Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £15,540 to £25,055
Classy looks, attractive cabin, safe handling, quality, 2.0-litre engines
Pricey, appalling rearward visibility, notchy gearchange, smallish boot, less sporting than Audi claims
Desirable but expensive. Good road manners and roomier cabin justify its high price
Audi's A3 is closely related to the Volkswagen Golf, but it's a little bit posher - and more expensive.
This range has now been around since 2003 (the all-new model is expected late 2008 or early 2009) but until the next generation arrives, Audi has updated it with the addition of a new engine or two, including the direct-injection, turbocharged 1.4 TFSI (125bhp), and new gearbox options, such as the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) double-clutch sequential-shift auto. Quattro four-wheel-drive models are also offered.
The A3's engine range includes 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 FSI direct-injection petrol units and 1.9 and 2.0 TDI diesels, as well as a 3.2-litre V6. 5Options include the quattro four-wheel-drive system, Tiptronic auto and the excellent DSG direct shift gearbox sequential transmission.
The A3 is now feeling rather dated compared to newer rivals like the Volvo C30 and even the latest Ford Focus. It remains desirable, however, despite its high price.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Audi A3
wrote on 18 05 2007
wrote on 07 10 2006
wrote on 09 06 2006