Is quattro® all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Audi A3 for drivers around Capitola, CA?
Audi Monterey Peninsula - Is quattro® all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Audi A3 for drivers around Capitola, CA?
Short answer: yes, quattro® all-wheel drive is standard on the 2026 Audi A3 — and that’s a meaningful differentiator for Capitola-area drivers. Unlike many compact luxury sedans that make all-wheel drive an option, the A3 equips you from day one with a system engineered to add grip before you realize you need it and to prioritize efficiency when conditions are good. For beach-adjacent roads that can collect sand and for misty mornings along the coast, quattro® brings reassuring traction without drama, so you can focus on enjoying the drive.
What makes this system feel so natural is how seamlessly it works with the rest of the A3’s hardware and software. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 201 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque across a usable rev band, while the 7-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and smoothly — or lets you take control with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Audi drive select adds personality with Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual modes, adjusting steering, throttle, and shift mapping to your preference. The result is a compact sedan that feels composed on Highway 1, nimble in town, and confident on wet or uneven pavement.
Inside, the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus presents your speed, navigation cues, and driver assistance status on a 12.3-inch HD display that you can configure to your liking. The MMI® touch display brings smartphone-like responsiveness and acoustic feedback to your everyday interactions, and the Audi smartphone interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. If sound quality tops your wish list, the available Sonos® sound system with 15 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier turns the cabin into a listening room. For stress-free parking along crowded streets or tight lots, available Park assist plus can help maneuver the A3 into spaces by assisting with throttle, braking, steering, and gear changes.
Driver assistance technologies further elevate everyday confidence. Standard lane departure warning can provide corrective steering if needed, while standard side assist with rear cross traffic assist alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and can intervene with a brake jolt in reverse. Step up to Premium Plus, and Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance helps you maintain a time-distance to traffic ahead and supports lane centering on well-marked roads — a welcome companion on longer trips.
Want a sportier stance and darker, more assertive details? The available Black optic package adds 18" 5-double-spoke modular design wheels in a graphite gray finish, black exterior trim, black badging, and anthracite Audi rings, plus a sport suspension with a lowered ride height. New for 2026, the S line plus package sharpens the design even further and brings front Sport seats with S embossing, Aluminum spectrum inlays, and stainless-steel pedals, along with the inclusive Black optic elements.
Put it all together, and the A3 offers standout value in how it packages standard quattro®, modern digital displays, and thoughtful assistance systems in a compact, refined body. If you’re cross-shopping, note how many competitors require you to climb trims or check expensive boxes to reach this level of capability — the A3 just starts there. That makes it an excellent match for Capitola’s mix of coastal cruising, town errands, and weekend getaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does quattro® change how the A3 handles in dry weather?
Yes — in a good way. Even on dry pavement, quattro® contributes to a planted, predictable feel during acceleration and cornering. It enhances stability without adding harshness.
Will I notice quattro® during daily commuting?
Often, you’ll notice it most when conditions change — wet roads, sand near the beach, or uneven surfaces. Otherwise, it simply works in the background to keep the A3 composed and confident.
Can I still tailor the driving feel with quattro®?
Absolutely. Audi drive select works in concert with quattro®, so you can choose Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or Individual to adjust steering weight, throttle response, and shift mapping to your preferences.
What complements quattro® for all-season confidence?
Standard LED headlights, a broad torque band from the turbocharged engine, and driver assistance systems like lane departure warning and side assist with rear cross traffic assist all contribute to secure, stress-reduced driving.
If you’re weighing the benefits of standard quattro® on your next compact luxury sedan, the A3 belongs at the top of your list. To explore trims, available Park assist plus, or the S line plus package, reach out to Audi Monterey Peninsula — serving Watsonville, Hollister, and Capitola — and set up a tailored test drive that aligns with your daily routes.