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2020 Audi A3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Class: Subcompact Cars
Body styles: 4dr Sedan Quattro, Cabriolet
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower: 184–402 hp
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, automatic, 1-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 30 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
Length: 174.8–175.6 in
Curb weight: 3,362–3,583 lb
NHTSA rating: ★★★★★
Recalls: 3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2020 subcompact car (22.9 MPG).
Strong performanceUp to 402 hp, versus about 248 hp for similar 2020 models.
AWD / 4WD available
5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,362 lb (4dr Sedan Quattro).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 31% better than the 2020 subcompact car average of 22.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2020

Lightest version 187 lb heavier

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 A3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine184–228 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl

Engine228 hp2.0L 4-cyl

Powertrain402 hpElectric motor

Transmission7-speed automatic · automatic · 1-speed automatic

DriveAWD/4WD · FWD

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

Premiumquattro Premiumquattro Premium PlusPremium Plus

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringSome trims

Rear cross-traffic alertSome trims

Lane departure warningSome trims

Lane keeping assistSome trims

Adaptive cruise controlSome trims

Parking assistOptional

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Keyless startStandard

LED headlightsYes

Built in: Ingolstadt, Germany · Brussels, Belgium

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 A3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

Body	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Track F / R	Curb weight	Weight F/R
4dr Sedan Quattro	175.6 in	70.9 in	55.9 in	103.9 in	61.4 / 60.2 in	3,362 lb	60/40
Cabriolet	174.8 in	70.9 in	53.5 in	102.4 in	60.6 / 59.4 in	3,583 lb	60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City / Hwy / Comb	vs. class	Fuel / yr	CO₂ g/mi
A3	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S7)	Front-Wheel Drive	27 / 36 / 30	+31%	$2,250	293
A3 quattro	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S7)	All-Wheel Drive	22 / 30 / 25	+9%	$2,700	359
A3 Cabriolet quattro	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S7)	All-Wheel Drive	22 / 30 / 25	+9%	$2,700	359

7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

7/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

22.9 MPG2020 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2020 Audi A3 4 DR AWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 5★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	10.9%
2020 Audi A3 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 5★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	10.9%

StandardElectronic stability control

StandardForward collision warning

OptionalLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2020 Audi A3 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2020 Audi A3 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 subcompact cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2020 Audi A3 (this car)	30 MPG	★★★★★	3
2020 BMW 3 Series	30 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Lexus IS	24 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Tesla Model 3	330 mi	★★★★★	21
2020 Audi A5	27 MPG	Not rated	4
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class	28 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 BMW X1	27 MPG	Not rated	1

Recalls (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · 153,152 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Audi A3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

17Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

1Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

0Injuries reported

7,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Air Bags9

Electrical System2

Unknown Or Other2

Power Train2

Vehicle Speed Control1

Wheels1

Seat Belts1

Tires › Sidewall1

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Audi A3 buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Audi A3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other A3 years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall	Recalls	Complaints
2027 A3	28	–	Not rated	0	0
2026 A3	28	177.2 in	Not rated	0	2
2025 A3	28	177.2 in	Not rated	0	5
2024 A3	32	177.2 in	Not rated	0	2
2023 A3	32	177.2 in	Not rated	2	7
2022 A3	32	177.2 in	Not rated	6	9
2019 A3	29	175.6 in	★★★★★	4	15
2018 A3	36	174.8 in	★★★★★	7	45
2017 A3	34	174.8 in	Not rated	5	71
2016 A3	39	174.8 in	Not rated	6	121
2015 A3	35	174.8 in	Not rated	7	176
2013 A3	32	168.9 in	Not rated	3	16

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →