Top 3 Audi A3 trims head to head: here’s our winner.

By Farzana Chaumoo

Like many automakers, Audi offers different trim packages for their vehicles to match a buyer with the desired features while keeping the whole purchase within budget limits. In the case of Audi, not all vehicles are available in all trim levels.

 

Premium

The Premium level tends to leave out some of the popular standard equipment and other features may only be available as extra options. For example, on the A3, the most affordable Audi, the Premium trim package offers heated seats, and Audi's navigation system as paid options while they are included as standard equipment on other packages. The Premium level is a great way to get into an Audi at the most affordable price possible if the buyer is willing to sacrifice some extra features.

 

Premium Plus

The mid-level trim package, Premium Plus is pretty straightforward. It tends to include some of the paid options from the lower level as standard equipment and offer more upgrade options for advanced features. Continuing on with the A3 as an example, it comes with 17" alloy wheels with an option to upgrade to 18" at the Premium level but the Premium Plus version comes with the 18" wheels and can be upgraded to 19" wheels that would come with the higher trim package. At the Premium Plus level, there are additional options that are not available on Premium models including: the Sport package and an upgraded sound system. The Premium Plus level offers a compromise between affordability and available equipment.

 

Prestige

The Prestige level represents the top of the line for Audi models, there is no compromise here. This level transforms the example A3 into a fully loaded luxury vehicle. The expensive navigation upgrade is already included in the price, as are the largest wheels and nearly every other option available on the Premium model. There are still some options, to be sure, but they are largely extras like floor mats and a cargo box that do not change much about the car's specifications. The sport package is still an upgrade but comforts like Audi's advanced keyless start and entry system are included.

 

A3 sport 

Show your sporty side with the A3 sport equipment version. Features include:

 

• Air inlet grilles with vertical struts in aluminium look
• 17˝ cast aluminium wheels in 5-arm design
• Inlay in aluminium mistral
• S sport seats, front, S line seat upholstery in fine Nappa leather, black with contrasting stitching
• in rock grey – optionally available in conjunction with S line sport package
• Gear or selector lever knob in leather
• Sport suspension and Audi drive select
• Chrome-plated trims for exhaust tailpipes, single or twin tailpipes depending on engine variant
• Diffuser insert in aluminium look

 

S line sport package 

The S line sport package creates even more highlights and further enhances the vehicle’s sporty character. Features include:

 

• S sport seats, front, S line seat upholstery in optional fine Nappa leather, black with contrasting stitching in rock grey (in conjunction with S line sport package the sport seats, front are equipped with S line seat upholstery in sequence cloth/leather as standard)
• Matt brushed aluminium inlays 
• Gear or selector lever knob in black perforated leather 
• S line sport suspension 
• Illuminated door sill trims, front, with aluminium inlays and S logo 
• Pedals and footrest in stainless steel 
• Contrasting stitching in rock grey on seats, steering wheel, gear/selector lever knob and floor mats

 

S line exterior package:

Emphasise the sporty character of your A3 with the S line exterior package. Features include:

 

• Black air inlet grilles in honeycomb design 
• Chrome-plated trims for exhaust tailpipes, single or twin tailpipes depending on engine variant 
• Diffuser insert with honeycomb design 
• S line roof edge spoiler 
• Front and rear bumpers, as well as side sill trims in a striking, sporty design 
• S line emblem on the front wings

 

Verdict

We cannot tell you which one is better for you, that decision lies with you, your pocket, and what features you really want. Although top trims do offer more equipment and may sell better on the used market. Visit an Audi Dealership to discuss all the options and extras available for an Audi A3.