The Audi A3 is a compact, family-friendly vehicle that is frequently ranked as one of the most opulent small vehicles. But which year’s Audi A3 is the best?
The Volkswagen Golf shares the same basis as the A3, which has been around since 1996. It was introduced as a three-door hatchback at first. But as time went on, it underwent a significant transformation, expanding to become more fashionable and furnished with modern conveniences.
The Audi A3 is at its finest in 2017, offering a wealth of opulent and cutting-edge technological features. In 2017, the A3’s powertrain underwent revisions that increased its output compared to earlier variants. The 2017 model adds various safety measures, such as emergency braking, as standard equipment and comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine.
Those who disagree with us claim that the Audi A3 is simply a Volkswagen Golf GTI with a sedan body and a more expensive price tag. The A3 and the Golf do share a platform and a few parts of the powertrain, but that is about where the similarities end. There are numerous components that are shared by the Audi A3. This is not meant to be a criticism of the Golf in any way, but it is also unfair to compare it to the A3 because they are in distinct market segments.
The Audi A3 is a great option for compact families wishing to travel in style, according to our automotive experts. Excellent safety measures are offered by the Audi A3, which is also a lot of fun to drive. You may enjoy the amenities of an Audi at a fraction of the cost, whether you need it to get groceries every day or prefer to take your family on lengthy road trips.
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What year Audi A3 should I stay away from?
In order to determine the greatest and worst model years for the Audi A3, we conducted research on the consumer complaint websites Car Complaints and Car Problem Zoo.
Worst Model Year
The 2015 A3 was prone to excessive oil consumption, however as it typically happened within the first 17,000 miles, the warranty covered it.
Concerningly many complaints were received for the 2015 model year, including issues with wiring and fuel pumps.
Another bad year for the Audi A3 was 2006, when many owners bemoaned the infamous “Takata air bag recall.”
Audi customers were especially irritated at how slowly the Takata air bags’ major harm-causing inadvertent deployments were addressed.
“Have been on the waiting list for 8 months, and unable to acquire any quote or assurance of repair,” one irate driver wrote on the site. 23 years, according to a dealer service manager.
Best Model Year
Audi eventually resolved their air bag issues after 2019, and you can see a significant decrease in complaints starting in 2019.
The more recent versions will also include all the newest improvements, technological advancements, and security features.
A3s from 2013 and 2012 are also solid choices if you’re searching for an earlier model; just make sure the air bag issue has been resolved.
Which Audi A3 is trustworthy?
Despite being a completely new model, the A3 is built on evolutionary rather than revolutionary underpinnings and engines, so we wouldn’t anticipate any significant reliability issues. It received five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, although it’s unfortunate that some safety equipment is listed as an option.
Audi A3 reliability
It will take some time before the new Audi A3 has enough owners put it through its paces to get a true sense of how reliable it is, but serious problems appear improbable. The A3’s 1.5-liter petrol engine is an improvement over the engine present in the outgoing model, and it is based on an updated version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB design.
In our most recent Driver Power owner satisfaction poll, the Mk3 A3 scored below average for reliability and build quality, placing it 55th out of the top 75 models. The engines and gearboxes as well as the price it offers most impressed owners. Interior comfort and ride quality, however, weren’t given much acclaim.
Is buying an Audi A3 wise?
If you’re looking for a high-end family vehicle, the Audi A3 is a fantastic option all around. Although it is not very large, there is still a lot of space inside, and the comfortable cabin is well-equipped. It also comes with a variety of fantastic engines, from efficient diesels to quiet petrol variants. Although the Volkswagen Golf does nearly all tasks equally as effectively for less money as the Audi A3, the A3’s upscale image will appeal to many potential consumers.
The Audi A3 is a family car that is similar in size, style, and even features many of the same engines as the VW Golf. However, the Audi is more upscale due to its plush inside, fashionable exterior, and higher price.
Solution:
There have been complaints that some A3 drivers who have the 2.0-liter diesel engine experience catastrophic engine failure after fewer than 60,000 kilometers. It can occur at any time and is brought on by severe wear to an oil pump sprocket. You’ll need to get a new oil pump from us to swap out the old one.
Reliability of Audi A3 1.4 TFSI?
The 1.4 TFSI Audi is renowned for its dependability. Many motorists claim that their Audi 1.4 TFSI lasts longer than 200,000 miles without experiencing any significant issues. The engine is strong, effective, and built to last for many years of use. A comprehensive warranty that covers the majority of repairs and maintenance expenses is also included with the Audi 1.4 TFSI. As a result, owners can count on their Audi 1.4 TFSI engine to serve them faithfully for many years.
Do a lot of Audi A3 troubles exist?
Reliability issues with the Audi A3. 47 complaints from A3 owners span 24 model years. It received a second-to-last overall reliability rating from our PainRankTM system due to serious engine and transmission issues.
What Audi is the most trustworthy?
10 Audi Vehicles That Are Extremely Reliable
- 8 2018-2019 Audi A5.
- 7 Allroad in 2019.
- 6 Quattro 1983
- 5 2009 A3.
- 4 2019 Audi Q5.
- 3 2020 Q7.
- 2 2018 RS6.
- 1 2019 TT.
Is the 2.0 TDI Audi A3 a reliable vehicle?
It’s not nearly as quirky as the Volvo or as sleek and sporty as the Mercedes, with its classic hatchback proportions and square tail. Even so, it has a solid waistline and a relaxed, unfussy appearance. Because Sport models come standard with large 17-inch alloy wheels, our test vehicle had an aggressive edge.
The solid packaging of the A3 is not surprising because its foundations have been established and are shared by a variety of VW Group vehicles. Although it is the shortest car in this group and has the smallest wheelbase, it nonetheless boasts a respectable 350-liter trunk. When the back seats lay flat, the volume rises to 1,100 liters. that has 90 liters more room than the C30 and is the same size as the Sports Coup. However, if you are seated in the back, the short wheelbase is apparent. Although the chairs are higher than those in the front, headroom is compromised as a result. However, compared to the C30, there is more legroom and easier access to the back seats.
The stylish, intuitive dash design up front is a testament to the quality of Audi vehicles. The A3’s cabin feels like it will last the test of time; neither of its rivals is as well-built. But that doesn’t mean it’s faultless; the cup holder is somewhat flimsy, and when the brakes is applied, the underside of the optional center armrest on our model is struck.
The inside of the Audi is executed better throughout. The three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel is comfortable to handle, and high-quality switchgear is employed throughout. While not quite as comfy as the C30’s seats, the sports seats nonetheless provide good lateral support.
In this test, the top engine is the tried-and-true 2.0-liter diesel motor. Because the Audi’s 320Nm of torque peaks at just 1,750 rpm, it is excellent for overtaking. The TDI is snappy and aggressive deep down in the range thanks to the excellent six-speed transmission, which maximizes the TDI’s power. Although the A3’s engine runs out of steam at high revs (a problem shared by the Volvo and Mercedes), it still seemed the fastest of our three vehicles.
And this was demonstrated on the test track. Despite having a slightly slower 9.1-second 0-60 mph sprint time than the C30, the Audi was by far the fastest from 30-70 mph, taking only 8.3 seconds. The A3 also offers the best handling. Although there isn’t much competition in this area, the Sport trim turns in accurately and reacts quickly, though the steering could be more engaging.
However, despite having superior grip and body control than the Volvo, the ride isn’t as smooth and can be unnervingly bumpy. Thus, for the majority of purchasers, the Volvo has a better overall balance.
The A3 is not very well-equipped and is also relatively pricey. The price of this Sport version would increase to 21,840, or 2,545 more than the Swedish option, by just configuring it to the same level as the ordinary Volvo. The Audi thus appears to be a poor value.
Details
Price: 20,080 Audi A3 TDI 140 Sport 2.0 liter/138 horsepower was the tested model. Chart place: 2 WHY: The A3 lineup consists of five gasoline engines, three diesel engines, and five trim levels. The choices become confusing when all-wheel drive and several gearbox options are included. The midrange diesel in Sport spec is the one we test, though.
Economy
The 2.0-liter TDI engine knows how to reduce fuel costs even though it is noisy and crude. The Audi was the only vehicle here to be able to drive more than 500 miles on a tankful thanks to its long gearing and effective aerodynamics, getting 43.9 miles per gallon.
Residuals
The five-door Sportback tends to perform better than the normal A3, but diesels still have the best residuals. It is now worth 10,438 or 48.2% of its initial cost after three years. However, the entry-level 1.9-litre TDI is a better option if you want to cut your losses as much as possible.
Servicing
Although Audi’s dealer network is the smallest in this business, it has a great reputation for customer service. The cost of the A3’s first three services is $1,095, but because of its flexible schedule, this 2.0-liter TDI variant may go up to 30,000 miles between inspections.
Tax
The most environmentally efficient Audi diesel, which emits 149g/km of CO2, places the A3 in the 19% tax bracket. Owners in the lower price range will pay $839 annually, which is almost 450 less than the C-Class Sports Coup but just 10 less than the Volvo.
How reliable is the 1.6 TDI Audi A3?
However, this A3 is only offered as a three-door and in the base “Standard” trim level. It has the same 1.6 TDI engine as other A3 models (the new 1.6-liter common rail diesel replaces the outdated pumpe duse unit in the outgoing 1.9 TDIe A3) but a higher final drive ratio and recuperation, which temporarily stores braking energy in the battery with the goal of assisting acceleration and takeoff.
Additionally, the A3 TDI features lowered ride height, revised underbody aerodynamics, and 16-inch steel wheels with tall, thin, low rolling resistance tires. The 99 g/km A3 appears noticeably subpar when compared to other A3 variants, specifically because of this wheel and tire combination.
With only 104 horsepower, the 1.6 TDI engine isn’t very powerful (keep in mind that the S3’s 261 horsepower powers the same bodyshell), thus this engine’s performance is adequate rather than spectacular but on level with that of comparable sub-100 g/km vehicles.
Pick-up is slow at low revs, as it is with many vehicles that have been “tuned” to be green, but aside from that, there aren’t any significant driving issues given the vehicle’s low emissions. Although front-wheel drive and low power don’t make for the most thrilling of driving experiences, the A3 is elegant and comfortable once it is moving.
The handling blends in with the personality of the rest of the A3 and is purposeful but uninspiring. The ride is rather stiff but not uncomfortable. The mild, unresponsive steering completes the standard Audi package.
How does the Audi A3 quattro drive?
With the most recent A3 model, reliability shouldn’t be a problem. It is based on the well-known MQB architecture used by the Volkswagen Group, and the TSI petrol engines are also well-known.
In our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, the A3 came in at number 55 (out of 75 vehicles), with the Q2 and Q3 ranking a little higher. Behind BMW in 21st place and Mercedes in 13th place among 29 manufacturers, Audi itself came in a disappointing 23rd place.