For The A3 is a desirable, high-quality car and its strong resale values reflect this. It handles well and there are some fine engines available.
Against Prices are high and entry-level models have rather meagre kit. The smallest engines are short of power and refinement, and S line versions have a fidgety ride.
What Car? says
It’s not easy to justify the A3’s high prices when a Golf with the same engine costs a lot less, but few rivals can match the A3 for cabin quality, desirability and resale values. It's a fine all-rounder.
Reader review rating
3.597701
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There are 44 Audi A3 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The A3 shares many of its parts and engines with the cheaper VW Golf, which is a mixed blessing. It means crisp handling and some fine engines, but you’ve got to question where all your extra money is going, since neither brand performs particularly well in our reliability or satisfaction surveys.
The entry-level petrol and diesel models are comparatively cheap to buy and own, but the petrol is short of power and refinement. The 1.4 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI engines are a better bet: both supply plenty of overtaking punch but are clean and frugal.
Entry-level trim supplies the basics, but if you’re paying this much, you may as well upgrade to SE, which adds some the kind of niceties you expect at this level. Sport and S line models have lowered suspension that makes the ride firm, so make sure that you’re happy to trade sporty looks for comfort. Sportback five-door models give a little extra practicality over three-door cars, but neither is particularly spacious.
Reader test team says:
Audi A3 Hatchback 2.0 FSI 3dr
Hello to you all, I have just…
4
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Hatchback 2.0 TDI 140 S line Start/Stop 3dr
Owned a Audi A3 2.0TDI 140 Sline for 4 months. its…
1
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Hatchback 1.4 TFSI Sport 3dr
I have had the Audi for a month now and covered…
4
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Hatchback 2.0 TFSI Sport 3dr
I've had my A3 from new for 3 1/2 years and it's…
5
out of 5 stars
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