Audi is a German luxury brand that makes high-performance cars loaded with features. That’s the case with the A3, the automaker’s entry-level subcompact car. But rather than having a slew of overly complicated tech features, its controls are intuitive and easy to use. Here’s why the 2023 Audi A3 controls are simple yet effective.

Consumer Reports praises the 2023 Audi A3 for its easy-to-use controls

Consumer Reports recently released a shortlist of vehicles with the easiest controls, and the Audi A3 is the only luxury car in the roundup. Luxury cars aren’t exactly known for simple controls, thanks to their huge touchscreens serving as hubs for many vehicle functions. 

The A3 still has a touchscreen, but at 10.1 inches, it isn’t imposing. In addition, the car has ample physical controls, such as knobs and buttons. That’s the case with the car’s climate controls. On top of that, Audi simplified the infotainment system so that it’s easier to use. For example, the system has fewer menus for drivers to scroll through, and the car’s voice activation system is more intuitive. 

By not relying on a touchscreen for every feature, the 2023 Audi A3 gets some additional safety benefits. That’s because many car crashes happen due to distracted driving. Complicated infotainment systems with large touchscreens can cause drivers to lose focus on the road and, thus, get into an accident. 

Other 2023 Audi A3 facts: Price, specs, and notable features

The 2023 A3 is the smallest Audi model, with a relatively affordable starting price of around $35,000. It boasts a well-laid-out interior with upscale materials such as genuine leather upholstery. However, its compact size brings some drawbacks.

For example, its seating and cargo capacities aren’t spacious. The front seats are comfortable, but taller passengers will feel cramped in the back row. The A3 also has only 10.3 cubic feet of trunk space — less than many of its rivals.

But the car’s small stature brings some big benefits too, especially in performance.

The 2023 Audi A3 offers three engine options. They start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It makes 201 hp and can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Yet it’s fuel efficient, getting 32 mpg combined. The other two engines are less efficient but far more potent, harnessing 306 and 401 hp. 

Here are the other models on Consumer Reports’ shortlist of cars with the easiest controls

Although the 2023 Audi A3 is an affordable luxury car, it might be too small for many car shoppers. Consumer Reports recommends three other models with easy-to-use controls. CR’s budget-friendly pick is the Honda CR-V. Starting at about $28,500, this compact SUV touts an exciting redesign.

The Nissan Leaf also appears on CR’s list. It’s actually cheaper than the CR-V because it starts at about $28,000. But the Leaf is an all-electric vehicle, so it might not be for everyone.

Last, Consumer Reports picks the $34,500 Chevy Traverse as the family SUV with the easiest controls.