2008 Audi A3 Review

The A3 is a luxury wagon that debuted in the US in 2006. It is based off the Volkswagen A platform. Audi intends it to combine the sportiness of their TT with the practicality of a four-door. It's seen little change since its introduction.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Audi A3 is one of the best, if not the best entry-level luxury cars on the market. It's sporty, yet practical, as well as safe and reliable, and the price is certainly right. Very few vehicles are able to do so many things and do them so well. The A3 is highly recommended.

What's New For 2008:

The 3.2 now includes a dimming mirror and satellite radio. Rear sunshades and iPod integration are now available. A new Titanium Package is available with different trim.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Audi A3 price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$25,930

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
21/29

Engine:
2.0L I4

Horsepower:
200@5100RPM

Torque:
207@1800RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Manual

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
15

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
48/50000

Powertrain Warranty:
48/50000

Rust Warranty:
144/Unlimi

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the A3 2 stars in overall quality and 3 stars in mechanical quality. Problems with the A3 include cold start issues, fuel pump noises, faulty air conditioning and light shorts. No recalls have been issued. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Government crash test scores are not available. It earned perfect IIHS scores, and is one of their "Top Safety Picks" for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability control come standard. Rear airbags are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Sporty
+ Reliable

Cons
- Cramped interior
- Pricey options
- Missing some luxury features

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Saab 9-3 SportCombi includes leather, a CD changer, and over 50 more hp, but costs much more and gets worse gas mileage. The Subaru Impreza WRX has standard AWD, a CD changer, leather seats, and over 100 more hp, but costs significantly more and gets worse mileage. The Volkswagen Passat Wagon costs a few hundred less and has more cargo capacity, but is otherwise very similar.

What Others Are Saying:

"The new A3 is a sporty, stylish and practical five-door hatchback that promises to compete with the Mini Cooper." - Forbes

"While Ingolstadt's diminutive four-door may seem like a hatchback for badge snobs willing to sacrifice size for breeding, it's actually a four-wheeled fiend, a beast born and bred to take a bite out of the time - space continuum. Everything else about the A3- the foot on the Audi ownership ladder thing, the four-wheel-drive peace-of-mind shtick- is nothing more than a glossy coat on a vicious little monster. And I mean that in the nicest possible way." - The Truth About Cars

"The Audi A3 is a great choice of young, active, and well-heeled consumers looking for distinctive vehicles to fit their lifestyles. The A3 is a high-quality car that offers premium handling and safety, roominess and practicality, yet is still easy to park and, with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, is easy on fuel." - The New York Times

Read more about the 2008 Audi A3 at the Audi manufacturer web site.

Published on Thursday, February 7, 2008 - Email to a friend

Copyright 2006 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.

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What do you think?

Road Test: Audi A3
Read User Comments

Jonesing for German refinement, but can't swing an A4? The Audi A3 could be your answer, just as long as you keep the red pen away from the options list.

Chosen Model Trim:

The 2.0T is the starting point for the A3 lineup, with an MSRP of $26,000. That may seem high for "entry level", but the standard equipment and solid performance are worth the extra. However, notch up to a fully loaded 3.2 Quattro and you're suddenly past $42,000 in your sub-compact, which makes as much sense as biodegradable topsoil.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

This mid-20's hatch mirrors the outstanding fit and finish of its more expensive brethren. Passengers will find a crisp, understated, and functionally efficient interior layout that has an undeniably sporting flavor. Delicious red on black gauges greet the driver. Manually adjustable seats offer plenty of support. Power everything is standard. Leather and a full host of gizmos like Navigation, Bluetooth and Bose sound are available, but once again, do you want your hatchback costing more than your neighbors mid-size Acura? The $1100 sky roof is the only option worth springing for; it basically replaces most of the roof with sliding glass and it's the closest thing you'll ever get to a convertible hatchback.

Driving Experience:

If you're thinking the 2.0T is the slug of the lineup, think again. It's only a couple tenths slower to 60 than the much more expensive 3.2 Quattro edition and every bit as responsive in the twisties. The A3 is no different; even in the front-wheel drive 2.0 turbo the cornering balance is superb. The ride quality is also balanced; most bumps are absorbed obediently and corners are dispatched with minimal roll and mild under steer. Passenger comfort is also on the order of excellent, and being a 4-door hatchback, cargo space is nearly equal to the A4.

Summary and My Opinion:

Many people struggle to understand the reasoning behind an entry-level luxury vehicle such as the A3. Realistically, for the starting price of the 2.0T, one could have a decked out Mazda Speed 3, or a WRX wagon, or even some larger sedans like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The A3 buyer will be the person interested in traditional German engineering who doesn't want to sacrifice much in the way of performance or practicality. In that role, the A3 can outperform such rivals like the BMW 1-series which packs more punch but shuts the door on cargo capacity. Provided you stick with the base model, the A3 then can make a bit of sense in the automotive market.

User Comments

2008 Audi A3 Review discusses a different kind of wagon.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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2008 Audi A3 Review