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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  Little Car, No Compromise - 2007 Audi A3
  By bumpjump - September 26 - 11:22 am

  Third Audi, coming on the heels of a 2001 TT and an 03 A4. This is the Goldilocks car: not too small, not too big, just right. Our commute got shorter this year, so this is basically a city car. Shopped the 330i, the IS 350, the new A4, and the G35. Loved the A3s functionality and nimble, cut-and-thrust attitude.

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  Green Sports Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By quietstorm - September 25 - 11:50 am

  This car is awesome!! For one thing this is not a dime a dozen car. I love that not every car in the parking lot is an A3. I always get 28-30 miles to the gallon highway and almost the same in the city. What other car can zip you around town take corners fast and get good gas. I got open sky it great is makes the car feel roomier. The DSG is fun when your driving just for the hell of it. Plus you can feel you are in a well bulit car. My doors are way heavier (3 steel beams per door vs. 2) than an american counterpart.

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  Pound for pound... - 2007 Audi A3
  By allan douglas - September 17 - 9:04 am

  This is my forth Audi, through All Roads and A-4 Avants. $ for $ and pound for pound the best car Audi makes excepting for the discontinued All Road and the A-4 Cabrolet converible which is some $ 12K more expensive to equip. I can do 35-37 mpg with a wax job and no head winds, so I can barely eek out 550 miles to a 13 gallon fill before hitting reserve, but if you want to hold 80 mph on 65 mph interstates and zip past some others in the passing lane, the economy will still hold 28 to 30 mpg. While it does not have some of the useless "bells and whistles" of the A-4 cousin, its all all around functional car with plenty of storage. Suggest you buy Continental Extreme Contacts, a great all season/snow tire with smoother ride.

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  Its About Time - 2006 Audi A3
  By Mark McTigue - September 11 - 10:33 pm

  Handles great! Quick response. Great mileage. Need more cars of this caliber. Got rid of my SUV. Audi should offer more engine option for this car as they do in Europe.

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  Upgraded from 01 GTI - 2006 Audi A3
  By utahgti - September 7 - 9:07 am

  Upgrading from the GTI, the Audi feels very familiar. The 6MT is silky smooth, and feels even better than the GTI (awesome feel). I have the lux.pkg., sunroof, coldweather. I am a bit worried about snow and the 17" tires. In researching, I was wanting the 4-door GTI (not avail as of yet) or A3. My 3 main gripes: sunroof in my GTI was superior (1-touch/better sunshade). The basic radio is NOT mp3 compatible and aux input not standard. The climate controls are NOT intuitive (but make sense after studying the manual). Its a great auto, dont get me wrong. The road feel, engine note, steering wheel feel, interior look/design, it just feels right. Oh, my insurance increased only ~$60/year over my GTI.

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  New Audi A3... Loving It! - 2006 Audi A3
  By New Audi Owner - September 6 - 10:25 am

  I dont think Ive ever written a review before, but I had to let you all know I love my new Audi A3. It is so much fun to drive. The gas mileage is what it says on the sticker. It handles beautifully and turns on a dime. It is not for really tall people. My uncle got in front (he is probably 63") and almost had to open the sunroof for extra room. I am 58" and fit very comfortably. I love the bluetooth capability. That is awesome for talking on the phone, especially since mine is a standard. The only improvement... the voice recognition could be improved. Ill say the number and it will repeat it wrong. Sometimes it is better to just dial manually and then talk using the car speaker.

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  Blast to drive - 2006 Audi A3
  By elaine brewster - September 4 - 5:13 pm

  Drove lots of other cars & SUVs before trying the Audi A3. I was instantly sold on the fun and the solid feel of the car. For a small car, it packs a ton of pickup. Drives so easy! Lots of thoughtful features and styling in the interior.

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  Redefining the Pocket Rocket! - 2007 Audi A3
  By dmeyers - August 27 - 4:19 pm

  What a blast to drive! Short story – I needed to trade in the 330CIC and get something a little more practical as I was losing my winter driver (16 yr old got her permit) and my wife wouldn’t dare part with her MDX. After a lengthy search I decided to go back to Audi (have owned 3 in the past) to drive the A4. I noticed the A3 and it was love at first stomp on the gas peddle! The DSG is unreal (paddles are fun), pick-up (turbo lag? NOT) is explosive and car is extremely comfortable. Gas mileage is great (30.5 on a recent road trip) & the creature comforts are nice (open sky, cold wthr, premium pkgs.

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  Those who "get it" love it. - 2006 Audi A3
  By TampaA3 - August 23 - 10:15 am

  Best car I have ever owned, period. The A3 is one of the best cars on the road and yet you will be hard pressed to find one next to you at the stop light. Most will not understand this car and just write it off as a "wagon" but the people who "get it" drool over it when they see it. I have enjoyed driving this car so much that I often go for drives just to enjoy it. I bought my 2.0T before the 3.2 was available. I have not driven the 3.2 for fear of wanting to upgrade. The power is more than sufficient in the 2.0. I got almost every option on the car except Nav which does send the price way up but its still a great car and a good value.

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  3 months & 10000 miles later! - 2006 Audi A3
  By AudiSoCali - August 21 - 3:43 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle 3 mos. but have managed to put it through its paces around so. cal. The car is everything I expected it to be. Practical, sexy, fun to drive. No cost maintenance has saved me a lot. The DSG is smooth and effortless, yet aggressive. The new 2.0 FSI engine is awesome. Even grandma would feel like Schumacher behind the wheel. Props to Audi for making an affordable, luxury, performance, "hatchback"!