Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s in Europe and brought to the United States in 2006, the A3 is Audi's entry-level model for the North American market. Smaller and lighter than the A4, the Audi A3 presents a strong argument for buying a bargain sport sedan or wagon, provided one goes easy on the options. And just because this is Audi's entry-level car doesn't mean the company cuts corners on quality. The cabin's design and materials are up to the lofty standards Audi has set for the industry, meaning everything fits tightly, moves with precision and looks and feels top-shelf.

Those considering a used version of this junior Audi should know that most of the ones they see for sale will be the wagon, which was the only body style available until 2015. For many the A3 will be an alternative choice -- few luxury automakers bother making small hatchbacks. As such, it's an upscale alternative to more mainstream hatchbacks and a cheaper alternative to a luxury wagon or sedan. Furthermore, with the clean-burning diesel engine option it also makes an extremely-fuel efficient alternative to hybrids. But whether you're considering an A3 wagon or sedan, it offers the distinct German flavor of Audi, that being one of engineering excellence combined with an upscale cabin.

Current Audi A3
Introduced for 2015, the latest version of the Audi A3 comes solely in a four-door sedan body style, although a convertible is rumored to debut within the model year. Initially, there are two main trim levels: the front-wheel-drive 1.8 TFSI and the all-wheel-drive 2.0 TFSI. A diesel-powered TDI version is set to debut later in the model year.

The 1.8 TFSI has a turbocharged 1.8-liter four that produces 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0 TFSI has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come matched to a six-speed automated manual transmission.

Both the 1.8 and 2.0 A3s start off in Premium trim and offer two available packages, dubbed Premium Plus and Prestige. Highlights of the Premium include xenon headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system. The Premium Plus adds keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The Prestige features LED headlights, added exterior styling tweaks, power-folding side mirrors, a navigation system, Audi Connect (WiFi hotspot and various smartphone applications) and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Options include a Sport package, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a front collision warning and braking system.

In reviews, we've been impressed with the Audi A3's grown-up personality; it feels more like an honest-to-goodness luxury car rather than a fancy compact. The ride is composed and comfortable, the cabin is quiet and the turbocharged engines provide plenty of punch around town and on the freeway. Superb fuel economy helps as well. Surprisingly, the A3 doesn't feel especially sprightly when driving around town, due to its somewhat light and numb steering feel at lower speeds. However, it perks up when driven with more enthusiasm. Particularly when equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive, the A3 feels like a running back in bankers' clothing.

Used Audi A3 Models
The previous-generation Audi A3 was introduced as a 2006 model in the United States and was produced through 2013. There was no 2014 model. It came only in a four-door hatchback body style that some might consider a small wagon.

A 2.0-liter, 200-hp turbocharged inline-4 and front-wheel drive were standard. Audi offered either a six-speed manual transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed automated manual transmission (S tronic). All-wheel drive was optional starting in 2009, and it came with the S tronic transmission. From 2006-'09 a 3.2-liter V6 engine was available that produced 250 hp. It was outfitted with all-wheel drive and the S tronic transmission as standard. Starting in 2010, Audi began offering a 140-hp, 2.0-liter diesel-powered engine (TDI). It came as front-wheel drive only and had the S tronic transmission.

Originally, the A3 came in 2.0T and 3.2 Quattro trim levels. Standard features on the 2.0T included 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system. The "S line" Package provided a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats with leather upholstery and special exterior styling. The Premium package also included some of the S line's items but added a power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing wipers. The 3.2 Quattro included almost all of the equipment from the S line and Premium packages as standard. Notable options on both trim levels were xenon headlights, a sunroof, a navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod integration and a Cold Weather package.

The most significant changes for this generation took place for 2009. The exterior and interior were refreshed, most notably with Audi's signature larger grille and LED running lights. Leather upholstery, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack became standard equipment, while the 2.0T could now be equipped with all-wheel drive. For 2010, new Premium and Premium Plus trim level names debuted. From then on through 2013, only minor equipment updates took place.

In reviews at the time, we found that this generation of A3 struck an agreeable balance between athletic handling and a comfy ride. With the base 2.0-liter engine, it provided energetic acceleration along with good fuel economy. The V6 was a little quicker, but not dramatically so. The A3 TDI's ample low-end torque was nice around town but the engine could feel winded at higher speeds. As for passenger space, the A3's hatchback design provided some added versatility, but the small rear seat was cramped for adults.

User Reviews:

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  Reliability is terrible - 2006 Audi A3
  By jopsomer - October 26 - 6:27 pm

  Ive had an Audi A3 2006 and its been nothing but trouble, with numerous repair visits to the dealer (covered by warranty until recently). The problem areas have been the fuel injection system and various electronic components. Just in the last 6 months, Ive been to the dealer 7 times. If you like to spend time in the waiting room of your dealership, this is the car for you. Otherwise, there are much better (and cheaper) choices out there.

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  gremlin with horrible support - 2015 Audi A3
  By HS - September 26 - 8:24 pm

  ok, i leased with intent on buying. as soon as i leased, I bought snow tires/rims, clear bra on front, and weather tech mats, audi service package, and i do extra oil changes between their service interval w audi approved oil. Very well cared for from my end car has 20k miles. In 20k miles I have had car shut off on highway from overheating, dealer added antifreeze, but it was above minimum and Ive never had a car just shut off. dealer said drive it in. next Ive had multiple electrical problems, says doesnt recognize key, then i walk away come back and it recognizes then problem goes away for weeks. then brake light out signal comes up on dash, brake lights are functioning and on (took video of it) took to audi,, says no engine code, would have to tear car down to look for a short! so I wait to have them take care of it, and it doesnt do it for months, intermittently it will occur. just give it a day or two and it goes away. then i was rear ended while stopped at light (8k damages and frame/uni needed pulled to straighten) had audi shop do the work.. got the car back and it vibrates badly from 65-80mph. take it to body shop, they send me to Sunnyside audi service in middleburg OH, dealer service says everything is straight and balanced and no problem with their work. but they can put new tires on and balance them for 1200.00, i reply that the car didnt do this before accident, they say they dont know. I exclaim that the tires on there have plenty of wear left as i have snow tires and the tires have less than a year of road use. they cant tell me why they would shake then. I ask for a guarantee that it would stop if replaced, cant give me a guarantee. I call audi america and they send me back to dealer. Its a run around shell game thats completely disappointing. I am 100% sure that the car DID NOT do this before accident and even said if you replace them and it fixes it, i will pay for them, if it doesnt then you figure out what is wrong. no luck... so in my short experience as a first time audi owner I have only been given run around on a car with clear issues and horrible repair work (dealer even washed the car immediately after their repair shop did a paint job (you dont wash and wax a car with fresh paint until it cures- at least 20-30 days, sunny side audi should know this). anyway, each department sends me back to the next with no guarantee. Ive had a rental car for a total of 2-3 weeks in year. Ive not had any resolution. I will come back and post a VIN if anyone purchases this vehicle and has problems which arent disclosed at purchase, audi america is aware, dealership is aware and you should get an attorney. if you get this lemon, post a reply on my post and i will get back to you with an email/give you records of incidents so you may use them for recompense. PS i asked repair shop to make sure carfax is aware, they say they dont report. nationwide insurance company couldnt give me an answer if they would report the 8k. caveat emptor but i hope whoever buys this and has problems finds this post. JUST HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, run around. but alot of apologies, i.e. "we care, we can send you back to". Ive owned toyota, honda, ford and acura where the buck stops at dealer if any problems. acura replaced an 600.00 engine part under extended warranty and 2 years after ( no longer in warranty) the same part had an issue, acura fixed it free of charge under good faith that it was a bad part. That is service. AUDI has provided no service other than free rental cars and offer to sell me more stuff to maybe fix it.

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  A bit afraid - 2006 Audi A3
  By Peter - October 4 - 5:30 pm

  DSG is great - for those whole like to control the RPMs but are affraid of traffic and 3rd pedal...your reward is finally here. The 2.0 engine is much stronger and torque is higher as well. It is not as noisy as the old 1800 block. No turbo lag observed. Very strong brakes, thanks to oversized discs. Stiff, and has no "dipping" on sharper curves. Has a sporty feel for sure but is very easy to handle and navigate due to smaller size. Inerior: I am about 62 nd plenty of space (head, shoulder, leg). Rear space is fine too, great cargo for this size class.