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. All models have plenty of safety kit.
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
4.454545
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There are 45 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 relatively cheap to buy and own, but the petrol unit is short of power and refinement. The 1.4 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI engines are better bets: 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 Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 Start/Stop STronic 5dr
I have inherited this car as a company car(stop…
1
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 5dr
First and foremost it's a brilliant car; it's just…
4
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 5dr
This car features the stop/start feature takes a…
5
out of 5 stars
Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 FSI SE 5dr
I've now had this as a company car for nearly 3…
out of 5 stars
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