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.
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 2015 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2015 Acura ILXBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Buick VeranoBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Volvo S60Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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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 | Subcompact 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 | 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 | |
