The A3 is the smallest car series Audi sells in the U.S. Available in 3 body styles, the A3 line includes a five-passenger sedan model as the entry point to the Audi brand. The A3 includes leather seating, dual-zone climate control, HID lighting, and alloy wheels as standard equipment. Front-wheel-drive models are offered in addition to Audi's quattro AWD. All models are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission. The performance-oriented S3 sedan has upgraded engine performance, larger brakes and a unique suspension.

The 2017 A3 cabriolet and sedan wear an updated front fascia with new headlights. Front-wheel-drive models are now equipped with a 2.0L turbo paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A limited number of RS 3 models will be sold as 2017 model year vehicles.