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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  Excellent, Fun Car for the Money! - 2008 Audi A3
  By ASM - September 5 - 2:20 pm

  This is a great car, and I have had plenty to compare it to. I also own a Prius, which I kept, but I wanted a "fun" car, and I got that. I know everyone raves about the automatic, but frankly I love the stick shift. It is very responsive, and once you get use to the great distance the clutch goes in (I am only 54") shifting is very smooth! I have an hour drive to and from work everyday, and this has made it a pleasure!

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  The Ultimate Drive! - 2006 Audi A3
  By John - September 3 - 7:20 am

  I just picked up my new Audi A3 this week and I absolutely love it. I test drove many cars from 25k-35k looking for one that was actually fun to drive. The Sport package is well worth the cash. This baby hugs corners with ease. The OpenSky roof is great and opens the cabin up to the outside. Interior room is much better then that of the A4, due to the transversely mounted 2.0 T engine. With options my car came to $31850. Not bad for an car that it! The new DSD Auto is so smooth and is perfectly mated to the 2.0T engine. There is no torque steer present at any speed. The A3 is so much fun to drive. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one today!

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  Sports Car plus - 2008 Audi A3
  By philsoc8 - August 3 - 8:50 pm

  I wanted a sports coupe, but couldnt live without a backseat and some cargo space. The A3 completely fits the bill. Great engine amazing transmission handles like its on rails. Small size makes it tossable and zoom with an efficient engine, but the A3s real secret weapon is the practical space. Audi doesnt want you to know this, but the back seat in the A3 is bigger than that in the A4. My kids love it! True, it is not a bargain, if you price things on a per-inch basis, but if you value things because of how good they are, not just how big, you will love this car.

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  Car is too popular - 2006 Audi A3
  By Dug - July 31 - 1:13 am

  I purchased a brilliant red with DSG, Sport, Convenience, Cold Weather, Stereo and Xenon packages. These cars drive like they are on a track. It is great to have a car that drives really well, gets good mileage and you can fit equipment into and onto. DSG shifting is a real piece of technological achievement. Interior is perfect for my family of three plus our dog.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Audi A3
  By Bzk - July 15 - 9:03 pm

  After owning several Audi vehicles, I can say that im a big Audi fan. So, when it was time to change my car again, I took to my local Audi dealer for my base model A3 with DSG. This car is great and I saved a good amount of money by not choosing many costly options. Im pretty much happy with all standart equipment such as dual A/C, great stereo, excelent transmission, well designed and built interior and exterior. If you want a Audi vehicle, beware of costly options. This car can go well over $30k with a few check marks on the option list. Oh, did I mention how great the gas mileage is?

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  Amazing Car for the Money - 2006 Audi A3
  By Andy and Marcia - July 13 - 4:33 pm

  This car has been a very nice vehicle to own. It has been to Northern Michigan during the winter ( ESP worked very well )and the summer A/C worked very well . Average mileage winter/ summer is about 23 mpg city and about 28 / 29 highway. In the winter we have seen 32 mpg on a round trip to Atlanta and on a trip to North Carolina we saw about 28 . Very comfortable on a long trip. In town as an errand vehicle the car has been very handy. Parking is a breeze and even in summer with the AC running ( as in right now ) we get about 21 in town day to day stop and go. The warranty on the 2006 was handy with the sunshade and the AC needing repair as well as the oil change and service intervals.

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  Love the Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By GregIrwin - July 2 - 2:38 pm

  Ive had the car for two years. Its a lot of fun to drive, and gets decent mileage (~27mpg). The interior is perfect for my needs, and the hatchback is highly functional. Theres been some wear and tear. A lost button, and a busted door handle. Given I paid $26k for the car, I consider it an outstanding value.

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  What a Gem - 2006 Audi A3
  By Larry Marks - June 21 - 12:18 am

  I traded in my 2003 530i for a certified pre-owned A3 with 36,275 miles on it. I couldnt be happier. It is a phenomenal vehicle, and all for under 30k. It all starts with the engine. The 2.0T is a great powerplant, and I love the short throws on my 6 speed manual transmission. The low end torque really gets the car going. The steering is very responsive and the ride is very stable. It is such a blast to drive. It is a coin flip between this A3 and a 323i as the best driving cars I have ever owned. The quality of the interior build is much better than the BMWs I have just come out of (a 323i then 530i). The fuel economy is not bad (25mpg for me) for such a fun car to drive

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  3.2 DSG Quattro - 2006 Audi A3
  By tyler - June 15 - 2:46 am

  Just test drove the new `06 3.2 DSG Quattro and LOVE the DSG system! It really works smoothly and quickly. The handling is nice and tight and plenty of grip served up by the Quattro system. The interior is spacious for the fact that the car is rather small on the outside. The open sky system is a must! The only problem is that the 3.2 Quattro is too much $ for what the car is. I tested a fully equipped model at $38k! The lighter 2.0T is still quick and more reasonably priced.

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  Overall a great car - 2008 Audi A3
  By N. HERNANDEZ - June 9 - 7:09 pm

  I test drove many vehicles for about 6 months. Between them were BMW 328x & 335x, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti G35x and Lexus IS 250 AWD. Audi A3 overall had all the features that I wanted, AWD, cargo flexibility, compact size, powerful engine and a good level of luxury. The A3 is impressive the way it handles. Coming from a previous S4 I was worried that the car wouldnt satisfy me but it has proved me wrong. I like this vehicle more and more as a continue to drive it.