| The Audi A3 can be seen as the entry level Audi | | | | standards that were present in their larger cars. |
| in the luxury car market. In no way a saloon it | | | | Space in the cabin is ample and comfortable, |
| manages to retain some of the luxury aspects of | | | | although the rear seats are rather awkward for |
| the larger cars whilst being small and practical. The | | | | any traveller who is over six foot. The boot is |
| original model now widely available as a used car | | | | also large for a car in its class and has plenty of |
| was developed as a direct competitor for the | | | | room for shopping trips and longer journeys. |
| BMW 318ti and the Mercedes C230. A little more | | | | As the A3 can be considered a prestige |
| affordable than these models, the German car | | | | hatchback at a relatively affordable price, although |
| manufacturer has now been producing the A3 for | | | | the VW Golf is an even cheaper option from new. |
| almost twelve years with good levels of success. | | | | Fuel economy is good in the majority of engine |
| Originally Audi produced the A3 purely as a | | | | models, although the V6 can be considered |
| budget alternative other more expensive German | | | | somewhat thirsty. Quality is clear throughout the |
| models. The range of engines available in the initial | | | | A3 with solid fittings and fixings and the reliability |
| launch was somewhat pedestrian and made the | | | | of the engine should live up to the high |
| car a little sluggish in terms of performance. | | | | expectations of Audi owners. With airbags for |
| However, three years later a new range of | | | | both front passengers and active headrests to |
| engines were developed with more power to | | | | reduce whiplash its safety features are also |
| make the car a 'hot hatch' to rival the VW Golf | | | | impressive. |
| GTi. Four wheel drive, something that Audi have | | | | For those who truly want a 'hot hatch' the S3 |
| made themselves famous for in recent years, | | | | provides the perfect solution. Built along the same |
| was also added as a performance option. | | | | lines as the A3 it is a more powerful, edgier |
| In terms of handling the A3 was never designed | | | | option. The first generation kicked out around 220 |
| to be an all out racer such as its much sportier | | | | Bhp, although it could have been more powerful if |
| brother, the TT. The drive can be described as | | | | it was not for competition issues with the Audi |
| adequate if not entertaining but grip and body | | | | TT. |
| stability in corners is good. Steering however is | | | | Utilising a turbo charger, the performance stats |
| something that is lacking with a slightly detached | | | | were impressive and it rapidly became popular. |
| feel that damages the experience as a whole. | | | | The latest generation is believed to achieve 0-60 |
| Ride is comfortable and in the sportier version, | | | | mph in five and a half seconds. In comparison to |
| the firmer suspension improves the road holding | | | | other models the S3 is rather expensive, |
| qualities further. The engine is usually quiet at | | | | especially considering the VW R32 Golf and |
| cruising speeds making it an ideal car for | | | | Vauxhall Astra VXR offer similar power at a |
| undertaking long distance journeys. | | | | more affordable price. |
| The interior of the A3 is still relatively | | | | Overall the A3 and its brother the S3 are decent |
| contemporary even in earlier models thanks to | | | | small cars. Quality and reliability are exceptional |
| efficient logical placement of dials and switches. | | | | and although it is cheaper than the other major |
| With a fully adjustable steering wheel and driver's | | | | German manufacturers, there are cheaper |
| seat it is rarely a problem finding the perfect | | | | alternatives on the market. But for Audi quality |
| driving position. When the Audi first announced the | | | | and brand recognition the A3 is a brilliant small |
| A3 they wanted to continue the fine quality | | | | family car that will bring years of driving pleasure. |