Audi A3 Car Reviews

The A3 gives buyers the feel of a much larger premium vehicle, in a much smaller package. This medium family car gives the quality design and finish that you would expect from a top of the range luxury saloon, without its cumbersome size. There are a number of A3 models available, both the standard and sport models are available in hatchback or sportback (3 and 5 doors respectively), whilst the RS3 is only available as a 5 door sportback. In addition to this Audi offer a cabriolet version of the A3. Due to the number of different variations of the A3 that are available, there are a significant number of strong engines to choose from, such as the sporty 2.5 litre petrol in the RS3 or the most frugal 1.6 litre diesel, capable of over 70mpg combined.

Price Range: £-1 - £-1
Insurance Groups: N/A - N/A
MPG Range: N/A - N/A
Score: 4/5
Strong resale values
Strong range of engines
Premium interior
Pricey compared to rivals
Lacking in standard equipment
S-Line ride can be a little firm

Latest Audi A3 Car Reviews:

Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI 5dr - February 2012
If you are looking for a sporty car that delivers high quality performance in an attractive body then the Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI could be the car for you. Adequate seating for adults in the fro...
Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI Sport 5dr Pre-Model - February 2012
If you are looking for a family car that retains its value and delivers great performance and reliability then the Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI Sport could be the car for you. However, the cheaper A3...
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 5dr - February 2012
Not as stylish as the Audi A1 range, this car has a good reliability record and advanced safety features which make it attractive to families. Comfort and performance levels are high in the Audi A3...
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE S tronic 5dr Pre-Model - February 2012
A reliable car with improved fuel efficiency and lower road tax costs, the Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE S tronic is the perfect car for families looking for a powerful vehicle with high performanc...
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S line 5dr Pre-Model - February 2012
If you are looking for a powerful car which delivers high levels of performance and retains its value then the Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S line 5dr could be the car for you. However, with high cos...

Audi A3 Overview

As with other Audi models, the suspension settings and larger wheels of the S-Line models can make the ride a little too firm. The handling is not the most exciting, but it is competent with little body roll and a good level of grip. In terms of road and wind noise, there is little to worry about, with only minimal noise once you hit the motorway.

The introduction of sportback models makes the A3 an even more practical car. The extra doors and additional space in the rear, due in part to a redesign of the front seatbacks, make it a reasonably sized family car, which is easier to get in and out of than the 3-door hatchback. There is also addition boot space over the 3-door model.

The interior is well thought out and expertly put together, demonstrating the excellent build quality that Audi have become renowned for. The front seats offer a number of adjustments, whilst remaining supportive, so finding a comfortable driving position is easy. However, equipment on base models is lacking, so the list of extras desired by the buyer may prove to be expensive.

Background

The A3 has been produced since 1996 on the Volkswagen Group A platform, which it shares with the VW golf, VW Touran, Seat Leon and a number of other cars. The first generation ran until 2003 with the introduction of a 5-door model in 1999, which was followed by a subsequent facelift in 2000 changing the front and rear light configuration and other minor cosmetic alterations.

The second generation debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003, again with initially only releasing the 3-door variant. In 2004 the sportback 5-door model was introduced with a new grille, which was fitted to the hatchback later in the same year. The latest update date was in 2008 which again made changes to the front grille and front and rear headlight configurations.

The second generation S3 and RS3 were introduced in 2006 and 2011 respectively. They represent sportier versions of the base A3, with the RS3 aimed at being a real performance car, quoting 0-62mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds.

The current third-generation model was launched in 2012, and is based upon the VW Group's MQB architecture.

Summary

The A3 is a premium vehicle, aimed at people who want to travel in a more luxurious environment, but don’t necessarily require or want the large vehicle usually associated with such an experience. The wide range of models offered means the consumer can choose between a fuel efficient diesel which is able to eat up motorway miles, or a sporty RS3, capable of competing with the best of them on the track.

Audi A3 Car Overview - by 
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