2016 Audi A3 Length: Key Dimensions and What They Mean for Drivers
The 2016 Audi A3 sedan is approximately 175.4 inches (4,457 mm) long, while the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid is slightly longer at about 169.8 inches (4,313 mm). These dimensions place the A3 firmly in the premium compact segment, balancing city-friendly size with usable interior space.
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Understanding the 2016 Audi A3’s Overall Size
The 2016 Audi A3 was offered in several body configurations globally, but in key markets like the U.S. it was primarily known as a compact luxury sedan, with the Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid adding a hatchback option. Length is a critical measurement because it affects parking ease, maneuverability, and how much space designers can allocate to passengers and luggage.
Main Body Styles and Their Lengths
The following list outlines the approximate overall lengths of the main 2016 Audi A3 variants most commonly referenced by buyers and reviewers. These values come from official manufacturer specifications and major market documentation.
- 2016 Audi A3 Sedan (U.S./global): ~175.4 in (4,457 mm)
- 2016 Audi S3 Sedan (performance variant): ~175.9 in (4,469 mm) – slightly longer due to different bumpers
- 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (plug-in hybrid): ~169.8 in (4,313 mm)
- 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet (convertible, where offered): ~174.3 in (4,425 mm)
Taken together, these figures show that all 2016 A3 variants stay within a narrow size band, with differences of only a few inches driven mainly by body style and performance trim changes.
How the A3’s Length Compares in the Compact Luxury Class
The 2016 Audi A3 competes with other compact premium models such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW 2 Series. In this context, its length positions it as one of the more parking-friendly options while still maintaining a conventional three-box sedan profile in the primary version.
Comparison With Key Rivals
The next list compares the 2016 Audi A3 sedan’s length with similar premium compacts from the same period, illustrating how it fits into the segment in terms of footprint.
- 2016 Audi A3 Sedan: ~175.4 in (4,457 mm)
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: ~182.3 in (4,630 mm)
- 2016 BMW 228i Coupe (compact premium, 2-door): ~174.5 in (4,431 mm)
- 2016 Acura ILX: ~181.9 in (4,620 mm)
This comparison shows that the 2016 A3 sedan is generally shorter than many four-door luxury rivals like the CLA and ILX, which can make it easier to park and maneuver in tight urban environments while remaining comparable in overall presence to a compact coupe like BMW’s 2 Series.
Practical Implications of the A3’s Length
Beyond the raw number, the 2016 Audi A3’s length has direct consequences for daily usability. It influences how much space is available in the cabin, the size of the luggage area, and how the car feels to drive in crowded cities or on narrow streets.
Interior Space and Luggage Room
The following points summarize how the A3’s compact length translates into practical interior space and cargo capacity for typical usage scenarios like commuting and weekend trips.
- Passenger space: The A3 offers comfortable seating for four adults, with a fifth seat for shorter trips, made possible by careful packaging within its 175.4-inch sedan length.
- Trunk capacity (sedan): Around 12 cubic feet, which is in line with many compact sedans and adequate for several suitcases or grocery bags.
- Sportback e-tron flexibility: The slightly shorter but hatchback-style Sportback e-tron offers more versatile cargo loading despite its overall shorter length.
These packaging choices demonstrate how Audi uses the available footprint efficiently, delivering a premium-feeling cabin and usable luggage space without significantly expanding the car’s overall length.
Parking and Maneuverability
The 2016 A3’s length also shapes how it behaves in tight spaces, from parallel parking spots to congested city centers. For many buyers, this is one of the main reasons to choose a compact premium car over a larger sedan.
- Ease of parking: At about 175 inches long, the A3 sedan is substantially easier to fit into shorter urban parking spaces than mid-size luxury sedans.
- Turning and maneuvering: The relatively compact footprint contributes to an agile feel in city driving and tight corners, supported by a moderate wheelbase and responsive steering.
- Garage fit: The shorter overall length helps the A3 fit comfortably in older or smaller garages where larger sedans may feel cramped.
In practice, the A3’s size offers a balanced compromise: it provides a clear upgrade over subcompact models in comfort and refinement while staying manageable in environments where space is limited.
Why Length Matters When Shopping for a 2016 Audi A3
When considering a 2016 Audi A3, knowing the car’s length helps buyers judge whether it aligns with their daily needs. Factors such as parking constraints, typical passenger load, and the kind of trips the car will make all interact with the vehicle’s footprint.
Choosing Between Sedan, Sportback e-tron, and Cabriolet
The following list highlights how the length differences between the main A3 variants might guide a buyer’s choice, depending on priorities like practicality, style, and driving environment.
- Sedan (~175.4 in): Best for drivers wanting a traditional trunk, refined look, and a balanced footprint for mixed city and highway use.
- Sportback e-tron (~169.8 in): Slightly shorter overall but with a hatchback layout, appealing to those who value cargo versatility and plug-in hybrid efficiency.
- Cabriolet (~174.3 in): Marginally shorter than the sedan, focused on open-top driving enjoyment while still remaining compact.
These distinctions underscore that even within a narrow length range, the different A3 body styles provide distinct personalities and use cases, allowing buyers to prioritize either practicality, efficiency, or lifestyle appeal.
Summary
The 2016 Audi A3 sedan measures about 175.4 inches (4,457 mm) in length, with the performance-oriented S3 just slightly longer and the Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid coming in shorter at around 169.8 inches (4,313 mm). This compact footprint positions the A3 as a city-friendly premium car that still offers credible interior and trunk space. Compared with rivals, the A3 is typically shorter than similar four-door luxury models, aiding maneuverability and parking without sacrificing the upscale feel expected in the segment.
How long is an Audi A3 in feet?
35 Tfsi (1.4 Tfsi), 1.4L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 7 SPEED AUTO S-TRONIC
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 Height | 1409 mm | 4 ft 7 in |
| Audi A3 Width | 1793 mm | 5 ft 11 in |
| Audi A3 Length | 4423 mm | 14 ft 6 in |
| Audi A3 Ground clearance unladen | 116 mm | 5 in |
What is the best year of the Audi A3?
The Most Reliable Audi A3 Years
When it comes to selecting the most reliable Audi A3 year, several models stand out due to their exceptional performance and minimal reported issues. The 2013, 2019, 2020, and 2022 models are particularly noteworthy.
What are the dimensions of the Audi A3 2016?
The height, measured from the ground to the top of the car, ranges from 1409 mm to 1477 mm depending on the variant. The width ranges from 1785 mm to 1796 mm. The length ranges from 4310 mm to 4458 mm.
How many miles will a 2016 Audi A3 last?
Some members of the Audi community consider a mileage of around 76,000 to be modest if an Audi A3 has been adequately serviced. However, an A3 with consistent maintenance records can still be a good purchase, potentially lasting over 100,000 miles.
