Audi A3 Review - Price & Performance
Considering choosing an Audi A3 as your next car? Here is our take on the model to help you make your decision!
Overview
Available as a sportback or a saloon, the Audi A3 is a popular family car, rivalling a number of well-loved models such as the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class. The hatchback is loosely inspired by the Lamborghini design featuring various sporty features, while the saloon is more classy. The car is available with petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-hybrid powertrain options and a variety of trims ranging from the Technik to Vorsprung.
Audi A3 performance
Audi is particularly good at producing vehicles which are smooth and refined, and you will be perfectly comfortable in the high quality, quiet cabin of the A3. Models exceeding 150hp have advanced suspension in the rear, which helps to absorb bumps in the road nicely. The handling is also impressive with light steering which gives the driver excellent control around bends and during manoeuvres.
Audi A3 reliability and safety
The Audi A3 is equipped with plenty of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, collision avoidance and parking sensors as standard. Blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition are optional extras. The model has been awarded a five-star NCAP safety rating. In terms of reliability, Audi is generally regarded as a dependable brand with well-manufactured vehicles, although some critics have claimed that the BMW 1-Series is more reliable overall.
Audi A3 interior
Inside the Audi A3, you can find Lamborghini Urus inspired touches, from the wraparound cockpit to the almost identical air vents. This works well inside the A3, giving it a sporty, clean and sophisticated look. If you love the sporty aesthetic, opt for an S-Line model to get the premium sports seats. Leg room and head room is great for the driver and passengers, although it seems that internal storage space has been sacrificed for this, storage bins and the glove box are not especially generous. The boot capacity is decent however with easy access. Another pro of the Audi’s interior is the infotainment system, operated by a 10-inch screen, which can be upgraded to a 12-inch with a built in Sat Nav.
Audi A3 price range
A brand new Audi A3 would set you back up to £40,000 if you want all the bells and whistles. The most basic trim and options will come in at around £25,000. If you want to lower the price, we would highly recommend getting a used Audi A3. At Hilton Garage, we offer high-quality, nearly-new vehicles which are significantly more affordable due to depreciation which hits all newly manufactured cars. We also provide highly competitive car finance packages to make the cost of a vehicle even more affordable.
Should I buy an Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is great to drive, practical, safe, luxurious and an all-round fantastic family car. In the rivalry between premium family hatchbacks, it holds its own well, excelling at ride comfort and handling.
If you are looking for an option that is a little less premium and more budget friendly, the Volkswagen Golf is another great all-rounder, or for a powerful, hot-hatch alternative, try the exceedingly satisfying Honda Civic Type R.