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The Audi A3 is a popular mid-size model offering all the benefits you expect of an Audi in a comparatively compact and cost-effective package.
The latest version of the Audi A3 has been on sale new since 2020 and is available as a five-door hatchback called the A3 Sportback or as a four-door saloon. Earlier versions were also available as a three-door hatchback or as a convertible called the A3 Cabriolet. The wide range of models includes four-wheel-drive and high-performance versions called Audi S3 and Audi RS 3.
The current version of the Audi A3 was introduced in 2020. You can choose from several trims, which have varied slightly since going on sale. As of early 2024, the trim line-up in order of price and equipment was the entry-level Sport, the sporty-looking S line and the top-spec Black Edition in the standard A3.
If you’re looking for a used Audi A3 you’re likely to see the entry-level Technik model and the feature-packed Vorsprung, both now discontinued. Earlier incarnations of the A3 followed similar trim levels.
The high-performance versions of the Audi A3 are called the S3 and the RS 3. These add power and a sportier, more exciting driving experience and include more equipment as standard.
The Audi A3 has always been a car at the cutting edge of technology for its size, and the latest model is no exception. The interior is top-quality, with a feature-packed infotainment system that includes a touchscreen, smartphone integration, a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Higher-end trims add luxuries like supple leather upholstery, upgraded audio systems and extra safety features.
The latest A3 is available with different power options. As well as petrol and diesel engines, you can also get a plug-in hybrid A3 that will take you up to 36 miles on electric-only power, according to official figures. Running costs vary: some versions are very fuel-efficient but the more powerful options – particularly the S3 and RS 3 models – will cost you more to buy and run.
Being a premium brand, overall costs are likely to be higher than for cars from brands such as Ford or Kia. That said, Audi cars generally depreciate more slowly than those from many other brands, which could keep long-term ownership costs affordable.
While there are many cars of this type and size on the market, including the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf and more, the premium nature of the Audi A3 means its closest rivals are the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class. The Audi is a very close match for those two in terms of size, price, running costs and features.
The Audi A3 is as practical as most other mid-size models. The latest model has a 380-litre boot, which is about the same space you get with most comparable cars. There’s a good amount of room for four adults to ride in comfort and you can fold down the rear seats for extra boot space in the A3 Sportback, but not in the saloon. It’s worth noting that the plug-in hybrid A3 Sportback loses a whopping 100 litres of boot space to make room for its battery.
Older versions of the A3 were available in a slightly sleeker but less practical three-door hatchback form or as the A3 Cabriolet, a very practical convertible despite having less boot and passenger space than the hatchback models.
The latest Audi A3 was tested by the independent safety organisation Euro NCAP in 2020 and scored the maximum five stars, with particularly strong marks for protecting passengers in a crash. It's fitted with some of the latest advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
The previous version of the A3 went through Euro NCAP’s tests in 2012 and also scored five stars, although the standards and criteria for testing have moved on significantly since then.
There are no full-electric or full-hybrid Audi A3s but there are a couple of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. The previous generation Audi A3 E-tron was the Audi’s first plug-in hybrid car back in 2016 and it’ll take you up to 31 miles on a single battery charge, according to official figures (although it’ll likely be less in the real world). Today, the A3 Sportback TFSI e is the spiritual successor to that first PHEV, and promises up to 40 miles with a fully charged battery.
The latest version of the A3 also has mild-hybrid technology on the petrol-powered 35 TFSI model, to help improve its efficiency.