Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: £14,995 to £26,445
Beautifully made, compact, exceptionally quick, superb all-weather abilities, useful six-speed gearbox, retains its value well.
A little cramped, slightly notchy gearshift, engine note, handling and ride below par, expensive, a likely target for professional thieves.
A very desirable, high quality car that combines near-supercar performance with hatchback versatility. Not an emotionally-engaging driving machine, though.
This is an expensive car, and enthusiastic use will soon be felt at the pumps. Insurance will also be steep, especially in high-risk areas and servicing will be noticeably more costly than for ordinary A3s. Having said that, the S3 holds its value very well.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Audi A3
wrote on 18 05 2007
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wrote on 09 06 2006