The Audi A3 is offered as a sedan, convertible, or 5-door Sportback. Power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Audi A3 sends power to all four wheels via quattro all-wheel drive, though front-wheel-drive versions are available as well. A high-performance version of this same engine powers the Audi S3, where it makes 292 horsepower--enough to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The RS3 comes only as an all-wheel drive sedan, and is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that makes an almost-unbelievable 400 horsepower.

Finally, the A3 Sportback e-tron hybrid utilizes an electric motor that makes 102 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, plus a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine capable of 150 horsepower. When combined, the two powerplants make 204 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hybrids available. The Sportback e-tron can drive on purely electric power for about 17 miles.

The Audi A3 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium trim includes leather seating with heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, bi-xenon automatic headlights, power adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera and parking sensors, "Alu-optic" interior trim, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, twin USB power/data ports, and a 10-speaker sound system with a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

A convenience package adds keyless start, stop and entry, as well as Audi's music interface and better smartphone integration. The sport package on the other hand, adds sportier front seat, a driving mode selector and a flat bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. A sport suspension is also available that reduces the ride height by 15 mm.

The Premium Plus trim adds 18-inch wheels, aluminum interior accents, Audi side assist, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and keyless entry. The Prestige package, meanwhile, includes everything in Premium Plus, as well as an S-line exterior body kit, a navigation system, Audi connect and LED headlights.

Option packages on the Premium Plus include a technology package that features Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS, a navigation system, Audi's side assist system with rear traffic alert and what Audi calls their "virtual cockpit," which is a digital display in the instrument cluster featuring a view of the road ahead as well as plenty of relevant driving information.

The RS3 is, in its way, a separate beast. Besides the tremendous engine, the RS3 comes with a unique red-stitched Nappa leather interior as well as 19" 5-arm wheels, full LED headlamps, RS-specific fascias and diffuser and magnetic ride suspension.

Safety features on all the A3 models include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Airbags include advanced driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, thorax side airbags as well as side curtain airbags. An anti-theft alarm system comes standard, while Active Lane Assist, Audi Pre-Sense automatic braking and adaptive cruise control are all optional on the A3 Prestige.