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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.
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.
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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.
Petrol
Hybrid:
Diesel:
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.
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’s dimensions are:
The Audi A3’s boot size is:
The A3 qualifies for a flat rate of £180 a year in VED. Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models fall under the ‘alternative fuel’ category, saving you £10 a year by bringing the annual tax down to £170.
Even the most committed spendaholic would struggle to make an A3 cost more than £40,000 but just be aware that these are hit with an extra £355 a year tax for the first five years. Avoiding that levy won't be so easy on Audi S3 models which cost more than £38,000 in basic specification.
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
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