Audi A3 (96-03) - Review Review by David Ross on 16 July 2008 The A3 was Audi's take on the Volkswagen Golf Mk3 and became the first hatchback from a premium manufacturer. It actually borrows most of its underpinnings from the Golf, including some excellent engines, but adds more stylish looks and a higher quality finish. When it was launched in 1996, prices were steep for what was essentially a three-door family hatchback, but thanks to the prestige badge it proved popular. Used prices are now lower, making it a good alternative to a used Golf or BMW 3-Series Compact. Family buyers are better off finding a five-door model - these were introduced in 1999. The A3 was finally replaced in 2003. 3.5 out of 5 Other Audi reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3.5 out of 5 Equipment All versions come with alloy wheels, ultrasonic anti-theft system, electric mirrors and adjustable steering column. The Sport and SE models have split/ folding rear seats while the Sport gets 6-spoke alloy wheels, uprated suspension and sports seats. The 1.8T Sport has 7-spoke alloys, front fog lights and an on-board computer. SE has climate control, uprated upholstery and remote central locking. Revisions in August 1998 aw the introduction of high security locks plus auto-dipping rear-view mirrors on the SE. The 210 bhp S3 quattro (May 99) has permanent four-wheel drive, along with uprated suspension and brakes. The 100bhp and 130bhp TDI versions were launched in July 01. November 2001 saw the S3 uprated to 225 bhp, when the 1.9 TDI 130 quattro was also added to the line-up. See 35 used Audi A3s for sale, starting at £795 Get a Audi A3 valuation Compare Equipment Trim Equipment Key: Standard item Optional item 3x3 point rear seat belts ABS Alarm Alloy wheels Body coloured bumpers CD Central locking Climate control Cloth seat trim Driver`s airbag Electric driver`s seat Electric mirrors Electric passenger`s seat Electric sunroof Folding rear seats Front electric windows Front fog lights Full size spare wheel Headlight washers Heated mirrors Height adjustable drivers seat Isofix child seat anchor points Leather seat trim Lumbar support Metallic Paint Partial leather seat trim PAS Passenger`s airbag Rear electric windows Remote locking Service indicator Side airbags Space saver spare wheel Sports seats Steel wheels Steering wheel rake adjustment Steering wheel reach adjustment Traction control Standard Trim SE Sport S3 Optional Optional Optional No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Optional No Optional Optional Optional Yes No Yes Optional Yes Yes Optional Optional Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Optional Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Optional Yes No No Optional No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional Optional Optional Optional No Yes No Yes No No Optional Yes Optional Optional Optional No No No Optional No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional Optional Optional No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Optional Yes No No Yes Yes No Optional No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Optional Optional Yes Yes Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Audi A3 cars for sale We have 35 models like this for sale. Find Audi A3 cars for sale Previous: Facts & Figures Next: Driving & Performance