“I was a little hesitant at first driving this new vehicle but my daughter was right. She said once I got the hang of driving this vehicle that I would love it! All the technology was a steep learning curve but I am getting the hang of it. This car is so much fun to drive!”
2016 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Audi A3 is the arrival of the Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid hatchback that can handle short trips on electricity and use gasoline for longer drives. The rest of the A3 lineup receives useful equipment updates rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Audi A3
3rd generation A3 (8V), early pre-refresh US year; second year for sedan/TDI, early year for cabriolet in this generation, and first US year for the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.
Audi pitches the A3 as a small luxury car that brings larger-Audi design, cabin quality, and technology into a city-friendly size. Its core appeal is straightforward: upscale interior materials, sharp styling, tidy dimensions, and a choice of personalities ranging from efficient diesel and plug-in hybrid versions to stronger quattro gas models and a convertible. Against rivals, the A3’s big draw is that it feels like a real Audi in miniature, not a stripped-down entry car.
Audi positioned the 2016 A3 range to cover several priorities: the 1.8T focused on straightforward luxury, the stronger 2.0T paired turbo power with all-wheel drive, and the TDI emphasized long-distance efficiency. The new e-tron added a practical hatchback body and plug-in hybrid power, while Prestige trims stood out with navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The A3 Sportback e-tron joined the US lineup in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. Its plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor.
Safety
A rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors became standard. Prestige trims also made lane-keeping assistance, front automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control standard.
Tech
Gas and diesel A3 models gained standard heated mirrors and heated washer nozzles. Premium Plus trims also made the auto-dimming rearview mirror standard.
Styling
Gas and diesel models gained standard aluminum interior trim. The rear spoiler changed from standard to optional across the lineup.
2016 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T | 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 | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | 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 | 204 hp | 204 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp | 204 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 258 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 | 13.6 cu-ft | 13.6 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 9.9–12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 13.6 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 9.9–12.3 cu-ft | 9.9–10 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 9.9–12.3 cu-ft | 9.9–10 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.1 in | 31.9–35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.4 in | 35.1 in | 31.9–35.1 in | 31.9–35.1 in | 35.1 in | 31.9–35.1 in | 31.9–35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| MPGe Combined | 83 | 83 | 83 | |||||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Audi A3?
The biggest difference is the addition of the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid. The 2016 lineup also gained more standard parking equipment, while Prestige trims received additional standard driver-assistance features.
Was the 2016 Audi A3 redesigned?
No, the 2016 Audi A3 was not redesigned. It remained part of the third-generation A3 lineup and received a new plug-in hybrid model plus modest equipment changes.
Is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron fully electric?
No, the 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron is a plug-in hybrid. It uses an electric motor for short electric trips and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine for backup and longer drives.
Does every 2016 Audi A3 have a rearview camera and parking sensors?
Yes, the 2016 A3 lineup made a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors standard equipment.
Which 2016 Audi A3 trims have the most driver-assistance features?
Prestige trims have the most extensive driver-assistance equipment. Their standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and front collision warning with automatic braking.
2016 Audi A3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi A3.
4.3
2016 Audi A3
(387 reviews)
“My Audi A3 drives incredibly smooth, entertainment system is glamorous, and the exterior is beautiful!”
“The 2016 Audi A3 is classy and sporty with a ton of convenience and tech features. It's powerful, quick off the the line with the 2.0 liter engine and feels safe and connected to the road. The black ops package adds larger wheels, upgraded rims, and ground effects to make for a very unique appearance. The included sound system on the premium level model could do with some power upgrades and bass enhancements.”