2007 Audi A3 Review

The Audi A3 hit American shores for the 2006 model year. Based on its economical European counterpart, the A3 is marketed as a “Sportback.” In reality, the A3 is a sporty station wagon. The smallest and most affordable member of the Audi fleet, the A3 is a 5-passenger, 4-door vehicle, available in 2 trims. Audi designed the A3 to appeal to a younger, more active demographic that is interested in a practical, useful vehicle, but with the streamlined luxury of an Audi.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The A3 offers Audi’s traditional exceptional handling and power in a relatively economical package. The Audi A3 also gets high marks for safety and initial quality. The cheapest Audi ever offered to the American public comes with an impressive array of standard features. We recommend the A3 as a fun car to drive and good value for money. We have one warning, while the base model is very well equipped, additional options can add thousands of dollars to the price.

What’s New For 2007:

The Audi A3 is a carryover from 2006. A new Technology Package will add bi-xenon headlights and Bluetooth, while the “S line” package will now add restyled fascia to the front and rear, in addition to a sportier suspension and leather seats. The Audi A3 is available in either of 2 trims: the 2.0T or the 3.2 Quattro. Each is named after the size (in liters) of its engine. Standard luxury features such as keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, power windows, race-inspired FSI fuel injection, and AM/FM/CD player with a 10-speaker sound system are standard on both trims.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

While long term reliability information is not available yet, the Audi A3 earned three and a half out of five stars in initial reliability from J.D. Power. Drivers are overall happy with the A3’s reliability. However, the A3 has had issues with non-retracting sunroofs, irregular starting, and slightly delayed shifting. Expect average to above average reliability out of the A3. Audi’s basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Safety in the A3 is outstanding. There are many advanced features standard on the A3 designed to keep its driver and passengers safe, such as front and full-length curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. Rear-mounted side airbags are optional. The A3 performs well in crash tests: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Audi A3 the highest rating possible of “Good,” for front and side impacts, and a solid “Acceptable for rear impacts. Government crash test scores have not yet been released. The only recall for the A3 in 2006 was for faulty side airbags which did not inflate properly upon deployment.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Strong safety scores and standard features
+ Loaded with features
+ Inexpensive for a luxury car

Cons
– Tight rear seat
– Requires premium fuel
– Expensive options

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Audi A3 is a very inexpensive luxury car, but still has quite a bit of competition. The Volvo V50 costs about $1,900 more and has 32 fewer horsepower, but has a slightly larger engine, an automatic transmission in the base trim, and more cargo capacity. If you have money to burn, the Jaguar X-Type, which costs $11,500 more, offers a few more features like slightly more cargo capacity and leather upholstery; a larger, 6-cylinder engine; and full-time all-wheel drive. However, it surprisingly lacks the A3’s standard traction control, and gets about seven to ten fewer miles to the gallon in fuel efficiency. But it’s the Subaru Legacy Limited that offers the best deal out of the bunch. Costing about the same as the A3, it features all-wheel drive, leather seats, CD changer, automatic transmission, and about fourteen more square feet of cargo capacity.

What Others Are Saying:

“Researchers say Americans don’t like station wagons (even though this car sure looks like one), and they don’t like hatchbacks (although the rear door certainly qualifies as one), so the A3 is officially a sport wagon. Whatever, Audi hopes the A3 – base price $24,740 or $26,140 depending on transmission – will appeal to a youthful segment of the market that wants to combine five-door versatility and sporty driving characteristics in a small, but upscale package.” – The Family Car

“Taking luxury brands downmarket is risky business. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are attempting to mine the discount rack, with varying levels of success. But even as Audi attacks its two German rivals at the top end of the market with the fabulous A8, it also wants in on more affordable segments and is finally giving us the new version of its excellent A3–which is anything but closeout merchandise.” – Motor Trend

“The A3 is a pocket rocket perfectly capable of letting you weave your way through urban traffic but is equally at home on the interstate or twisty mountain roads.” – Forbes

Read more about the 2007 Audi A3 at the Audi manufacturer web site.