“Improvement areas: 1. Redesign armrests to be more functional. 2. Better rear view needed. 3. Add basic odometer screen. 4. More durable wheel rims... already has nicks and dents.”
2015 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Audi A3 is an all-new, third-generation model for the U.S., replacing the previous hatchback-focused format with a sedan-led lineup. The family also expands during the model year with a Cabriolet and a diesel-powered TDI sedan.
About the 2015 Audi A3
3rd generation (8V), first full US model year for the redesigned A3 family; sedan launched first, with Cabriolet and TDI joining during the 2015 model year.
Audi positioned the A3 as a true gateway into the brand, not a stripped-down budget Audi. The message centered on compact size, sharp styling, upscale cabin materials, and technology borrowed from larger Audi models. For most shoppers, the A3 was the small luxury car for someone who wanted a premium badge, tidy city-friendly dimensions, and a more polished feel than mainstream compact sedans, with the added choice of open-top Cabriolet or high-mpg TDI versions.
The 2015 A3 ranges from well-equipped Premium models with leather, xenon headlights, and Bluetooth audio to Prestige versions with navigation, full LED headlights, premium audio, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The 1.8T models pair front-wheel drive with a 170-hp gas engine, while 2.0T models bring 220 hp and all-wheel drive; the TDI sedan emphasizes highway efficiency with a 150-hp diesel engine.
What changed, by category
Structural
The A3 moves to its all-new third-generation design for the 2015 U.S. model year.
Styling
The U.S. lineup shifts from the previous hatchback-focused format to a sedan-led range, with a Cabriolet joining during the model year.
Powertrain
The redesigned range includes a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo gas engine with front-wheel drive, a 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo gas engine with all-wheel drive, and a 150-hp 2.0-liter diesel in the front-wheel-drive TDI sedan.
Tech
The new lineup raises the equipment baseline with leather seating, xenon lighting, Bluetooth audio, and a retractable infotainment display on Premium models. Prestige trims add navigation, a handwriting controller, premium audio, and full LED headlights.
Safety
Audi pre sense basic is widely included across the redesigned lineup, while Prestige trims add a rearview camera, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.
2015 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 31 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 31 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 31 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 23–24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 43 mpg | 33–35 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 43 mpg | 33–35 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 43 mpg | 33–35 mpg | 32–33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | |||
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | |||
| Seats | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Audi A3 redesigned?
Yes. The 2015 Audi A3 begins the third generation in the U.S. and changes from the previous hatchback-focused model to a sedan-led family.
What body styles joined the 2015 Audi A3 lineup?
The 2015 Audi A3 launched first as a sedan, and a Cabriolet joined later in the model year. This was a major shift from the older U.S. lineup’s hatchback-focused format.
What engines does the redesigned 2015 Audi A3 use?
The 2015 Audi A3 has three core engines: a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo gas engine with front-wheel drive, a 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo gas engine with all-wheel drive, and a 150-hp 2.0-liter diesel with front-wheel drive. All three use a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2015 Audi A3 TDI new for this generation?
Yes. The diesel-powered A3 TDI sedan joined the redesigned U.S. lineup during the 2015 model year, using a 150-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine and front-wheel drive.
Is the 2015 Audi A3 a major change from the 2014 model?
Yes. The 2015 A3 is a full redesign rather than a light update, bringing a new generation, a sedan-led body lineup, new trim structure, and gas and diesel powertrain choices.
2015 Audi A3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Audi A3.
4.4
2015 Audi A3
(431 reviews)
“Slight flaw in paint on driver's side.\nWeird lump in driver's seat-cannot feel when sitting\nPossible valve leak from rear right tire-reading under inflated.”
“the car is real nice had some misfires at say 4k miles and at 6k miles my turbo sounds like it might give in any day stopped using it to go to work and being my daily driver and got an old car that seemed more reliable (1984 BMW 318i)”