Having previously experienced the Audi A3 1.8T, the opportunity to test drive the 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro presented a compelling prospect. The initial encounter with the 1.8T model was favorable, particularly noting the user-friendly MMI Touch infotainment system and the surprising agility for city driving. However, it also revealed areas for improvement, specifically in highway passing power and the S Tronic transmission’s tendency to hold lower gears excessively in Sport mode. This experience fueled a desire to evaluate the 2.0T quattro variant, aiming to discern the extent of its power advantage and any refinements in transmission performance.
alt="Audi Wilsonville dealership decal on the rear window of a 2015 Audi A3, promoting their #ForTheLoveOfAudi campaign, showcasing local Audi pride and community engagement."
Two months later, courtesy of Audi Wilsonville, the keys to a Glacier White A3 2.0T quattro became available for a Memorial Day weekend test drive. While an Audi A8 L 4.0T was initially preferred for longer trips, the A3 2.0T quattro emerged as the readily available alternative, offering a chance to delve into its capabilities. Setting aside the option of a Q7 TDI, the focus shifted squarely to understanding the nuances of the A3 2.0T quattro within the compact luxury sedan segment.
Similar to the previously tested 1.8T, this 2.0T quattro model was equipped with the MMI Navigation plus package. Despite the inclusion of the Cold Weather package, the pleasant weather rendered it unnecessary. The consistent presence of Bluetooth audio streaming in newer Audis served as a reminder of the absence of a native Bluetooth streaming option in the older 3G MMI system of a personal Audi S5. Interestingly, the dual SD card slots provided by the MMI Navigation plus system saw minimal use, with the coin slots behind the MMI Touch knob proving to be unexpectedly practical SD card holders.
alt="Close-up of the Audi A3's MMI control panel highlighting the coin slots repurposed as SD card holders, emphasizing a practical and unexpected use of interior design."
The drive back from Audi Wilsonville immediately presented an opportunity to assess the performance difference between the engines. Merging onto the freeway on-ramp provided the ideal setting to gauge the impact of the increased engine displacement and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The results were immediately apparent and impressive. The additional 0.2 liters of engine capacity translated to a significant power boost, delivering an extra 50 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque. This power increase manifested in a substantial improvement in acceleration, shaving nearly 1.5 seconds off the 0-60 mph sprint. Furthermore, the quattro system effectively channeled this power to the road, eliminating front-wheel slippage even on dry asphalt, ensuring optimal traction and launch performance.
The enhanced power output imbued the A3 2.0T quattro with a satisfying surge of acceleration from a standstill and ample responsiveness for overtaking maneuvers at highway speeds. The noticeable turbo lag and sluggish throttle response that characterized the 1.8T were largely absent in the 2.0T quattro. Within moments of driving, the initial impression of the 1.8T as somewhat underpowered was decisively reinforced by the more robust and refined performance of the 2.0T quattro.
The 2015 Audi A3 2.0T is paired with a six-speed S Tronic transmission, now integrated with the quattro all-wheel-drive components. However, the transmission’s shift programming and behavior in Sport mode (S mode) appeared largely consistent with the 1.8T model. In Drive mode (D), the transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, swiftly upshifting to higher gears. Conversely, in S mode, it exhibited a tendency to hold onto lower gears for extended periods, even when not under aggressive acceleration.
For example, during a 45-50 mph cruise on I-5 in S mode, the transmission maintained 3rd gear until reaching approximately 55-58 mph. Fortunately, switching between D and S modes remained straightforward, allowing for quick adjustments to more appropriate gear selection by simply nudging the gear selector. A minor drawback of the higher RPM operation in S mode was an increase in engine noise, becoming somewhat clattery at higher revs. While not as pronounced as some other engines known for their distinct sounds, it was a noticeable characteristic.
alt="Front three-quarter view of a Glacier White 2015 Audi A3 2.0T, highlighting its sleek design, signature Audi grille, and compact sedan profile."
Over a 48-hour period, slightly longer than a previous Audi R8 test drive, the A3 2.0T quattro served as a daily driver around the Portland metro area. Tasks ranged from grocery shopping to scouting potential photography locations in the NW Industrial district. A trip to NE Portland included a stop at Salt & Straw for their renowned ice cream and sorbet.
While not as diminutive as ultra-compact city cars, the A3’s size proved advantageous for navigating and parking in tighter urban spaces. However, the absence of parking assistance features, such as parking sensors or auto-dimming side mirrors, combined with somewhat larger blind spots than anticipated, made parallel parking slightly challenging. A late Sunday afternoon grocery run to Trader Joe’s presented an opportune parking spot adjacent to a black Audi A8. This pairing not only created a visually contrasting photo opportunity but also symbolically represented the initial desire for a larger A8 test drive versus the reality of the A3 2.0T quattro.
alt="Side-by-side comparison of a Black Audi A8 and a Glacier White Audi A3 2.0T parked in a grocery store parking lot, contrasting size and class within the Audi lineup."
Upon returning home, the estimated fuel economy averaged between 24 and 25 MPG, reflecting a driving mix of approximately 60% highway and 40% city conditions. This fuel consumption was achieved without any conscious effort towards hypermiling or maximizing economy, with the transmission frequently in S mode in urban settings and maintaining 4th or 5th gear on highways.
The following Monday was dedicated to a driving tour of Yamhill County, immersing in the scenic wine country and farmland landscapes. The A3’s suspension demonstrated a commendable balance, effectively absorbing road imperfections on less-than-perfect surfaces without sacrificing a connected and stable feel. The A3 2.0T quattro exhibited surprising agility through the curves of Wilsonville Road on the return journey to Audi Wilsonville. The absence of standard paddle shifters was noticeable during spirited cornering, though the transmission’s crisp 3rd-to-2nd and 2nd-to-3rd gear changes, coupled with the engine’s engaging soundtrack, complemented the enthusiastic driving experience.
alt="Illuminated instrument panel of an Audi A3, showcasing speedometer, tachometer, and central information display, emphasizing the car's driver-centric cockpit and modern gauges."
The Monday wine country drive yielded an estimated average fuel economy of 28.2 MPG. This figure is noteworthy considering a blend of spirited driving, relaxed highway cruising, and some stop-and-go traffic encountered in Dundee.
Throughout the weekend, only minimal front tire slippage was observed during aggressive launches from a standstill before the quattro system engaged, and this occurred primarily on slightly damp roads with cold tires. In contrast, the front-wheel-drive A3 1.8T exhibited more pronounced tire slippage and wheel spin, hindering clean, rapid starts. This front-wheel-drive characteristic also impacted the 1.8T’s handling during sharp turns onto highway on-ramps.
alt="Close-up of the circular air conditioning vents in an Audi A3, highlighting their unique design, metallic trim, and user-adjustable airflow direction."
A subtle observation carried over from the A3 1.8T experience to the 2.0T quattro was the color display within the instrument cluster. The color display included with the MMI Navigation plus package presented a slightly reddish hue to the white text and graphics. While not diminishing the display’s clarity compared to older Audi models, the red tint created a minor contrast against the bright white of the tachometer and speedometer numerals, a detail that, while not critical, was noticeable.
Considering a potential replacement for a 2004 Audi A4 3.0 quattro, the A3 TDI Sportback had been a strong contender. Sharing the A3 2.0T quattro with a family member for evaluation revealed positive impressions regarding the A3’s aesthetics and even greater enthusiasm for the TDI Sportback’s appearance based on online images. The only reservation expressed was regarding the round AC vents, although their ease of adjustability for airflow direction was acknowledged as an advantage over the A4’s vents. Additional desired features included dual-zone climate control and a rear parking camera, both of which are available within higher trim levels and option packages for the A3.
alt="Monroney sticker of a 2015 Glacier White Audi A3 2.0T quattro, detailing the vehicle's MSRP, options, fuel economy ratings, and standard features for prospective buyers."
The 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro, as tested, had a sticker price of $38,540.00, including destination charges but before sales taxes. This price point exceeds the base A3 1.8T Premium starting price of $29,990 and approaches the $40,000 threshold. Notably, for a slightly higher price, a 2014 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Premium with desirable packages could be considered.
While the A4 offers increased rear seat space, a larger trunk, and a more traditional quattro system, it lacks the updated MMI Navigation with touch and feels less nimble than the A3 due to its increased size and weight. The A3 also holds an advantage in fuel economy, achieving EPA ratings of 24 city/33 highway/27 combined MPG compared to the A4 2.0T quattro’s 20 city/29 highway/24 combined MPG.
In comparing the A3 1.8T and 2.0T quattro, recommending the 1.8T is challenging for scenarios beyond primarily city and limited highway driving. The 1.8T’s relative lack of power across the power band and susceptibility to front tire slippage on less-than-ideal road surfaces detract from the overall driving experience. The 1.8T might suffice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and not frequently carrying passengers or requiring all-wheel drive.
alt="Rear view of a Glacier White 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro, showcasing taillights, quattro badging, and the car's compact and sporty rear design."
The 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro effectively addresses these limitations and offers a more compelling package for a moderate price increase. Despite the enhanced performance, it achieves comparable fuel economy to the 1.8T, particularly in combined and highway ratings. This efficiency suggests that the 1.8T engine might be working harder and less efficiently in certain driving conditions.
Anticipation is high for experiencing the new A3 TDI sedan and the potential arrival of the A3 TDI Sportback in the US market. Ultimately, the 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro presents a well-rounded and enjoyable compact luxury sedan experience, deserving consideration for those seeking a blend of performance, efficiency, and Audi refinement.
Disclaimer: Test drive vehicle provided by Audi Wilsonville.
