the driver and passengers is top priority. Inside the cabin, occupants are protected by front-row knee and advanced airbags, knee airbags. Second-row passengers are protected with side head curtain airbags.

Next are the driving aids that minimize risk of collision with objects and other vehicles. These are collected together in the Audi pre-sense package. For the interior, the driver gets a rear-view camera to pinpoint safety issues. They also get keyless start and precipitation-sensing windshield wipers.

The Premium Plus has many more driver aids to help minimize accidents. For example, side assist with rear cross-traffic warning. The A3's parking system has front and rear acoustic sensors to detect obstacles.

Packages

While the other items in this comparison have small differences between the Premium and Premium Plus trims, there are considerable changes. For instance, the Premium only has two optional groups of features. The side and rear cross traffic package features the front/rear acoustic sensors for parking and rear cross traffic alerts. The Final Edition package upgrades the seats and steering wheel.

The Premium Plus offers the Final Edition setup and three more. 19" Wheel Package increases the size of the wheels and switches out the all-season tires to 235/35 summer performance.

The Navigation Package adds additional technology for the driver. One is a virtual cockpit with a 12" LCD digital instrument cluster. It comes with two visual modes. Either Classic instrumentation or Infotainment.

The last package available in the Premium Plus adds more driver-assistance technology. One of these is adaptive cruise control. Instead of constantly stopping and staring cruise control during traffic, This type of cruise control makes its own adjustments.

The other two driver aids are active lane and park assist. Both of these help control movement of the vehicle to ensure accidents are kept to a minimum. In both, warning sounds activate if the driver starts to slide into another lane or is close to hitting a nearby object in the parking lot.

The 2020 Audi A3: Which Trim to Choose?

From the explanations provided in this guide, what trim to choose might be confusing. They seem to have more features that are the same instead of different. While that may be true, which one to choose is actually easy to determine.

In this situation, the S-line with the Premium Plus trim is the ultimate choice for the consumer. It doesn't come down either to the interior/exterior nor to technology. In the end, it's about the power and drive trains.

The S-Line's TFSI 45 engine offers a good deal more horsepower and torque than the Premium's TFSI 40. It also has a fuel tank capacity that's only 30 miles less than the other trim. While the mpg averages are less, they aren't low enough to merit concern.

The other reason to purchase the S-Line Premium Plus is the type of drivetrain, which is AWD. While some consumers may believe all-wheel-drive is purposeless for a compact luxury sedan, others will find it critical. Especially individuals who live in areas with a good deal of snow. With AWD, surface traction is increased. In turn, the S-Line can handle the roads better.

In addition to climate, AWD also works well for roads with many curves. Again, this type of drivetrain keeps all four wheels on the road. Thus, making hairpin turns isn't nearly as harrowing.

On top of these items, the base MSRP of the Audi A3 S-Line isn't much more expensive than the Premium, which begins at $33,000. With all of the additions the Premium Plus has, the Premium Plus is only $3,000 more.

In the end, this guide is a good summary of what the 2020 Audi A3 offers in its Premium and Premium Plus trims. However, the only way for consumers to get a full idea of the type of vehicle to select is to visit a local Audi dealership. Look at the exterior and interior of the compact luxury sedan. Then, ask the questions you need to one of the sales representatives. Finally, take a test drive of both styles to feel how handling and powertrain performance feels.

When it's all done, the consumer will either go for a new 2020 Audi A3 or decide to look elsewhere.