Audi A3 Hatchback (03 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 02 September 2010
The Audi A3 is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks around and still dominates despite the introduction of younger alternatives like the BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30. Relatively roomy and with class-leading build quality, the Audi A3 is a desirable premium alternative to more mundane cars like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. It’s also comfortable and refined and, while it may not be as rewarding to drive as some similar hatches, it is available with a wide range of excellent petrol engines that offer good performance or economical and low-emitting diesel engines. Standard accessories can be a little on the sparse side and ticking the boxes for optional extras means the price of the car can quickly rise. In mid-2005 the Audi A3 was given a facelift to look more like the five-door Sportback version. An eco-friendly diesel model was also introduced which emits 109g/km of CO2 and can average 69mpg. It was given another overhaul in 2008. This included sharper looks with a reshaped bonnet and front wings as well as a new bumper and grille design. The interior was also given an upgrade with the addition of aluminium air vents, light switches and centre console while more soft touch material was used around the cabin. Some models were also fitted with a stop/start system that further improves fuel economy. The 2.0-litre diesel engines were also heavily re-engineered. The new common rail injection system meant they were more refined and efficient than before. At the same time the seven-speed S Tronic automatic was introduced for the first time with selected engines. All cars after this year came with air-con and electric windows as standard, so be careful if you’re looking at a used older model as there’s a possibility it could be missing both of these. Early entry level models were also fitted with cassette players, rather than a CD stereo. In 2010 a 99g/km version was added to the engine line-up. This makes the 1.6-litre diesel model exempt from road tax while the claimed average fuel economy is an impressive 74mpg. Read the full Audi A3 review to find out more.
4 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

If you want to keep Audi A3 running costs down choose one of the smaller engines because you'll be rewarded with good fuel economy. Audi servicing can be expensive, especially at main dealers while spares aren't cheap either.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,158 - £2,360 *

Diesel

£866 - £1,457 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to service indicator.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£0.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
    99
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    250
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.9-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest model in the range. Overall, Audi A3 emissions levels are acceptable but it does depend on model. A low emissions version of this engine, badged 1.9 TDIe was introduced in 2007 and thanks to aerodynamic and engine management tweaks emits 119g/km of CO2 (making it cheap to tax) and is capable of an impressive 63mpg. Facelifted cars from September 2008 are fitted with more efficient engines. In 2009 the 1.9 TDIe was replaced by a 1.6 TDI which emits just 109g/km of CO2.

Find the exact engine and CO2