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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  Amazing - 2006 Audi A3
  By Eli F. - April 21 - 6:00 pm

  I had a Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe before this- that was a terrible car. The A3 is so much better. It has a much peppier engine, a more luxurious interior, its much better styled, and is less money. Love the innovation- I got mine with the Open Sky sunroof.

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  Re-Review to BAD - 2008 Audi A3
  By Amylynn - April 12 - 8:01 am

  I posted a review after I bought my Audi last August raving about it. I now wish to retract my raves! The ride and fun level are all great...but I am burning thru a quart of oil about every 1000 - 1500 miles! I cant even make it to a regular oil change without the light coming on or me putting oil in it sometimes twice. Terrible! I am dumping this thing before it dies on me. I drive 120 mile a day and cant risk being left on the side of the road, Audi care or not! I am going back to a Honda or Toyota...loved both! Too bad, such a beautiful car.

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  Best deal for your money - 2009 Audi A3
  By audiride - March 29 - 12:33 am

  I live in San Francisco and the A3 is the perfect size to park anywhere. Gives great gas mileage and takes off quick without the whiplash. I love the smooth transmission. One down fall would be the temperature controls. The knobs take awhile to adjust the temp. You have to turn it click per click or hold it a while to go from cold to hot. But other then that I love my Audi A3.

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  should have dumped my bmw long ago - 2006 Audi A3
  By Dick - March 18 - 11:06 am

  After driving a BMW 3 series for 4 years and believing it was the only car to drive, what a breath of fresh air. I have discovered that thru brain washing of myself that there is a far better alternative regardless of how the magazines continue to rate the bmw. The little A3 out performs handle and is by far more fun to drive, and equipping the Bmw with the options I have on the Audi.....I save about $9,000. This truly is a great automobile.

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  Ten Year Review - 2007 Audi A3
  By Dan - March 1 - 8:17 pm

  What a fun car from a Corvette owner also. Built her on-line in 2006, found her with everything except the gray interior (has Camel). At 65,000 miles Mary Jane has to have her front Boots repaired. Not bad for ten years. Great road car in snow and rain. Has open sky, very fun option. Has Bluetooth, CD, and Cassette player. Perhaps will not sell for these options alone. Has the active headlight option where the lights are just ahead of your turns. It is also the S-Line quattro with 18 inch fancy wheels. Has things and functions if not used on a regular basis, one has to get out the book to remember what does what. Everything still works fine. Perhaps one of the most fun things is being able to put the rear seats down for hauling a family of dogs or whatever. Excellent road car, but not the best mileage. can achieve 30 mpg if one does not go over about 68 MPH. They only put six forward gears in this racing transmission. They now have seven to eight gears in the new Audi models. At highway speeds the motor should not be turning more than about 2000 RPMs. Would prefer about 1750 @ 70-75 MPH. It is turning over 3000 RPM......a killer for mileage.................Very cool, good looking, functional car anyway. Much better looking than the sedans for me.

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  Loving It For 2 Months Now - 2009 Audi A3
  By Keith - February 22 - 4:51 pm

  Picked up an 09 A3 2.0T Quattro DSG in January. Now that its broken in & Ive started pushing it, Im very impressed with the performance. The auto shift is flawless & returns decent fuel economy (about 22mpg in city so far), but when pushed (or in Sport mode), this car can go. Punch it when you need to pass & youre smoothly up to 80+ before you know it. Exterior & interior fit/styling have been excellent w/ no issues to-date. The only minor flaws Ive come across are the floor mats (not very wear or stain resistant), how the bright yellow passenger airbag off indicator stands out from the rest of the dash lights, & the lack of small storage compartments for coins or other.

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  2006 A3 2.0T Manuel - 2006 Audi A3
  By Bob W - February 14 - 9:58 am

  Bought new, love this car. Had a VW Jetta 1.8 T, loved that also but this is much better. Great all season vehicle snow/rain no problem all season. Perelli P6 stick like glue and wear like iron. Just changed at 45K. Plenty of room for golf clubs and pull cart in rear without folding down rear seats. Vehicle has been very reliable. Handles like its on rails. Would definitely consider buying another next year!!!

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  Certified Used - 2007 Audi A3
  By Bluesmaster - February 9 - 4:58 pm

  I bought this A3 with 7000 miles and it displayed very little wear. After driving it for a month in icy and snowy conditions I am very impressed. The stock all season tires get the job done but the fronts are worn a good bit. There are no rattles and the s-tronic transmission works very well. Handling is excellent and the mileage is decent considering the power and weight, about 20mpg in mixed winter driving. The A3 tends to be very touchy when accelerating from a stop, its jerky and hard to achieve a smooth getaway. The brakes are excellent. Overall, Im very pleased with the interior quality and look of the A3. I drove the 2.0 turbo and I feel the V6 is considerably better.

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  Design ERROR - 2007 Audi A3
  By PKWadkins - February 7 - 10:39 am

  Have an A4, love it, decided to get an A3. Worse mileage than our truck, turns 3000 RPMs at highway speed, cant even make 10MPH in 1st gear. TERRIBLE design point. Weve contacted Audi, they blame everyone else (dealer, etc) - but it is the worst design I have seen in 30 years of buying cars. Lighter than the A4, same power (V6), smaller, and about 10MPG worse than the A4 - blows my mind. We wont touch Audi again - due to Audi USA refusing to discuss, acknowledge, suggest fixes (ie, different gear ratio in the differentials). By the way, Im an engineer, have extensive auto experience...

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  Great car - 2008 Audi A3
  By deg - February 3 - 10:45 am

  This is my forth Audi. Ive had two 5000s an A6 quattro and now this 2008 A3 2.0T 6A. My wife drives it most of the time. We both love it. Have 11700 miles on it. No trouble at all. I highly recommend the ca.