2014 Audi A3

With the facelifted Mercedes-Benz CLA out now (click here to read our review) and the 2017 Audi A3 just arriving, things are heating up in the entry-level premium sedan segment. Like the updated CLA, this new A3 is less about ground-breaking changes and more about subtle but noteworthy improvements. As a result, the 2017 A3 has received a few cosmetic changes, but the new look is just the beginning for this much-needed update.

The world of cars seems to have come full circle. Not in terms of sales or the options available, but every single car that has grown over the decades to a size above now needs another model below it that is of the original size of that car. Premium manufacturers are also discovering a market in a size and price bracket below their traditional customers – this works out well for them, as these products are projected as an additional fuel-efficient model for the family in developed markets, and an easier step up to luxury in developing markets. Enter the Audi A3, which will be the easiest access to a premium luxury sedan when it launches.