2008 Audi A3

Little Luxury

The Audi A3 is a quick and nimble hatchback that offers practical performance.

Audi’s A3 shares its platform and some mechanicals with Volkswagen cousins the Rabbit and Jetta. But it has a sleeker roofline and unique styling cues, including Audi’s now-ubiquitous trapezoidal front-grille design. Its interior is also more luxurious.

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The Audi A3 shares its 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the A4 sedan and VW GTI hatchback. This base engine drives the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The latter affords a choice of fully automatic operation or manual shifting from the center-console gear selector, or, if you choose the S-Line Package, steering-wheel-mounted paddles. It employs two clutches to maintain a continuous flow of power during shifts to approximate the responsiveness of a traditional manual gearbox. The S-Line Package also includes a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels, performance tires and leather sport seats.

A smoother 3.2-liter V6 engine, which the A3 also shares with other Audi vehicles, is optional and generates 250 hp. It comes with both the DSG transmission and Audi’s highly regarded quattro all-wheel-drive system to boost traction. The six-speed manual transmission is not offered on the Audi A3 3.2 and all-wheel drive is not offered on the base 2.0T model.

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During a test drive of the Audi A3 2.0T, fuel economy averaged in the low twenties in combined city and highway driving, which is lower than most small cars muster. If you mind the gas pedal and drive slower and more smoothly, fuel economy will go up. But the A3 is geared toward performance over efficiency, so what the car lacks in overall fuel economy it makes up for in speed.

Audi A3 Comparison

A MacPherson front suspension combined with a four-link array at the rear produces crisp handling. Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program and Anti-Slip Regulation help maintain control on slick roads and during emergency maneuvers.

Audi A3 Vehicle Summary

The interior is handsome and comfortable for average-size adults. Larger occupants could feel cramped. The rear cargo area fits a surprising amount of gear, while the rear seat backs are split and fold forward to expand cargo capacity. Front side and head-curtain airbags are standard, and the A3 comes with a full array of convenience features.

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A navigation system heads up a fairly short options list and incorporates a version of Audi’s Multi-Media Interface. This system, similar to BMW’s iDrive, controls navigation, audio, climate-control and other systems from one knob that manipulates menus on the dash-mounted screen. It’s more distracting and less intuitive to operate than traditional controls, but is superior to BMW’s iDrive for having more redundant controls for key functions.

Is the Audi A3 for You?

Buy this Vehicle if
You want a sporty, small wagon that doesn’t sacrifice luxury or performance; you need a versatile cargo hold that can accommodate bulky loads; you need seating for five.

Keep Looking if
You can’t justify spending more on what is essentially a dressed-up VW Golf or GTI; you like to spread out and would prefer a larger interior or even more cargo space.

Who Fits?
The Audi A3 seats five, though three adults in the back is a squeeze.

Closest Competitors
BMW 3 Series Wagon, Mini Cooper, Volvo V50