The 2025 A3 sedan is Audi’s entry-level model in North America, but this compact four-door still delivers a fun driving experience akin to the brand’s bigger sports sedans. For 2025, it has undergone several updates, so I reached out to Audi for a test drive to check out its performance.

The A3 is Audi’s bread and butter, a reliable sedan that goes head-to-head with competitors like the Acura Integra, Mercedes CLA, Cadillac CT4, and BMW 2 series.

What’s New for 2025?

The A3 gets a fresh look with a new front end that’s wider and taller, ditching the chrome frame. The side vents are bigger now, and the headlights have been updated to move the daytime running lights to the top. These tweaks aim to make the car look more spacious and lower. The back has minor updates too, like a new rear bumper and a unique diffuser. Plus, the trunk offers 10.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for a grocery run or a weekend trip.

Under The Hood

The 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engine is paired with a 48-volt hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, making a comeback for 2025. It still delivers 201 horsepower, but torque has bumped up from 221 lb-ft to 236 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is now standard on the A3. It goes from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and if you drive gently, you can expect to achieve 34 mpg on the highway.

Driving

Once sat behind the wheel, how does the A3 stack up? Well, first impressions are good, it feels like a mature car, it’s practical, and it rides very smoothly. It’s as if it has been designed for those who appreciate a sensible ride. It does almost everything well and with no fuss. Don’t get me wrong, though, it’s not boring to drive.

It handles corners predictably yet with a surprising eagerness, and the steering is just right; responsive without being too touchy. Approach a corner, steer in, maintain your path, and ease off the wheel as you exit. Easy peasy, onto the next one.

The brakes are built for some serious driving, and the harder you brake, the better they feel, giving you a great sense of control. The downside? They can be a bit grabby at lower speeds, which can be annoying in town and stop-start traffic.

Dare I say it, but it might even be more fun to throw into corners than the S3 since there is less grip from the tires and a softer, more forgiving suspension setup, which lets the car dance around a bit.  The power isn’t really sufficient to get yourself into any bother, and as long as the roads are clear, this car puts a huge smile on your face. without worrying about exceeding smart sightlines or braking distances.

The ride is definitely on the firm side, but even in Dynamic mode it’s never crashy like a BMW, but it’s not too soft like a Mercedes, you know the Goldilocks choice. The 2025 A3 does a great job of balancing those two vibes, though if you hit some really bumpy roads, you might wish the suspension were a bit softer. On the highway, it feels super stable and calm, with hardly any wind noise. It’s a great choice for long drives.

Interior

The interior has been revamped, and it feels way more high-end now. There’s silver trim around the air vents, new lighting features, and stylish fabric accents all over. Plus, the steering wheel airbag is now smaller and rounder, and the gear selector has been shrunk down too.

The leather-covered front seats are fully powered, and have the right level of support and comfort even if they are a bit on the firm side,. Rear seat occupants do suffer from a lack of space and legroom, but remember this is a subcompact car.

The upgrades to the cabin materials do pay off, making it feel much more luxurious than the outgoing car. The stylish decorative fabric inlays and chrome vents help contribute to this overall feel. There’s a cool ambient lighting system that illuminates the door panels with 300 laser-cut designs in the fabric. Audi’s decorative inlays have a suede-like appearance and texture, but they’re made from Dinamica. While this synthetic material isn’t brand new, it now includes recycled polyester. The alternative fabric option is completely made from recycled polyester.

The 2025 A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 12.5-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus digital display, four USB ports, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, you can get a wireless phone charger too. The best news is that Audi has provided physical buttons for the climate control instead of integrating them into the touchscreen. Volkswagen please pay attention.

Pricing

There are only 2 trims, Premium and Premium Plus. Prices start at $38,200, and you’ll pay an additional $2,600 for the Premium Plus trim.  That package includes a Sonos Sound System, LED interior lighting, Driver Seat Memory, Auto dimming interior mirror, and Adaptive Cruise with Lane guidance.

My tester also had the Black Optic Package for $1,750, which includes 18-inch 5-spoke wheels with these 225/40 Pirelli P Zero all-season tires, Black Audi Rings, Black Exterior trim, and Sport Suspension

Finally, the tech package for $1,660 gets you Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, and traffic sign recognition. Add that up and you get a total of $46,040.

VIDEO REVIEW

 

Verdict

The 2025 Audi A3 is pretty compelling. It drives smoothly, does its job without any drama, and you’ll only feel uncomfortable if you hit a massive pothole on a bumpy road. Plus, the inside is packed with tech, with the only downside of a cramped rear seat, but who really cares about that?

2025 Audi A3 quattro Numbers

BASE PRICE: $38,200
AS TESTED PRICE: $46,040 (Premium Plus Trim)
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: 2.0-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with 48 V mild hybrid system 
POWER: 201 hp @ 4,800 rpm
TORQUE: 236 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-60 MPH: 6.2 sec
WHEELS: 18-inch 5-double-spoke
TIREZS: Pirelli P Zero All Season –  225/40R-18
CURB WEIGHT: 3,494 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 10.9 cubic feet
EPA COMB/CITY/HWY:  28/24/34 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY:  22.1 mpg
PROS: Nicely updated interior, very economical, great handling
CONS: A little turbo lag