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2018 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Audi A3 is standard blind-spot monitoring on the gas A3 Premium Plus. Otherwise, this is a light equipment-update year, with no redesign or powertrain overhaul.
About the 2018 Audi A3
3rd gen Audi A3 (8V, facelift introduced for 2017), late-refresh year
Audi positions the A3 as the smallest entry point into the brand: a compact luxury car that gives buyers the look, cabin quality, and technology feel of a larger Audi in an easier-to-live-with size. In 2018, that identity stretches across sedan, Cabriolet, and plug-in-hybrid Sportback forms. The appeal is simple: upscale interior design, clean exterior styling, available quattro traction on gas models, and premium-brand polish without moving up to an A4.
Premium serves as the straightforward entry trim, with leather seating, heated front seats, xenon headlights, and front automatic braking. Premium Plus adds keyless entry, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and sportier exterior details, while Prestige stands out with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, navigation, premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring becomes standard on gas A3 Premium Plus models instead of being optional.
Tech
Gas A3 sedans and Cabriolets gain standard heated front seats and two USB ports. The A3 Sportback e-tron receives only minor trim and package adjustments.
2018 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic / Auto, 6-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic / Auto, 6-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic / Auto, 6-Spd S tronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas / Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30–31 mpg | 30–31 mpg | 30–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 204–220 hp | 204–220 hp | 204–220 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.9–35.4 in | 31.9–35.4 in | 31.9–35.4 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Electric Range | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| MPGe Combined | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| 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 | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Audi A3?
The biggest change is standard blind-spot monitoring on gas A3 Premium Plus models. It was optional on that trim for 2017.
Was the Audi A3 redesigned for 2018?
No, the 2018 Audi A3 was not redesigned. It carries forward the refreshed design introduced for 2017 and receives only light equipment changes.
What became standard on the 2018 Audi A3 Premium?
Heated front seats and two USB ports became standard on 2018 gas A3 Premium sedans and Cabriolets. Leather seating, dual-zone climate control, xenon headlights, and front automatic braking are also key Premium features.
Did the 2018 Audi A3 get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Audi A3 did not receive a new engine lineup. Gas models retain their turbocharged 2.0-liter engines, and the Sportback e-tron retains its 1.4-liter plug-in-hybrid system.
Is the 2018 Audi A3 a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 A3 is only a modest equipment upgrade over the 2017 model. Its main advantages are standard heated front seats and dual USB ports on gas models, plus standard blind-spot monitoring on Premium Plus.
2018 Audi A3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi A3.
4.0
2018 Audi A3
(168 reviews)
“Audi's A3 is the entry level sedan. Opting for a Premium Plus edition including S-Line package, the vehicle is sleek in design and looks powerful. One complaint is the location of the cruise control and less than stellar acceleration. If you want true performance out of an A3 go for the S3 or RS3 if money is no a consideration. Overall I am thoroughly satisfied with my A3.”
“This vehicle makes driving fun. The ease in acceleration all the way to the sleek design makes it incredibly enjoyable.”