Product Reviews
News
Take Action
About Us
search
Become a Member
Donate
Search
All Products A-Z
    Become a Member
    Donate

    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
    Get Started
    2019
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

    Audi A3 Change Vehicle

    The compact Audi A3, with prices starting in the low $30,000s, is the latest in a wave of small luxury-branded models for buyers who have one eye on their budget and the other on gas prices. Derived from the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 might lack the posh, roomy environment and long list of features found in true luxury cars, but it's a solid, agile, and sophisticated sedan that's enjoyable to drive.
    Alerts
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2019
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

    Audi A3

    Overall Score
    RANGE OF TESTED Luxury entry-level cars
    28
    90
    Road Test
    See All
    Predicted Reliability
    See All
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    SAFETY FEATURES
    Forward Collision Warning Standard
    Automatic Emergency Braking (City) Standard
    Automatic Emergency Braking (Highway) Standard
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    NA
    2007
    NA
    2008
    NA
    2009
    NA
    2010
    NA
    2011
    NA
    2012
    NA
    2013
    NA
    2014
    NA
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    This car is new and detailed reliability trouble spots will be available at a later date.
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    NA
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    NA
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    NA
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    NA
    2007
    NA
    2008
    NA
    2009
    NA
    2010
    NA
    2011
    NA
    2012
    NA
    2013
    NA
    2014
    NA
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Road Test

    The compact Audi A3, with prices starting in the low $30,000s, is the latest in a wave of small luxury-branded models for buyers who have one eye on their budget and the other on gas prices. Derived from the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 might lack the posh, roomy environment and long list of features found in true luxury cars, but it's a solid, agile, and sophisticated sedan that's enjoyable to drive. And unlike some other entry-level luxury cars that have veered away from their brand's DNA, like the  Mercedes-Benz CLA, this small car actually feels, drives, and looks like an Audi.

    With its agile handling, minimal body lean, and quick response to steering inputs, the A3 carves up winding country roads with confidence. The steering is a bit vague on center and at low speeds, but it firms up nicely at higher speeds. The ride is quite firm, particularly at low speeds, but it does a commendable job of absorbing and isolating most bumps.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD , Front
    Warranty
    • Basic: 4 year/50,000 miles
    • Powertrain: 4 year/50,000 miles
    • Rust through: 12 year/unlimited
    • Roadside aid: 4 year/unlimited
    Body Styles
    convertible
    sedan
    Transmissions Available
    • 7-speed Sequential
    • 6-speed Sequential
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (228 hp)
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (288 hp)
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (184 hp)
    • 2.5-liter 5 turbo (394 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    No Data Available
    Change Vehicle