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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  Best Decision We Ever Made - 2006 Audi A3
  By Jennifer - May 4 - 1:06 am

  This is a fabulous car! Worth every penny that we spent on it. Our model has the 2.0t with the DSG transmission. It is extremely fun to drive whether its around town or on the highway, and it has ample room for adult passengers in the back seat! We really didnt want to buy a fuller sized wagon, but this car is a big car in small shoes. Plenty of room, plenty of versatility... with the handling of a sports car. If you are in the market for a car of this type, consider the Audi A3. It wont disappoint you!

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  Awesome Euro Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By dwalzz - April 12 - 10:06 am

  Outstanding Car. 6spd Manual is where it is at, but apparently the DSG is nice. Sport Package and Xenon headlights are a must. Premium sound is nice too. Handles like a dream. Great engine. Classy yet sporty interior.

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  Im taking the long way home... - 2006 Audi A3
  By 8-Track - March 5 - 1:53 am

  Base trim. This is a great ride. Power always ready to go. DSG has best automatic program ever. Superb brakes. Real-world space for adults. Sticks to road like quattro. Superior fit and finish. Top-quality plastics and cloth. Nits: Watch the throttle in traffic. Power can come in a rush, you’re on the bumper of the car in front in no time. Body lean adds thrilling feel of danger in cornering. Low seat, roof, small glass = closed-in feeling. Boxy sounding stereo, radio reception among the worst. Fussy HVAC system if you want manual control. Shallow ‘trunk, seats dont go flat. Surprising drivetrain and tire noise. Manual seat controls are pure 80’s econobox, laughable here.

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  Reliability Issues at 4,000K - 2006 Audi A3
  By coolvw - February 8 - 11:00 pm

  Rear passenger door lock burnt out at 4,000km. Door wont lock and alarm keeps going off - Audi did not have the part in stock for 4 days. They suggested I leave it in my garage because I couldnt lock the car! Not off to a good start. I loved the car and, despite previous bad experiences with VW, bought one anyway...Im thinking Ive made a mistake and should have stuck with Acura / Lexus. Other quibbles - Im 6ft tall and cannot find a comfortable driving position (center console too wide). Lack of memory on power seats makes it very difficult to share this vehicle with my wife. Did I mention I should have stuck with Acura?

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  Long time coming - 2006 Audi A3
  By wash - October 30 - 1:26 pm

  I use to own a 83 Audi 4000s God I loved that car until it die with over 200k miles on it, ever since I wanted another audi but the A4 just did not appeal to me, now the A3 it just called my name and had to have it. Love the car is fast and agile and very convenient, I love the look on those BMW and SUV owners when they look at it with a gaze.

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  Just got it and love it - 2006 Audi A3
  By john m - October 30 - 5:00 am

  Just bought my A3 yesterday and I have to say that I am impressed. I went from the VW Jetta GLS VR6 to the smooth 2.0 T and it is night and day. The DSG transmission is a must. The open sky is very enjoyable. The car drives smoothly at low and high speeds and has enough kick to make it a sports car.

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  Nice, practical, Little, fun car. - 2006 Audi A3
  By Derek - October 5 - 8:43 am

  It is a very nice, peppy car with a turbocharged four, and still gets a 25 mpg int the city and 32 on the highway. Acceleration a bit jerky at the beginning, but once you are in seconds gear, the power starts pouring out. I was very impressed with the DSG automatic transmission, the shifts were so fast I did even feel the car jolt as it did it. Nice exhaust note for a 4 cylinder, and its looks are somtimes missed in a bland color, and arent truely appreciated until you see the car in the brillant red color, (my color). It truely brings out the coolness of the car.

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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.

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  Great car - 2006 Audi A3
  By misterjj - September 22 - 6:30 pm

  An excellent vehicle that looks great and drives better! Very sporty, nice luxury touches, utility of a hatchback, lots of power and good fuel economy. This car seems to have everything going for it.

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  Perfect car for us - 2006 Audi A3
  By TigerZH - September 20 - 6:13 am

  This car is so fun to drive, everyday commute or trip to mountain. 6-speed DSG with 200 HP works like a dream, you dont feel a thing when it shifts. We are big fan of hatchback (or so called compact wagons) Cabin looks or feels great. We factory ordered our Silver, DSG, premium, sound, cold weather Pkg and open sky. We are pretty happy to pay 31K for it plus 2.9% APR.