From the teenie tiny A3 to the family-friendly Q5, Audi has an expansive lineup of highly customizable compact vehicles.
Audi is a luxury German brand known for technology and performance, as well as incredibly well-crafted interiors. Its lineup of vehicles is vast, with a large number of body styles that can be equipped with various engines. That means you have tons of options if you’re specifically in the market for a compact vehicle.
Here to help you choose the best small Audi for you is Jerry
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. We’ll go through all of the brand’s current compact cars and SUVs before determining their absolute tiniest offering. 2023 Audi compact and subcompact car and SUV models
For the model year of 2023, Audi offers a wide variety of compact and subcompact cars and SUVs, each available with a wide variety of powertrains.
2023 Audi A3
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
Offered in Premium and Premium Plus trims, the Audi A3 packs a lot of luxury into a compact package. This fuel-efficient Matchbox car is powered by a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is optional.
Drivers will love the A3’s entry-level price tag and spry handling, but may be disappointed by the engine’s overall performance. Those who want more horsepower will be forced to upgrade.
2023 Audi S3
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
The Audi S3 shares literally everything with the A3, with one key difference—it has a much stronger powertrain. All S3 models come with a 306-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Unfortunately, this version loses out on steering tactility, and it still isn’t as high-performing as some of Audi’s more performance-minded vehicles.
2023 Audi RS3
Car and Driver rating: 8.0/10
If you’re looking for high performance in a subcompact package, then the RS3 is for you. Based on the A3, this is the sporty version of Audi’s small luxury sedan. It has a potent 401-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine, upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension setup, and a unique set of wheels on stickier performance tires.
Our only warning? Be extremely careful when braking from high speeds, as the transmission can be reluctant to downshift.
2023 Audi A4
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
If the subcompact A3 feels a little bit too small, consider opting for the compact A4. With a starting MSRP of just over $40,000, it’s still one of the brand’s most affordable options, but it still looks and feels classy and expensive inside and out.
Choose between the 40 or the 45. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system and all-wheel drive; but the 40 makes 201 horsepower while the 45 maxes out at 261.
If you’re looking for something flashy and dramatic, however, the A4 isn’t it. Styling and performance both feel conservative—so you’ll be spending quite a bit of money to feel pretty un-sexy.
2023 Audi S4
Car and Driver rating: 7.0/10
We’re sure you get how Audi’s vehicles work by now! That’s right, the S4 is the more exciting, sportier version of the A4. Aside from looking a little bit cooler, it also comes equipped with a punchy 349-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that syncs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Despite being easy to drive and generally stealthy, you’ll find that the S4 still isn’t as quick as many of its rivals.
2023 Audi A5
Edmunds rating: Not rated
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
The Audi A5 is a series of compact executive cars—and we truly mean it when we say series. Available as a two-door coupe, a four-door Sportback, or a two-door convertible, there’s truly no shortage of options when it comes to this great-looking, fun-handling, smooth-driving premium vehicle.
A5 models—regardless of door count—feature standard all-wheel-drive and share a 261 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission is not available, so driving enthusiasts may be a bit disappointed.
Keep in mind that the four-door Sportback lacks headroom in the rear, while the two-door options can feel quite cramped in both the front and back seats.
2023 Audi S5
Car and Driver rating: 7.0/10
Also available as a two-door coupe or convertible, as well as a four-door Sportback, the S5 looks almost identical to the A5. The key difference is—you guessed it—the S5’s performance-minded 349-hp turbocharged V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
While we love the impressive powertrain (and are thankful for the impressive braking), we think the exterior is just a bit too modest.
2023 Audi RS5
Car and Driver rating: 8.0/10
The wildest version of the A5 lineup is the RS5. Every RS5 coupe, cabriolet, and sportback is equipped with a monstrous twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 that pumps out 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, blasting you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
You’ll also enjoy a lavish cockpit and sporty exterior, but if you’re looking for that loud hot-rod exhaust, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
2023 Audi TT / TTS
Edmunds rating: Not rated
Car and Driver rating: 8.0/10
The Audi TT and TTS are both adorable compact sports cars, available in either a coupe or a convertible and equipped with your choice of turbocharged engines. While it’s not particularly thrilling to drive, it is incredibly stylish and chic, and boasts impressive fuel economy for a sports car.
2023 Audi Q3
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
The term “compact” isn’t reserved for coupes and sedans—Audi makes subcompact and compact SUVs, too! First up is the Q3, a scaled-down, subcompact version of Audi’s Q8. It offers all of the same perks—attractiveness, modernity, and class—just in a tiny little package.
You’ll enjoy contemporary tech features, top-notch road manners, and adequate fuel efficiency—just note that you won’t want to put adults in the back seat, as it can feel quite cramped.
2023 Audi Q4 e-tron
Edmunds rating: Not rated
Car and Driver rating: 8.0/10
Not only is the Q4 slightly larger than the Q3 (it’s considered a “compact” SUV rather than a “subcompact” one)—it’s fully electric! The entry-level Q4 e-tron 40 comes with a single 201-hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels, while the all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron 50 and Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 models make 295 hp.
While EVs are the future, and this is an exciting addition to Audi’s compact lineup, you might be disappointed with the Q4’s relatively slow charging time and short maximum range.
2023 Audi Q5
Car and Driver rating: 8.0/10
What we love about the Q5 is the wide variety of customization options. Choose between a standard compact SUV or a sportback, then select between a trio of powertrains—including a plug-in hybrid. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy comfort inside a quality, well-tailored exterior.
The only downsides? It’s less spacious—both in terms of passenger space and cargo space—than other luxury compact SUVs. Plus, regardless of which powertrain you select, your driving experience might feel a bit mundane.
What is Audi’s smallest car?
The smallest Audi is the 2023 Audi TT, with a wheelbase of 98.6 inches. This is only slightly smaller than the A3, S3, and RS3, which all have a wheelbase of 103.6 inches.
What is Audi’s cheapest car?
If you’re shopping for a brand-new Audi but you have a tight budget, take a look at the 2023 Audi A3 with FWD, which has a starting price of $35,595.
MORE:The worst luxury cars you can buy
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