Is the Audi A3 a good car? After taking a brief vacation, the A3 is back for 2022 and it wants to prove itself as a competitive compact sports sedan. The A3 received a facelift for the 2022 model year and its redesign looks great on the surface. 

This is the cheapest new Audi you can buy in 2022, but is it worth the money? Check out the pros and cons of Audi A3 performance, handling, cabin quality, standard features, and technology options.

2022 Audi A3 performance and handling

Audi is known for building cars that are fun to drive and capable. The A3 is the entry-level model in Audi’s lineup, so don’t expect premier sports-car handling from it, but it does have some good energy to offer. See the pros and cons of Audi A3 performance.

Performance Pros

Pro #1: Impressive acceleration and a fun, peppy engine

The 2022 A3 comes standard with a 201-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Its acceleration is quick and energetic when it first gets going, but that tenacity starts to weaken once the A3 gets any real speed. Choose the Audi S6 for over 300 horsepower and more aggressive acceleration, but note the $10K+ price difference.

Pro #2: Upgraded sport suspension for improved handling

The 2022 Audi A3 line offers upgraded sport suspensions as an optional add-on for the new models. Thanks to the upgraded mechanics, the new A3’s handling is sharp and the steering provides excellent feedback. The Audi A3 equipped with all-wheel drive reduces understeer by allowing better grip from the rear tires. 

Performance Cons

Con #1: Sport-tuned suspension delivers a stiffer ride

Yes—surprisingly, the new sport-tuned suspension plays a part in both a pro and a con. While the updated suspension improved overall handing, the overall ride quality suffers because of it. However, the Audi A3 does come standard with a non-sport-tuned suspension, so this is a soft con.

Con #2: Disappointing downshifts

The dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission found in the 2022 Audi A3 is perfectly usable but it isn’t inspiring by any means. It can upshift with energy when needed, but Cars.com reports that downshifting seems to take an eternity. That can cause frustration for the driver.

2022 Audi A3 interior and features

With a starting price of over $30,000, consumers should be able to expect a high-quality, comfortable interior for the 2022 Audi A3 with plenty of tech features to keep anyone happy. But does the A3 deliver? See the pros and cons of Audi A3 interiors.

Interior Pros

Pro #1: Easy-to-use infotainment technology

The 2022 A3 comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that functions as the one and only screen—which many reviewers prefer over the multi-screen setup offered in other Audi cars. The infotainment system is built with some physical push buttons and dials. Sadly, the Audi A3’s cabin still forces you to use a touch slider if you want to adjust the volume from the infotainment system.

Pro #2: A plethora of standard features

The new Audi A3 base model comes standard with tri-zone climate control, heated leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a moonroof. Safety features include lane-departure warning with steering assist and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Does the base Audi A3 have all-wheel drive? It’s actually an option that can be added for around $2,000, but AWD is standard on the Audi S3.

Interior Cons

With all the nice things to say about the 2022 Audi A3, we can’t forget that we all have our flaws. And this affordable compact luxury car… it’s got some flaws.

Con #1: A lack of rear legroom and limited cargo storage

Cars.com reported uncomfortable seating for adults in the rear seat due to limited rear legroom. Headroom for backseat passengers is compromised by the very cool-looking slope of the rear. The 2022 Audi A3 offers only 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is less than many of its competitors.

Con #2: A surprisingly cheap-feeling interior

This is one of the most disappointing Audi A3 cons. The cabin features more cheap plastics than we’d like, even in the front of the cabin where a luxury car should really shine. There are soft-touch panels that only loosely fit the definition of “soft,” and passengers in the rear seat may mistake your car for a Corolla based solely on interior quality.

Is the Audi A3 worth buying?

Do Audi A3 sedans have some problems? Sure. But are those problems enough to discount this car entirely? We think not.

Cars.com’s list of pros and cons was evenly matched for the 2022 A3: four positives and four negatives. The base model starts at $34,800, which is plenty reasonable for a luxury sports sedan. Its 2.0-liter turbo is peppy and fun to throw around. If you plan to drive often with more than one or two passengers, a larger sedan may be the better choice. But if you want a good all-around compact commuter sedan, the Audi A3 fits the bill.