25 MPG combined won’t win any awards, but it’s also not the main reason people buy a 2019 Audi A3 quattro with the 2.0L turbo engine. It’s not a commuter car designed to save as much fuel as possible. It is a beautifully crafted, fun-to-drive, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan for drivers who value performance, style, and prestige. While nobody wants to waste fuel, A3 quattro owners accept this level of consumption as the price for the driving experience and year-round confidence the car provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Audi A3 quattro at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the engine is frequently idling or accelerating from a standstill. Any engine consumes more fuel in these situations, no matter how efficient it is. The highway number shows the A3’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds, helped by its responsive seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) that allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs.

While 30 MPG may not seem outstanding, it’s a respectable number considering that this is a turbo engine driving an all-wheel-drive system. The Quattro system adds weight and rolling resistance, both of which impact fuel economy. Keep in mind that these numbers are only attainable when driving with restraint.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi A3 quattro 2.0L at $1,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and changes in fuel prices. Someone who drives mostly in the city or drives aggressively will undoubtedly spend more, while someone who does a lot of highway driving and drives conservatively may spend less. The $1,750 figure is a useful comparison point, especially when considering all Audi fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing figures, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving habits, traffic, and even weather. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and extended idling will all negatively impact fuel economy. But smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and consistent speeds can improve it.

Many owners find that achieving the EPA highway figure is entirely possible on long road trips, however the city figure can be hard to match in congested urban environments. Expect a combined MPG figure somewhere between 23 and 27 MPG in mixed driving, depending on your driving style. Remember that premium fuel is recommended for best performance, which will also affect your overall running costs.

How it compares

The A3 quattro’s fuel economy can be compared to other compact luxury sedans with all-wheel drive. For example, the BMW 330i xDrive achieves a combined 28 MPG, and the Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC gets around 25 MPG. The Acura ILX only comes as front wheel drive, indicating that the A3 quattro is simply the better choice when considering all-weather driving. These numbers show that the A3’s fuel economy is acceptable in its class, though maybe not exceptional. While the BMW offers slightly better fuel efficiency, the Mercedes-Benz is about even.

However, buyers often choose the A3 for its specific combination of Audi’s interior design, Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and overall sporty feel despite these differences. See A3 MPG across all years for more information on this model across years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system to your advantage. Select the “Efficiency” mode when possible. This mode optimizes throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control settings to save fuel. It’s not going to transform the A3 into a hybrid, but it can make a subtle yet noticeable difference, especially during city driving.

In stop-and-go traffic, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth, gradual inputs are key to conserving fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed as much as possible.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Correctly inflated tires also improve handling and extend tire life.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car. This is especially relevant in urban areas and during peak traffic hours.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Excess weight reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from your trunk or backseat that you don’t need in your car. Every extra pound adds to the energy required to accelerate and maintain speed, especially in city driving.