Audi A3

Manufacturer
Audi

Model
A3

Segment/Specs
Hatchback

A good quality car, but not significantly better than the rivals in the range. The Golf is an all-round better buy.

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Performance

There's a strong and varied line-up of engines - five petrols and two diesels. Both 2.0-litres are flexible and assured, with the 3.2-litre petrol giving more oomph for your money.

Driving

Strong grip and cornering.

Feel

Stiffened suspension may be uncomfortable on Sport models.

Price

A rather hefty £16,000 at entry-level.

Quality

Solid and sturdy, with good-quality VW engines.

Safety

Six airbags as standard, stability control and brakeforce control. Dropped a star rating on NCAP though.

Space

Rear leg space on 3-door model. A roomy 350 litres on the 3-door and 250l on the 5-door both extend to over 1,000 litres with the back seats folded down.

Equipment

Alloy wheels, electric windows and remote central locking is standard throughout the range. No CD player or air con on the entry-level model though.

Alternatives

Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Renault Megane.

Pros

It's an Audi so the ride is good, it' well-made and it looks great.

Cons

and loses marks on safety and poor equipment on standard models.

A3 1.6 Underpowered

by MH (UK) - 18/10/2005 08:04:10

Hi I own a Audi A3 Sport 1.6 - its a great solid well made car as you would expect but the 1.6 engine is underpowered for a car of this weight - I would go for a a TD next time.

A3 2.0TDI 140 DSG

by Allan (Aberdeenshire) - 27/06/2006 20:57:24

Owned one for 2 years now. Plus points - amazing DSG gearbox (all cars should be like this!), hugh torque equals excellent overtaking, quiet long distance cruising, economical (average 49 mpg - honest!). And build quality - nothing compares - I've looked - BMW 3 Series, Volvo V50, Golf. Minus points - coarse at low speed, poor rear visibility. 5 door (Sportback) would have been better. I've now ordered one of these! But a 170 (just out) this time. And with rear parking sensors to counteract lack of rear visibility. Now that should accelerate! Eat your heart out, Golf GTI!

A3 Sportback 2.0TDI 170 DSG

by Allan (Aberdeenshire) - 24/09/2006 19:39:58

Great service from Specialist cars Audi here in Aberdeen. And great trade-in for my 2 year old 2.0 TDI 3 door. (see my earlier report) Sportback 170 is slightly longer and has 2 additional doors - much more convenient. But also 2 additional side windows and new rear headrests - you can actually see when reversing now! Just in case, I got rear parking sensors. Quite different fuel injection system on 170 - diesel engine now virtually inaudible in normal driving. And just brush the accelerator to send the car surging past ditherers for supremely safe overtaking. Despite this, fuel consumption still mid 40's. Little (except supercars) can match in-gear acceleration. DSG gearbox totally reliable, faster and just as economic as manual. It really is that good. And you can play at Formula 1 driving with the "flappy paddles"! (In a diesel, Clarkson!) Additional £1400 cost is only downside. Stylish, well put together, fast, economical, holds its value - what can compete?

2.0 TDI Sportback

by Geoff (Sheffield) - 24/01/2007 13:50:42

only drawback is tyre noise. with 17" wheels on 2.00 TDI Sport. Very noisy over anything other than smooth macadam surface. economy is unbelievable. I averaged 54 mpg over 1000 mile trip to scotland and cruised 75 mph on motorways. Anyone got any ideas on tyres? Mine are due for renewal and I must have something quieter.