We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue

For The Audi A3 comes with strong, efficient engines, and it strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control on SE suspension. The cabin is beautifully built and resale values are high.

Against Prices are also high and the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox is disappointingly jerky.

Audi A3 Hatchback
55 5stars

The Audi A3 is good to drive and fantastic to sit in. It’s one of the best premium hatchbacks you can buy.

What Car? readers say

No reader reviews found

Continue to full review »

What Car? buying help and car info

Order a brochure, find your nearest dealer or book a test drive

Read in full

The full Audi A3 review


There are 14 Audi A3 versions available

Hatchback 1.2 TFSI 105 S line 3dr TBA TBA
Hatchback 1.2 TFSI 105 Sport 3dr TBA TBA
Hatchback 1.2 TFSI 105 SE 3dr £17,905 TBA
Hatchback 1.4 TFSI 122 SE 3dr £19,205
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr £20,155
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport 3dr £20,430
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 3dr £21,380
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 SE 3dr £21,505
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.4 TFSI 122 S line 3dr £22,580
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 Sport 3dr £22,730
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 TDI 105 S line 3dr £23,530
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.8 TFSI 180 Sport S tronic 3dr £24,410
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 TDI 150 S line 3dr £24,880
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.8 TFSI 180 S line S tronic 3dr £26,560
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Petrol buyers can choose between 1.4- and 1.8-litre turbo engines, but the 1.4 is our favourite. It keeps the price reasonable and is gutsy enough to let you enjoy the A3’s agile handling.

There are also two diesel engines: a 148bhp 2.0-litre and a 103bhp 1.6. The smaller of the two emits just 99g/km of CO2, so it attracts temptingly low company car tax bills.

Both diesels are smooth and flexible, but if you can stretch to it we’d recommend the 2.0 for its punchier power delivery.

There are three trims, each with a different suspension setting: SE, lower Sport and lower-still S line. For us, the SE’s suspension provides the best balance of comfort and control, and the good news is that you can specify it at no extra cost with every trim level.

SE trim undoubtedly offers the best value for money, too, but you might want to add one of two optional extras, such as automatic light and wipers and climate control.

A3 rivals

A3 used car reviews

Share on Facebook

Audi A3 Hatchback

Read the definitive Audi A3 Hatchback review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices and compare with similar cars.

Share