Standard features include hill-start assist on manual models, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats and steering wheel, and xenon headlamps (for the V6 models). The 2.0L TFSI engine is rated at 200hp (147kW) and 207lb-ft (280Nm) of torque, while the 3.2L engine is rated at 250hp (186kW) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque. Combined with the S tronic gearbox, the torquey V6 can move the A3 from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds while achieving mileage figures of 18mpg (13L/100km) in the city and 25mpg (9.4L/100km) on the highway.
The A3 has been a stunning seller for Audi since the launch of the first generation model back in 1996, with over 1.9 million units built since then, and the latest facelifted version is likely to continue that success thanks to a raft of new technologies not normally found in this segment.
New visual details include a re-sculpted front bumper and hood, a large single-frame radiator grille, revised headlights with LED daytime running lights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals and new door handles.
In Europe, Audi has brought the A3 and A3 Sportback onto the market with eight different engines – five petrol and three diesel versions. The lineup includes a 102hp (75kW) 1.6L petrol unit, 125hp (92kW) 1.4L TFSI, 160hp (118kW) 1.8L TFSI, 200hp (147kW) 2.0L TFSI and a range topping 3.2L V6 with 250hp (184kW) on tap. The diesel range includes a 1.9L TDI with 105hp (77kW) and two 2.0L TDI units with either 140hp (103kW) or 170hp (125kW). The 1.6L petrol is capable of running on ethanol, while the most efficient motor – the 1.9 TDI in an ‘e’ economy model – consumes just 4.5L of diesel per 100km (52mpg). Prices in Europe start at €20,350.
Reader Comments
Thu Apr 24 2008 5:50 AM
HECTOR says
I wanna see a show of hands: who would take this very handsome car and who would take the abominable Toolmobile that is the BMW 1 series?
Thu Apr 24 2008 7:10 AM
chris says
I'd prefer the volvo V50 to both. mostly because the 1 series is fugly, and you cant get an S3 in north america. gimme the vulva.
Thu Apr 24 2008 12:03 PM
cj says
Why though are the engines so under powered?
Thu Apr 24 2008 12:37 PM
Roy says
CJ, those are the worldwide engines choices. I know this seems hard for Americans (and particularly readers of this site) to comprehend, but gas taxes and company car taxes on large engines mean that small engines are very popular in the EU. One day perhaps we'll all wake up and realize that power to weight ratios are more important than raw power, anyway. These are relatively small engines but it's a relatively small car, so it will still drive at Autobahn speeds. Finally, I would query the Diesel's economy. It might be based on the British gallon, which is 4.5 litres instead of 3.8.
Thu Apr 24 2008 8:46 PM
lexlife says
Very handsome car. Audi's also reflect beautiful interiors - imo their cars just don't seem as sturdy/rigid when it comes to closing doors/trunks. BMW's & Mercedes yield a bank vault
sound when closing and the doors feel very sturdy - the recent Audi's (a3,5,6,8) I've sat in have a very lite feel to their doors - just not very reassuring. I wish BMW could really study the Audi interiors and give us something that was less bland I also wish Audi would import the S3 to the states someday.
Fri May 2 2008 5:34 PM
Bradley says
1st AUDI A3,-----2nd bmw 1 series---3rd mercedes b class
Mon Sep 8 2008 9:33 PM
NoNameDenton says
Hector, once again, you prove you can not be counted on to say anything positive. Anyways, the A3 has more interior space then the 1 series in America and more then the current 1 series hatchback in Europe, which is why it is growing in its next generation.
Tue Sep 9 2008 9:38 AM
mlevere1992 says
I would take the 135 before this but in the US it is only offered in a coupe. It is really hard to compare the two cars in this market. One is a coupe and one is a 5-door hatch. You can compare the 128/135 to the Audi TT but until the 120d/128/135 is offered in the US as a 3 or 5-door hatch, I will take the 1 series as a sport coupe and the A3 as a small hatch.
Actually, I would rather have the Mazdaspeed3 over the A3. More power and sportier feel, with about the same build quality for a much lower price. The Mazdaspeed3 starts at $23K with 263hp ($25K for the Grand Touring) and the Audi A3 base starts at $27K with no options. The most expensive option for the MS3 is the Sat Nav at $1,900. Fully decked out the MS3 is only $27K.
To get the same options and power in the A3 you would have to option the 3.2 quattro (granted the MS3 has only front wheel drive that gives an advantage to the A3) to get close to the MS3's horsepower numbers at 250. That starts at a base of $37K with the Sport package ($1,400) and Sat Nav ($1,950) it pushes the price to $40,300. That is a $13,000 difference between the two cars. I could do a lot with that $13K and still have fun the the MS3 with all of its great utility.
I really like the styling on the new Audis but some of it has become a little bland over the years. They have never been on the cutting edge of design (A8 excluded and the A5 is gorgeous!). The front end of the A3 looks cool and aggressive but if you cover that up and look at the rest of the car, it looks like your standard hatch from VW.
As for other comparisons in the US, I would put it up against the........... now that I think about it the only other 'Premium' hatch in the us is the Mini or maybe the Volvo c30 but I don't think that it would be ranked up with these two. This tells me that we need some more 'Premium' hatches and it is really an uptapped market. They seem to be everywhere in Europe but it is hard to find a good one in the US.
Tue Sep 9 2008 10:36 AM
Mike says
I'd really like a 3 door S3, however it seems that the European manufacturers feel that we Americans don't want proper hot hatches. I personally feel that we need an influx of sporty hatches because A, They offer performance driving for a lot less than a "proper" sports car, B, they do this with reasonably good fuel economy, and C, they still offer the practicality of the hatchback layout. We pretty much only have the Mini Cooper S, and those cost over 30 grand!
Tue Sep 9 2008 12:48 PM
Fred says
I have a 2007 2.0 manual and it's hardly "underpowered" the 5 door is very handy for hauling stuff, the only thing I'm hoping for is a diesel option (VW reports 60mpg!) I see BMW is bringing it here for the 3 series, so Audi get off the stick if you want me to buy another.
Tue Sep 9 2008 3:37 PM
Todd says
I have just seen an '09 A3-2.0T with quattro and a few nice options price out at $36K+!!! You can buy a new '09 entry level A4-2.0T for tha if not lesst! The price is out of whack for the car. I think it's been this way since they introduced it and then they wonder why they haven't sold in great numbers. Price them right and they would fly off the shelf here in the U.S. Audi's advantage here has always been a good car for the money. But their desire to be like the "tier 1" status cars (i.e. Mercedes and BMW), they feel the need to keep upping the price,to justify themselves as being the equals of their expensive counterparts. This puts a potentially good buy out of reach for some buyers in the luxury segment and in turn will hurt their sales in the long run. Audi should rethink their pricing strategy and get back to offering more value for the dollar in the luxury segment and their market share would start to increase. Just my .02 cents!
Tue Sep 9 2008 3:38 PM
Todd says
I have just seen an '09 A3-2.0T with quattro and a few nice options price out at $36K+!!! You can buy a new '09 entry level A4-2.0T for that if not less! The price is out of whack for the car. I think it's been this way since they introduced it and then they wonder why they haven't sold in great numbers. Price them right and they would fly off the shelf here in the U.S. Audi's advantage here has always been a good car for the money. But their desire to be like the "tier 1" status cars (i.e. Mercedes and BMW), they feel the need to keep upping the price,to justify themselves as being the equals of their expensive counterparts. This puts a potentially good buy out of reach for some buyers in the luxury segment and in turn will hurt their sales in the long run. Audi should rethink their pricing strategy and get back to offering more value for the dollar in the luxury segment and their market share would start to increase. Just my .02 cents!
Tue Sep 9 2008 5:52 PM
SteveSteve says
"miss out on the three-door Sportback model offered overseas"
to admin - you mean 5 door Sportback?
Tue Sep 9 2008 9:38 PM
Don says
Good gravy is that thing overpriced...
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.