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 is the most expensive Audi A3?
The newest and smallest engine available for the Audi A3 is a 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder petrol with 115 horsepower. Although it’s only offered in SE and Sport trim levels, it has enticingly low operating expenses and is actually rather quick around town.
Audi promises that it will get 62.8 mpg and emit only 104 g/km of CO2, however these numbers can change if you choose larger alloy wheels. We’re quoting the official stats based on the car in standard spec because this is true for the majority of the A3 range.
The next engine is a 1.4 TFSI with cylinder-on-demand, which is offered on SE, Sport, and S Line versions. It generates 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, but it only uses two of its four cylinders as necessary, such as when you’re simply cruising along and the engine isn’t experiencing much stress. With CO2 emissions of just 105g/km for the manual and 109g/km for the S Tronic automatic, and fuel economy of 62.8mpg (manual) and 60.1mpg, this technology helps reduce operating costs (S Tronic).
The 2.0 TFSI with 190 horsepower on Sport and S Line versions sits at the top of the mainstream petrol range. With a S Tronic gearbox, it can accelerate to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, compared to 6.1 seconds for the Quattro four-wheel drive model.
Depending on the size of the wheels, CO2 emissions range from 129 to 134 g/km, while fuel economy is estimated to be between 47.9 and 50.4 mpg.
There are three 2.0-liter TDI engines with varying power outputs and a 1.6-liter TDI engine if you prefer diesel power. The 1.6-liter TDI’s 110 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, as well as its 74.3 mpg fuel economy and 99 g/km CO2 emissions, will appeal to drivers of company cars. This is offered in every trim level.
The 2.0 TDI, which is also offered across the range, comes next. It features a useful increase in power over the 1.6-liter TDI with 150hp and 340Nm of torque while emitting 105g/km and 116g/km with manual and S Tronic gears, respectively. 70.6 mpg is still a very good fuel efficiency. Additionally, this engine is offered with Quattro four-wheel drive.
The 2.0-liter TDI with 184 horsepower is the strongest diesel engine and is only offered with Quattro four-wheel drive and S Tronic gearbox. Audi claims that although though it has a top speed of 143 mph and can accelerate to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, it still gets 58.9 mpg while generating 127 g/km of CO2.
Fuel-saving stop-start technology is standard on all Audi A3 models, which helps to increase fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
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.
What variations of the Audi A3 are there?
One of Audi’s most adaptable product lines is the A3 line. We currently have a wide selection of the amazing new Audi A3 line. These include the A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Saloon, S3, S3, S3, S3 Cabriolet, A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Saloon, and RS3 Saloon and Sportback.
A3 Sportback – This five-door hatchback blends the saloon’s amenities with the normal A3’s small dimensions. There are several trim levels available for the A3 Sportback, including Technik, Sport, S Line, and Black Edition.
The A3 Saloon is the perfect vehicle for urban business travelers and families who require the convenience of a hatchback. A small saloon that dazzles with a stylish, sporty design and a luxurious, driver-focused interior.
S3 Sportback: The brand-new Audi S3 Sportback is the ideal fusion of sporty and utilitarian. The Audi S3 Sportback is thrillingly precise and blends the convenience of an automatic transmission with the sportiness of a manual gearbox thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, sports suspension, and S tron dual-clutch transmission.
S3 Saloon – The S3 is a genuinely athletic saloon with added Audi refinement, as you could anticipate. A strong engine is combined with opulent fixtures and roomy utility. The S3 Saloon has twin tailpipe trims on each side of its dual-branch exhaust system, which combines the sophistication of the A3 Saloon with S-specific features.
RS3 Saloon – The RS Saloon is a force to be reckoned with and provides an additional 39 liters of trunk space over the Sportback thanks to the powerful design that lurks beneath the sculpted body style.
RS3 Sportback – With a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, the new Audi RS 3 Sportback is one of the most potent vehicles in its class on the road today. This smaller, more ready-to-go RS variant from Audi has more power and presence.
What distinguishes the A3 from the A3 Sportback?
Of course, the absence of a rear hatchback for the boot is the primary distinction between the A3 Saloon and the A3 Sportback. Since bigger boot openings are the standard in the UK, the Saloon sells less there, but its 425 liters of luggage capacity outpace the four-door Mercedes A-Class by five liters. The majority of adults can comfortably stretch out in the back seats, but taller passengers may struggle with headroom.
Which trim ought you to pick? Trims in the Audi lineup are referred to as SE, Sport, and S-line.
Everything we deem essential for the Audi A3 is included in the SE trim, including Bluetooth, a USB port, voice control, and manual air conditioning. Dual-zone climate control, sports seats, and sports suspension are added by the Sport trim, while a variety of stylistic upgrades are added by the S-line trim, including larger alloy wheels, a custom front bumper, rear diffuser, and side sills. It has a sports suspension that is much stiffer.
We’d continue using the SE. However, you can select either with the suppler SE suspension if you like the Sport or S-styling. line’s This option enhances the ride significantly and is free.
Which options ought you to pick? There aren’t many options that we think the A3 needs in SE trim, but there are a handful that you might want.
Dual-zone climate control is at the top of the list because the SE only has manual air conditioning. Cost of the update is 390.
The Technology package, which costs more but is worthwhile to think about, adds satellite navigation, a 7-inch color display, and a touch-sensitive panel to the MMI controller for the system. Although it costs $1,000, it adds a genuine touch of sophistication to the cabin.
Metallic paint is a requirement at $525 and will assist maximize the A3’s appearance.
How much ought you to pay? Despite the A3’s short lifespan, there are already discounts on the advertised price. For instance, compared to the list price, our Target Price is about 700800 less.
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 should I look for in a used Audi A3 hatchback?
If you’re considering an automatic Audi A3, be sure the gearshifts are smooth and the vehicle doesn’t seem jerky as you accelerate. The automatic gearboxes in the car are notorious to malfunction, and a jerky driving could mean a costly repair bill is soon to come.
If you have a six-speed manual gearbox in your automobile, make sure the transition between first and second gears isn’t too stiff. If it is, this could indicate a costly gearbox synchromesh problem.
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.
Is buying an Audi A3 worthwhile?
I recently purchased a 2020 model A3 with 5000 miles on the odometer, but after finding too many unrepairable electrical issues, I decided to return the vehicle. It was replaced with a comparable vehicle with fewer miles on the odometer, and a few months later the second vehicle was brought back to the shop with a new set of serious electrical issues (it is currently undriveable). It will be at the dealer for at least two weeks as they ponder their options and wait for parts to arrive from Germany. You decide if the A3 is a highly unreliable automobile or if I’m simply unlucky.
Rear wiper fire
- 2006
- 1600
- Manual
- Petrol
- Hatchback
- 3
I bought a used Audi A3 eight months ago. At the time, I though I was buying a nice, dependable car for a higher than average price. However, today, the rear wiper developed a mind of its own and caught fire, ruining my inside. This appears to be a typical mistake, according to an online search. Get a used Audi instead, is my recommendation.
Audi A3
- 2013
- 1800
- Automatic
- Diesel
- 4
It operates nicely and is quite simple to drive. The automobile has proven to be highly dependable and has outstanding fuel efficiency, especially on long trips. However, I have had greater mileage with a pair of tires on other vehicles I have owned. Service frequency helps to cut expenditures.
It is still pretty excellent even though it is not as comfortable as other of the automobiles I have had. The hatchback facility offers a lot of versatility and has more than enough capacity.
The only complaint I would make is that the front windscreen wipers’ intermittent speed and frequency are both too high.
I cant believe I am an Audi driver, but hey-ho!
- 2011
- 5
In 2013, I purchased my Audi A3 from a car dealership. I don’t usually go to these sites because I never buy new automobiles and always buy my older cars from small dealers that I know and trust for under $3,000 and over the course of 5 years. I used to scream at Audi drivers for always catching up to you and speeding through intersections; now I am one of them! and have been doing so for at least four years. Although a little “bouncy” on country roads, it is still a terrific car to drive and I’m not convinced the traction control makes much of a difference there. Additionally, the car isn’t the most economical to operate: insurance is a bit pricey, the annual car tax is 200 (ouch! ), the fuel efficiency is 40 mph on a good day, but for non-highway trips, it’s closer to 30-35 mpg. The inside and fixtures, as well as the factory-installed 8-speaker audio, are excellent. My only complaint is that there isn’t much storage space in the front. A full set of golf clubs won’t quite fit in the boot (you’ll undoubtedly need to take the 3 wood and driver out of the bag!).
BTW – Be careful not to sit on the key fob when, say, inside the house (it could be compressed in your pocket), but still within range of the car, as this could trigger ALL OF THE WINDOWS to open entirely, leaving your car open to the elements and any nearby “tea-leaves” and opportunists. This has happened to me a few times, however it might not be a problem with devices made after 2013.
El Rapido
- 2016
- 1400
Adore this vehicle The finest Audi I’ve owned in 25 years as an owner is an SLine with a 1.4 cylinder on Demand engine.
Excellent to drive yet has many small flaws:
1. When utilizing cruise control, there is nowhere to place your right foot.
2. The media center’s awkward design makes it difficult to use
3. The car’s interior has very limited storage capacity.
4. A little boot
Very reliable car!
2005
Had the car from new, had regular servicing, and experienced no significant issues. I’m 84, so this is definitely going to be my last car! If I were to replace it, I would choose an Audi ( probably aA1 auto)
Great fun and practical for a convertible
- 2009
- Convertible
- 2
I am incredibly happy with the A3 Cabriolet. Despite not being a petrolhead, I do value my car’s performance. As long as I don’t put too much pressure on the accelerator, I can utilize higher ratios at low speeds to maximize fuel efficiency, but if I need to change down and put more force behind it, I get an immediate and gutsy response. It has been serviced by Audi (for a cost of just approximately 160 for each 10,000-mile oil change service), I fill it up with respectable fuel (often Shell, but occasionally V-Power), and it has good tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4s currently). The soft top can be raised or lowered in about 11 seconds, and if necessary, it may be done while driving slowly. The boot has plenty of area and the roof doesn’t obstruct it, despite being a little difficult to access. Although a tad narrow, the S-Line seats up front are pretty comfy, and I had no trouble fitting 2 adults in the rear (not many convertibles I test-drove could do this). Down-sides? The wiring loom in the driver’s door hinge is prone to breaking the odd cable, which in my case results in the air-bag light turning on. I’m only now starting to suffer electrical troubles. Once I identified the problem, it was quickly repaired (though a little fiddly). The brake/ABS warnings occasionally flash like a Christmas tree on the dash, however restarting the engine fixes the problem. Although I haven’t found the cause of this problem yet, it only occurs every three months or so, and the garage hasn’t found any brake system problems, therefore I believe there may be another intermittent electrical problem. I don’t need to say that I enjoy driving!
Review of Audi A3
2008
This car is really fantastic in that it makes you a better, safer driver. I adore it and have been utterly enamored with Audis. Since I don’t now drive a diesel and never plan to, the catalytic converter controversy doesn’t affect me. I will most definitely purchase another vehicle, perhaps an A4, as this is easily the best vehicle I have ever driven. But an Audi it will always be!
Great car, safe and fun.
- 2010
- 1968
Compared to a Volvo of comparable size, the road noise surprised me. Traction is excellent with the adaptive Haldex four wheel drive, but I assume that the fuel economy is worse than with the front wheel drive sportback. 65 mpg above 40 in the city when the accelerator pedal is lightly depressed. usually 54 mpg.
To uncover the true driveability hidden beneath the surface of the stock mapping, consider an engine remap (which Audi does not support). To keep the same mpg but considerably more enjoyable, even more care is required.
Models with emissions problems have not yet been recalled as of October 2016! However, if you have remapped the engine, it is irrelevant.
Audi A3 TFSI Sport
The automobile runs well in traffic despite only having a 1400cc engine. Along with a variety of driving modes, from economy, which includes a free-wheel facility, to sport, which retains lower ratios until greater engine revs are reached, the 7 speed automatic transmission always seems to be in the correct gear for the conditions. Since the automobile was purchased on November 11, 2013, its overall fuel efficiency is 44 mpg, with highway driving achieving above 50 mpg. Depending on usage, the servicing intervals are rather generous, usually every 18 months, although the computer in the car decides when to do it. Although slightly harder than on the SE model, the sport suspension installed in my car is in no way uncomfortable. The automobile is very agile and fairly short (4.237m). The automobile has screen wipers and automated headlights.
A couple of things could be improved. Similar to many other recent models, the rear sight is poor, necessitating caution when reversing in parking lots, etc. When the brakes are removed while the car is in gear, the “creep” pace is a little faster than I prefer. The rear seats are not very easy to access, and as the center tunnel extends to the back seat, anyone sitting in the middle rear seat must straddle it.
- 2007
- 1900
Lively and fun, some minor drawbacks
- 2000
- Coupe
Unexpectedly quick and nimble for a little engine, enjoyable to drive, and dependable. Great operating expenses compared to my previous vehicle. There isn’t much storage in the cabin, the boot is a little on the small side, and the glove box is tiny. There is just one power outlet throughout the entire vehicle, making it necessary to use a large and uncomfortable splitter device in order to charge my phone and use my Satnav at the same time. Not the most attractive vehicle, kind of “average.”
Great car in every way
This is a terrific automobile with all the amenities you could want and it seems to run smoothly. It’s also really comfortable, and the arm rest is excellent. Highly recommended, and the arm rest is well worth the purchase.
Audi A3 Sport
1986
I’m delighted I acquired this car, which I didn’t see online or purchase locally.
Before the sale, the dealer installed a new turbo, and when it proved out that it did not have cruise control as claimed, the dealer agreed to mail a check to cover the cost of having it installed.
Evans halshaw Audi A3
I went to look at this automobile and was really disappointed. It had been in a terrible accident and was coated in filla overspray. It is a junk car that isn’t even worth $2,000. Mr. Smith, someone will be purchasing a right dog of a car.