
Right now, the set of small, pricey sedans is limited to a handful of cars.
The Buick Verano has the advantage of seniority, and it's a well-executed compact with a plush, quiet cabin and excellent safety scores, though it lacks a more-than-premium image.
The Acura ILX is a disappointment: the interior's not even quite as nice as the quick-update Honda Civic and performance is lackluster.
It's no Integra.
The A3's real intended target is the Mercedes CLA, a beautiful four-door with a very firm ride, a zesty powertrain, and a 355-hp AMG edition already in the pipeline.
Others might overlook one other key alternative to the A3: the Volvo S60, which is nearly seven inches longer than the A3 but a few inches short of the A4.
The S60 comes with a more fuel-efficient turbo four and an eight-speed automatic (and 37-mpg highway rating) at the base level—and it feels like a much more refined car for just a little more money.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | ||||
The 2015 Audi A3 and S3 put more pressure on "premium" small sedans, with real prestige in their badges and real potential in their spec sheets. |
The 2015 Acura ILX is a well-rounded compact premium sedan for those who want features and comfort, but don't mind sacrificing performance. |
The 2015 Buick Verano may not be much of a sports sedan, but it certainly delivers in the category of comfort. |
The 2015 CLA is a small Mercedes done right, with enough of the brand's style and refinement mixed with a dash of youthfulness. |
The 2015 Volvo S60 remains a striking shape with unbeatable safety ratings and equipment, and offers a range of models from quiet and comfortable to flamboyant and edgy. |
MSRP From | ||||
$29,900 | $27,050 | $21,065 | $31,500 | $33,300 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
23 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas/4-cyl | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan FWD 1.8T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 2.0L | 4-Door Sedan w/1SV | 4-Door Sedan CLA 250 FWD | 2015.5 4-Door Sedan T5 Drive-E FWD |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2015 Audi A3 vs. 2015 Acura ILX | 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2015 Buick Verano | 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2015 Volvo S60 |