Used Audi A3 Hatchback (2003 - 2012) Review Review by David Ross on 16 Jul 2008 Last Updated: 02 Sep 2010 4 The Audi A3 is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks around and still dominates despite the introduction of younger alternatives like the BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30. Relatively roomy and with class-leading build quality, the Audi A3 is a desirable premium alternative to more mundane cars like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. Latest Audi A3 Hatchback review Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Gallery Supreme build quality, wide choice of engines, upmarket styling, refined on the move Not as good to drive as some rivals, modest standard kit levels New price range: £14,825 - £27,925 Used price range: £578 - £8,412 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 4 out of 5 The Audi A3 is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks around and still dominates despite the introduction of younger alternatives like the BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30. Relatively roomy and with class-leading build quality, the Audi A3 is a desirable premium alternative to more mundane cars like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. It’s also comfortable and refined and, while it may not be as rewarding to drive as some similar hatches, it is available with a wide range of excellent petrol engines that offer good performance or economical and low-emitting diesel engines.Standard accessories can be a little on the sparse side and ticking the boxes for optional extras means the price of the car can quickly rise. In mid-2005 the Audi A3 was given a facelift to look more like the five-door Sportback version. An eco-friendly diesel model was also introduced which emits 109g/km of CO2 and can average 69mpg. It was given another overhaul in 2008.This included sharper looks with a reshaped bonnet and front wings as well as a new bumper and grille design. The interior was also given an upgrade with the addition of aluminium air vents, light switches and centre console while more soft touch material was used around the cabin. Some models were also fitted with a stop/start system that further improves fuel economy.The 2.0-litre diesel engines were also heavily re-engineered. The new common rail injection system meant they were more refined and efficient than before. At the same time the seven-speed S Tronic automatic was introduced for the first time with selected engines. All cars after this year came with air-con and electric windows as standard, so be careful if you’re looking at a used older model as there’s a possibility it could be missing both of these.Early entry level models were also fitted with cassette players, rather than a CD stereo. In 2010 a 99g/km version was added to the engine line-up. This makes the 1.6-litre diesel model exempt from road tax while the claimed average fuel economy is an impressive 74mpg. Read the full Audi A3 review to find out more. Parkers Ratings Overall 4 out of 5 Performance 4.5 out of 5 Handling 4 out of 5 Comfort 3.5 out of 5 Practicality 4 out of 5 Behind the wheel 4 out of 5 Safety 4 out of 5 Reliability 4.5 out of 5 Running costs 3.5 out of 5 Green credentials 3.5 out of 5 Buying used 3.5 out of 5 Selling 4 out of 5 Equipment 2.5 out of 5 What owners say... “ Road holding is fantastic.Brakes amazing.Love quality paint finish. ” 4 out of 5 Gill Whittaker , 22 Oct 2014 ... read more “ Fast yet economical. Reasonable Tax and Insurance. Can seat 4 adults easily and 5 at a push. Grips like a limpit on a Grimsby trawller. ” 4 out of 5 dave bates , 24 Apr 2014 ... read more “ As a 3D not the most practical but the boot is fairly sizeable. ” 4 out of 5 Duncan Barnes , 12 Oct 2013 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps View 147 used Audi A3 Hatchbacks for sale Get an Insurance QuoteRead 64 owners' reviews Tweet Other Audi reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance Best deals on Audi A3 Hatchbacks Used Audi A3 1.6 Technik 3d (2009/59) Price £3,295 Save £1,255 Britannia Motors 4x4 Used Audi A3 1.6 Technik 3d (2009/59) Price £3,295 Save £1,255 Britannia Motors 4x4 Used Audi A3 2.0 TDI Black Edition 3d (2009/59) Price £4,499 Save £1,221 Chester Motor Company Used Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sport (Start Stop) 3d (2012/62) Price £3,795 Save £775 MT Motors
“ Road holding is fantastic.Brakes amazing.Love quality paint finish. ” 4 out of 5 Gill Whittaker , 22 Oct 2014 ... read more
“ Fast yet economical. Reasonable Tax and Insurance. Can seat 4 adults easily and 5 at a push. Grips like a limpit on a Grimsby trawller. ” 4 out of 5 dave bates , 24 Apr 2014 ... read more
“ As a 3D not the most practical but the boot is fairly sizeable. ” 4 out of 5 Duncan Barnes , 12 Oct 2013 ... read more