Used Audi A3 for Sale

More information, a brief history and our verdict on the Audi A3

The Audi A3 is a desirable premium hatchback that set the standard for this sector back in the 1990s. The first one was oh-so sophisticated and the latest version continues to appeal, even as the competition has stepped up. The BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class are fierce rivals, but the A3 still holds its own. 

The latest car is available as a five-door hatchback, called the A3 Sportback, and as a four-door A3 Saloon. It is the fourth generation of Audi A3, and was introduced as a brand new model in 2020.  The very first Audi A3 went on sale in 1996, originally as a three-door, with a five-door hatchback following later. The second-generation car arrived in 2003, with a third version following a decade later in 2013. By then, both saloon and soft-top cabriolet models had joined the range – as had the ultra-powerful RS3 hot hatchback. 

We like the muscular styling of the latest A3, and the high-tech feel it offers inside. The central touchscreen is comprehensive and feature-packed, and is backed up by an electronic instrument panel. It makes the A3 seem modern and futuristic, which is complemented by a sophisticated and refined driving experience.  An increasingly popular version of the latest A3 Sportback are the TFSI e plug-in hybrids. With a 13kWh battery, smooth turbocharged engine and powerful electric motor, they combines up to a 245PS output with a pure electric driving range of up to 37 miles. The TFSI e models are particularly of interest to company car drivers, where they command easily the lowest BIK tax rate of all Audi A3s. 

Audi A3 models, trims, specs, engine sizes and more

The current Audi A3 is only available in two body styles: the five-door A3 Sportback and four-door A3 Saloon. They all offer five-seat flexibility and decent boot sizes; the A3 Sportback can carry 380 litres and the A3 Saloon holds 425 litres. The former has more space if you fold the seats flat, though, while the latter offers the added security of a separate boot.  A typically comprehensive range of engines and trim levels covers all bases. They all have a sporty, tech-savvy flavour – even the entry-level model, which these days is called ‘Sport’. At the other end of the range, the A3 Vorsprung comes with a vast array of standard features.  All the engines are turbocharged, and all use Audi’s novel engine numbering system. This takes the emphasis away from engine size, and stresses the power output of the engines instead. The 30 TFSI is a 1.5-litre petrol producing 150PS, while a 35 TDI is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, also producing 150PS.  Plug-in hybrid versions have Benefit-in-Kind ratings as low as eight percent, compared to 29 percent for the cheapest diesel. Meanwhile, if money is no object, the RS3 trades a frightening thirst for fuel for the excitement of 400PS… Most Audi A3 Sportbacks come in front-wheel-drive guise, but the S3 and RS3 both offer quattro four-wheel drive as standard. This provides better all-weather traction, plus more ability to use their considerable power outputs. 

• Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI petrol: A 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 30 TFSI produces 150PS and serves up 0-62mph acceleration in 10.6 seconds. It is fuel-efficient, returning up to 51.4mpg and emitting from 125g/km of CO2. 

• Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI petrol: If you want more power, the 35 TFSI 2.0-litre turbo produces 184PS, which cuts 0-62mph acceleration by almost two seconds, to 8.7 seconds. It still returns up to 50.4mpg, but the extra you’ll pay comes in a higher insurance rating. 

• Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid petrol: Even the less powerful plug-in hybrid A3 produces 204PS, with 0-62mph taking 7.6 seconds. It has an eight percent BIK tax rating – a real boon for company car drivers. 

• Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid: The more powerful 245PS 45 TFSI e does 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and has a 12 percent BIK rating. 

• Audi A3 Sportback S3 quattro petrol: The sporty but understated S3 quattro has a 310PS 2.0-litre turbo engine, for an exciting 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. This is delivered through an S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox to all four wheels. And if you thought that was thrilling…

• Audi A3 Sportback RS3 quattro petrol: The RS3 quattro has always used a thoroughbred 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine. In its latest guise, it produces a colossal 400PS, for 0-62mph acceleration in a scant 3.8 seconds. Launch control is standard as well. 

• Audi A3 Sportback 35 TDI diesel: The 2.0-litre turbodiesel 35 TDI doesn’t have the potency of the RS3 quattro, but it does offer much better fuel economy, returning up to 61.4mpg. If you cover a high annual mileage, it’s still the best choice. 

Audi doesn’t offer as broad a range of TDI versions in the latest A3 Sportback. If you want more choiceof diesel engines, you need to look at the previous-generation model. You’ll be able to find more used A3s with quattro all-wheel drive, too. 

Audi A3 features as standard & optional extras

Choose even the entry-level A3 Sportback Sport and you’ll enjoy 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, seats in Audi Twin Leather, plus the Audi MMI Navigation Plus system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. 

 The desirable S line grade adds plenty of desirable extras, such as 18-inch alloys, LED rear lights with eye-catching dynamic indicators, front sports seats and rear privacy glass. The S line Competition has diamond-cut graphite grey alloys, black door mirrors, red brake callipers and black accents outside and in. 

Many of the options available on other A3 versions are fitted as standard to the Vorsprung. It has a heady list price, but it’s still cheaper than choosing all these features individually. Gadgets include a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, the large-format Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus driver display, plus a broader range of active safety tech – including Adaptive Cruise Assist. 

The Audi A3’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 4,343mm
• Width: 1,816mm
• Height: 1,425mm
• Ground clearance: 116mm

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