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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  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...

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  Worth the wait! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Lotus72 - March 23 - 7:19 pm

  I had been looking to replace my VW Passat for the past year. The new Passats left me cold, I was waiting for the new GTI but after comparing the two and driving the A3 I had to have the Audi. Had mine special ordered as black, silver & grey are the only colors dealers seem to be stocking in the Northeast. I had mine done in white and it really stands out and shows off the cars lines. Great driving, awesome performance (zero turbo lag) and superb roadholding. Will dust many more expensive cars. Front seats very comfortable and sound system rocks.

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  4DR TT - 2006 Audi A3
  By EricT - March 22 - 9:23 pm

  I purchased my A3 w/sport, convenience, cold weather, Bose, Open Sky and Xenon in Jan. CPO vehicle with 4,000 miles so I got the 6 yr/100k warrantee. I know who the previous owner was. Traded my 00 VR6 VW Jetta. I loved my VW but this car is it. The looks and build quality are top notch. Performance for a 4 cyl Turbo is fantastic. This thing goes. The exhaust note when on the gas is music to my ears. Just loud enough to let you know that this baby has a little something under the hood. Xenon lights are great, Bose is plenty fine, I am not an audiophile and my girls really like the glass over the rear seats. Ergonomics are just right inside. Just a solid package for around 30K.

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  The best kept secret - 2006 Audi A3
  By Frabol - March 20 - 3:39 pm

  When you get behind the wheel of an A3 the first thing you notice is the attention to detail in the form and the lines, the ergonomics are great. Second, the driving experience is like no other due to the super speed in which the gears are changed by the automatic transmission. There is almost no turbo lag, and the handling is secure at all times. Lastly, the sporty look of this vehicle and how many people stare this little aggresive car might actually change the view that wagons are boring. Why I know that, because I used to think that too, not anymore thanks to the A3.

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  One great car - 2006 Audi A3
  By ksven - March 18 - 8:14 am

  After a one-year search for a car that could make me happy without spending 50K the Audi A3 has achieved that feat. I love the design and hatchback flexibility, and solid interior ergonomics (the seats are awesome). The drive is pure bliss: Great acceleration, fun manual shifter and pretty low interior noise. Steering is precise, low body-roll. As mentioned below, some improvements can be done, of which the most important ones are the handbrake and climate control issues. If you are looking for a hatchback at an entry-luxury level, there is nothing better out there than the A3 (BMW 1 series and Mercedes A class need not apply).

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  Great Performance and Value - 2006 Audi A3
  By a3fan - March 16 - 8:23 pm

  After owning three BMWs I thought it was time for a change. The press reviews of the A3 2.0T lulled me into an Audi dealership and within an hour it became a no-brainer: BMW-like performance and quality for under 30k. Im in. Go easy on the options (I went for the Premium Package, standard, no sun roof) and enjoy the ride. Its not quite the "riding on rails" handling of my 2000 323ci, but its faster. Really! And 10k cheaper.

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  Fun2Drive - 2006 Audi A3
  By Robert - March 16 - 11:56 am

  The first thing I noticed about this car was its solidity. Closing the trunk yields a solid thump. The entire chassis feels like it was carved from one piece of metal. The second thing I noticed was the steering. Much lighter than the 3 series, but still providing a lot of road feel and sporty playfullness. This steering really begs the driver to toss the car around. Ditto for the engine, though I havent fully pushed it yet-still breaking in. One thing I love is the low-end torque. You can really thrash the car around and keep it under 3000 rpm. The interior is beautiful-love the amber lighting, but I have one gripe-the stereo (both bose and std) sounds muffled-get new speakers/amp.

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  A sports car without the pain - 2006 Audi A3
  By nmdriver - March 15 - 12:58 am

  Manual, Premium package (much better seats), xenon lights, Bose sound (big improvement), Sirius, Bluetooth etc. Replaced the crap stock P6’s with much better tires. This car grows on you. The longer you own it, the more you realize how good it is: great steering and handling, big broad power band, beautifully built, so smooth, surprisingly quiet. 5K miles so far: NOTHING has gone wrong -- not a rattle, not a screw loose. We have been very surprised at how good a high speed (85 mph) long distance cruiser it is. Amazing stability. Immune to gusty winds. Very comfortable. Surprising amount of room and trunk space. We prefer it to our previous larger, more expensive cars.

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  A3 DSG premium sound sat. - 2006 Audi A3
  By Scott - March 13 - 4:35 pm

  I have had the car 3 weeks. So much fun to drive. Shifting the car with the paddles rocks, normally I just up shift and let it down shift for me. It works great. Great car highly recommended.

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  Fun, Utility, and an Excellent Value - 2006 Audi A3
  By walkerhound1 - February 27 - 6:33 pm

  After 5 months of ownership, I can recommend this car. If you buy specs, you may get something else, but Im pretty confident the 2.0Ts 200hp rating is a little conservative. Engine is flexible, strong & has delivered 27mpg overall (22-26 town, 28-32 hwy). Premium packs suspension is comfortable, but can handle spirited driving. DSG is outstanding & you can use the paddle shifters even in the automatic modes (Drive/Sport). Quality interior w/ room for 4 adults. The all-season Pirellis have been better than expected, once broken in- sure-footed in the wet & fairly capable in the corners. Great car for commuting, road trips & just plain fun.