Used Audi A3 for sale: everything you need to know
The Audi A3 is a classy and high-tech premium hatchback and saloon. It shares many of its parts with the Volkswagen Golf, but wrapped up in a more upmarket design inside and out. Extremely popular as a new car to buy or lease and as a used car, the Audi A3 is known for its high quality feel, range of excellent petrol and diesel engines and its sporty yet refined driving experience.
The latest version of the Audi A3 has been for sale in Sportback five-door hatchback form, or as a four-door saloon, since 2020. Key rivals for the Audi A3 include the BMW 1 Series, the Mercedes A-Class as closely-matched premium German competitors, while there’s also the Mazda 3 if you want something that looks and feels equally premium but is more interesting.
Should you buy a used Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is a good all-round premium hatchback or saloon, which is reflected in how popular it is on the new and used markets. Although the latest Audi A3 doesn’t have the same level of material quality and interior design as the previous generation car, it does have much more technology.
All models get the largest 10.1-inch infotainment screen as standard, with plenty of features, while usefully Audi has left in some physical buttons to make things like adjusting the climate control easy to do on the move. There’s also a digital dial display - called Virtual Cockpit - standard on every model.
The latest Audi A3 is also pretty spacious: four adults can get comfortable, while there’s a good amount of storage on offer. The 380-litre boot isn’t the largest in this class of car, but it’s roomy enough for most people’s needs.
While older Audi A3s can have a firmer ride, particularly in S-Line trim with sports suspension, the latest model is very comfortable and refined. It’s easy to drive around town and confidence-inspiring out on the open road, even if there are more fun alternatives.
What’s more, there isn’t a weak link in the engine lineup: even the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol punches above its weight, while the rest of the petrol engines are smooth and swift. Those after excellent efficiency should check out the 2.0-litre diesel engine.
The Audi A3 offers a compelling mix of desirability, technology, practicality and refinement. There’s a strong range of engines to meet buyer’s needs, while there’s plenty of standard equipment and technology on offer. The previous-generation Audi A3 is also a great car to buy used if you’re looking for savings over a new model. It’s a really desirable choice in a competitive class.
What’s the best used Audi A3 model to buy?
When it first went on sale, the Audi A3 Sportback was only offered with three trim levels: Technik, Sport and S line. Even the standard Audi A3 Technik model is well equipped with LED headlights, Virtual Cockpit, a 10.1-inch navigation system, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
It comes as standard with 16-inch wheels which sound small, but provide a smoother ride which we like. Most buyers will find the Audi A3 Technik more than adequate.
The main advantages of the Audi A3 Sport and Audi A3 S line models are various cosmetic upgrades (such as bigger wheels and sportier exterior styling), along with an even more upmarket cabin with leather seats as standard. There’s also the Audi A3 Edition 1 or Audi A3 Vorsprung models, which have 19-inch alloy wheels and LED rear lights with fancy dynamic indicators.
Engine choice is simple. If you cover lots of motorway miles, go for the 2.0-litre diesel badged Audi A3 35 TDI. If you don’t, stick to the 1.5-litre petrol. Then there are a couple of plug-in hybrid models in the shape of the A3 40 TFSI e S Tronic and A3 45 TFSI e S Tronic. Our pick would be the 40 TFSI e S Tronic that delivers a combined power output of 204PS, will hit 62mph in 7.6 seconds and has an electric-only range of up to 40 miles making it one of the best hybrid cars going.
Used Audi A3 fuel economy and performance
Petrol
Audi A3 30 TFSI: The entry level A3 petrol engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo unit putting out 110PS and 200Nm. Capable of 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, it’ll do up to 55.4 mpg with the seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, or 50.4mpg with the six-speed manual.
Audi A3 35 TFSI: The mid-level A3 petrol engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo making 150PS and 250Nm. That’s sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds. It’ll do similar fuel economy to the 30 TFSI, up to 54.3mpg with the S tronic automatic gearbox or 50.4 with the manual.
Audi S3: The first high performance model uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine making 310PS and 400Nm. With standard four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox it’ll do 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, with fuel economy of up to 38.1mpg.
Audi RS3: The fastest and most powerful A3 is the RS3. With a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine it puts out 400PS and 500Nm. With standard four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox, it’ll do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and promises up to 32.1mpg combined.
Hybrid:
Audi A3 40 TFSI e: The entry-level plug-in hybrid option for the Audi A3 uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to an electric motor and seven-speed automatic gearbox. Putting out 204PS and 350Nm, it’ll go from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and promises up to 256.8mpg.
Audi A3 45 TFSI e: the most powerful plug-in hybrid uses the same petrol engine and electric motor setup as the 40 TFSI e, but with 245PS and 400Nm. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds, while quoted fuel economy is up to 217.3mpg.
Diesel:
Audi A3 35 TDI: As of 2022 Audi only offers one version of the A3 in diesel form. With a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, it puts out 150PS and 260Nm. That’ll get it from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, with fuel economy at up to 61.4mpg combined.
Older Audi A3s on the used market will be available with other engine options, including a less powerful diesel engine and more powerful 2.0-litre petrols.
What used Audi A3 trim levels are available?
The current Audi A3 has four trim levels available: Technik, Sport, S line and Edition 1. All are well-equipped, with higher-end trims focusing on style and technology upgrades.
The Audi A3 Technik is the entry-level trim, and is the most affordable to buy or lease. It’s available with a wide variety of petrol or diesel engines.
The Audi A3 Sport is the mid-level trim, with an upgraded exterior design and extra equipment.
The Audi A3 S line is the sportiest version of the standard A3. It receives sports suspension and further styling and kit upgrades
The Audi A3 Edition 1 is the range-topping model with lots of extras thrown in and the most upmarket exterior look.
Audi A3 dimensions and boot size
The 2024-on Audi A3 Sportback's dimensions are:
The Audi A3 Sportback's boot capacity is:
These figures apply to conventional petrol and diesel Sportback models. Plug-in hybrid versions have less boot space, while the Audi A3 Saloon has a separate 425-litre boot. Dimensions and luggage capacities also vary between generations.
Used Audi A3 road tax
Most Audi A3 models registered from 1 April 2017 cost £200 a year to tax under the current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rules. This applies to petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, as the previous £10 annual discount for alternative-fuel vehicles has been removed.
However, some higher-specification A3 models can cost considerably more. Cars with an original list price of more than £40,000, including factory-fitted options, are subject to an additional £440 annual supplement for five years, starting with the second year of registration. This brings the annual road tax bill to £640 while the supplement applies. It's particularly worth checking on high-specification A3 models and the more powerful Audi S3.
Older Audi A3 models registered before 1 April 2017 are taxed according to their emissions rather than a flat rate. Some economical diesel and petrol versions can therefore be considerably cheaper to tax. Always check the road tax for the specific car you're considering, as costs can vary significantly between generations and engines.
Always check the road tax for the specific car you're considering, as costs can vary significantly between generations and engines. For more information, read our guide to car road tax.
How much is it to insure an Audi A3?
The Audi A3 starts at insurance group 18 for the 30 TFSI Sport, and rises all the way up to group 46 for the hottest Audi RS3.
Read our full Audi A3 review
