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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  My best car ever - 2006 Audi A3
  By Edwin - April 21 - 5:48 pm

  Fun to drive specially on my everyday route going to work, its a long very winding road. Great performance for a small car. It looks very deceiving because its a small car anf a station wagon look. But man.... they are wrong to pick this car for a race. This car has a lot of power on it.

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  2 Thumbs up from a car guy - 2006 Audi A3
  By ken43319 - April 21 - 9:54 am

  I am an automotive engineer with a large transplant company from Japan...this was my 1st German car. I am very impressed! Interior/exterior fit/finish is Japanese quality, material quality is tops, handling is extremely good (I got the sport suspension-a little harsh, excuse me, good road input, but thats the way car guys like it!), acceleration is a blast! On 2 lane back roads, down shift, tag the gas and youre by grandma and the semi in a wink of the eye! No turbo lag and terrific fuel economy. Who could ask for anything more? Well, my guests said they could use more rear seat leg room-I think Ill leave them at home next time. This is not your wifes soccer wagon!

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  Probably the Worlds Best Luxury Hatch - 2006 Audi A3
  By NeverFollow - April 19 - 11:04 pm

  I bought the A3 as a "spare" car alongside an S4 Cabriolet, and couldnt be happier. I suddenly find myself letting the wife drive the convertible so I can get a zippy little hatch for the city! Gorgeous inside and out, responsive, mileage almost as good as my sons Civic coupe, great handling, that transmission.

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  Quattro BLAST! - 2006 Audi A3
  By RobPaul - April 15 - 11:22 am

  This car is a 4wheel Quattro BLAST! I considered the Subaru WRX as another fast mini-wagon, but after comparing the 2, the Audi made the Subaru seem cheap and tinny. The DSG (direct shift gearbox) is amazingly smooth and snappy as any manual transmission shifter can do on their own.

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  2006 Audi A 3 - 2006 Audi A3
  By Haledon 101 - April 15 - 10:30 am

  Have mine for 6K miles. So far its great. Tight ride, quick, the skylight opens the whole car up. The DSG trans is AWESOME. This coming from someone who hasnt owned an automatic for 20 years. Slight turbo lag in low (1st) gear but no problem in Sport or Manual mode. I dont see many on the road... this is a good thing.

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  Very nice sportwagon - 2006 Audi A3
  By bruintoo - April 14 - 12:32 pm

  The engine/drivetrain combination on the A3 is amazingly wonderful. 200 hp on tap with superfast and supersmooth DSG. The style is subtle and sublime. The interior is impeccably Audiesque.

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  The best of two worlds - 2006 Audi A3
  By Tom - April 12 - 11:57 am

  I traded in a 2004 TT (3.2, quattro with DSG) for the A3 3.2 quattro in order to get a back seat. I thought Id miss the TT but I dont. The A3 combines the performance of the TT (same engine same DSG) with the comfort of a five (well, really four) passenger car. Its lightening fast and the DSG offers even smoother shifts than on the TT. The styling outside and in is great, with elements of the TT and the A4. The new grill looks great on this model. Equipped with the bi-xenon headlights, navigation system (an MMI interface that becomes the command center for radio, CDs, telephone, navigation, etc.), open sky system and Bluetooth, it has it all.

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  No Regrets - 2006 Audi A3
  By Raymond - April 10 - 8:58 am

  Pros: Excellent entry level luxury car. Lots of options available. The build quality is excellent inside and out (except for the sunshade - see below) and the car feels very solid and stable on the road. Plenty of power in the 2.0T model. Cons: Power driver seat only available on cars with Premium package (most dealerships carry the Sport package). No power passenger seat available. The latch on the sunshade for the Open Sky system broke within a week (Audi is supposedly releasing a kit to their service centers to fix this flimsy part).

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  Come on now, do your homework. - 2015 Audi A3
  By Bigstepper - March 31 - 11:16 pm

  I researched the A3 and test drove it a handful of times before buying it. What I dont understand, therefore, are reviewers who are critical of the car (or any new car, for that matter) on things that should be obvious. Come on now, before spending your hard earned money, didnt you do your homework? You complain that the seats arent heated, and the GPS is not what you like. Really? I think its one thing to have failed experiences, like poor reliability or gas mileage, but if you wanted certain features, why did you buy the car? That all said, the A3 is a great compact car. I love the look and feel. And features. Follow up: 6+ months/6500 miles: 2015 A3 Cabriolet still looks and runs great. No issues. Had the oil change/5k service done at the dealer. Averaging 34.5 mpg on highway, and 25mpg around town. Nice combination of power, looks and economy for a 4-passenger convertible. The retractable top folds into half of the trunk, allowing you to use the unused space for small luggage, thus making it more practical than a Mazda Miata or hard top cabriolet.

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  Im converting to Audi for life! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Jason - March 28 - 11:23 am

  This is my first Audi, and I couldnt be happier. The acceleration is amazing (0-60 faster than the Boxster), and the handling is crisp and responsive. The DSG is an engineering marvel as well. This car has opened my eyes to the beauty of Audi, and I will be an Audi loyalist from here on out. This car serves as my daily commuter as well as my weekend joyrider and it fills both roles admirably. The sport program on the automatic is also tons of fun, and useful for showing up coffee can exhaust bumble bees that meet you at red lights...