Summary
The third-generation Audi A3 first arrived in the UK as a three-door hatchback in early 2013, before the range was expanded to include the four-door saloon and five-door ‘Sportback’ hatchback. it was sold here in the UK until eaarly 2020, when it was replaced by the current, fourth-generation, A3 range.
The range included a plug-in hybrid, called the ‘Sportback e-tron’. More performance-focused S3 models were also available in all three body styles, while the hottest of hot hatches was the RS 3 model, which is not covered here. There was also a convertible version, called the A3 Cabriolet, which is covered on a separate page.
The A3 range was given a mid-life facelift in early 2016, which included various cosmetic changes and tech upgrades inside and out, but no major alterations.
Popular throughout its tenure, the third-generation Audi A3 received global acclaim from the outset, being crowned World Car of the Year in 2014. Reviewers continued to give the A3 range high marks after its mid-life facelift – Auto Trader concluded, “the Audi A3 is one of the best cars of its type, and well worthy of anyone’s consideration.”
Most motoring outlets were impressed by the A3’s premium-feel interior trim and the generous levels of equipment included as standard, as well as the car’s post-facelift exterior styling, its agile driving dynamics and the range of efficient engines available. Many reviewers who were given a test drive in the Sportback model also praised the five-door version’s improved practicality when compared to the original three-door model.
Facing off against upmarket rivals like the BMW 1 Series, the third-generation A3 received one consistent criticism during its lifespan – that the range was too expensive. Although entry-level models were reasonably affordable when new, top-spec models were much more expensive, leading to a few journalists wondering if paying the Audi premium was worth it. “A Volkswagen Golf does almost everything just as well for less money”, Carbuyer explained, “but the A3’s upmarket image will appeal to plenty of potential buyers.”
No longer in production, the third-generation Audi A3 holds an Expert Rating of 76%, based on 46 reviews published by the British motoring media.
A3 highlights
- Comfortable and refined cabin
- Quality range of engines
- Attractive exterior styling
- Plenty of on-board tech as standard
- Low running costs
A3 lowlights
- Strong brand image inflates used model price
- Rivals offer more value-for-money
- Reliability of the automatic gearbox is questionable
- Larger alloys mean a firmer ride
- BMW 1 Series has more driver’s appeal
Key specifications
Body style: Medium hatchback and saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £19,365 on-road
Launched: Winter 2012/13
Last updated: Spring 2016
Replaced: Spring 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8 / 10
“The mid-life update adds to the A3’s appeal with a host of useful new technology, though making use of much of it could require extensive delving into the options list, bumping up the price.
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2013-2019 hatch
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi A3 is a popular premium hatch that’s efficient, good to drive and has a classy feel.”
Read review
Model reviewed: S3 2013-2019
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi S3 packs a turbocharged punch and has tremendous quattro 4WD grip, its understated looks and grown-up driving manners mean it flies under the radar when compared to some wild looking rivals.”
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Model reviewed: S3 2013
Score: 8 / 10
“The new S3 feels as crushingly fast as its predecessor in a straight line, but makes unexpected improvements in other areas.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“With its combination of strong practicality, smart (but understated) good looks, excellent quality and low running costs, the Audi A3 is one of the best cars of its type, and well worthy of anyone’s consideration.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Sportback 2013-20
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Sportback offers the same ownership virtues as the three-door car, but fails to address the small Audi’s dynamic shortcomings.”
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Model reviewed: S3 2016-2020
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s quite a lot to be said for a car that’s as capable and secure as the Audi S3 is when it comes to regular everyday driving.”
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Model reviewed: 2012-2020 saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 is a competent cruiser, a worthy opponent to rivals such as BMW’s 120i M Sport, Lexus’s IS 200t and Mercedes-Benz’s CLA 220 CDI Sport; while it is also a compelling option alongside the classy BMW 3 Series.”
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Car
Model reviewed: (2016) 1.4 TFSI S Line
Score: 8 / 10
“A tidy-handling, desirable car with a still-lovely interior and enough updates to give its drivers a subtle sense of one-upmanship over drivers of pre-May 2016 A3s.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon (2016)
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still a very likeable car, this S3 Saloon. There’s a certain Q-car appeal about a three-box car based on a hatchback, and under the skin we found genuine ability in many areas.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A3 hatchback is a premium small family car, with a well-appointed cabin and wide range of diesel and petrol engines, front- and four-wheel drive.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0TDI 150 S line (2016)
Score: 9 / 10
“If you spend a lot of time on the road and really value a first-rate interior and the requisite modern tech, the A3 Sportback is a very convincing all-rounder.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: S3 Sportback (2013-2020)
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The S3 delivers hot-hatchback performance without the stereotypical boy-racer brashness.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback (2013-20)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A3 Sportback is practical and luxurious family hatchback that – despite the relatively high price tag – is easy to recommend.”
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Model reviewed: A3 Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Sportback is practical and luxurious family hatchback that – despite the relatively high price tag – is easy to recommend.”
Model reviewed: A3 Saloon
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Saloon looks sharp and has a fantastic interior plus a great range of engines. It’s surprisingly practical, too.”
Carwow
Model reviewed: S3 Sportback (2017-2020)
“The S3 is incredibly fast and can even pass as practical even if it doesn’t look nearly as special as it actually is.”
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Model reviewed: S3 saloon 2017
Score: 7 / 10
“The S3 saloon is a master of many trades: fast, sure-footed, a head-turner in the company car park; and you could – just about – use it as a family car.”
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Model reviewed: 2013-2019
“Those looking for a premium hatchback will not be disappointed by the classy A3.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2013-2019 hatchback
“A desirable and sensible choice of company car.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2013-2019 (facelift) hatchback
“If you’re an Audi lover and you’ve owned A3s before, you’ll not be disappointed with this car.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed:
“The Audi A3 model built between 2012 and 2018 has marvellous handling and road holding with the standard suspension.”
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Model reviewed: https://www.eurekar.co.uk/articles/2016-05-25/audi-a3-2016—review
“The Audi A3 raises an already high bar even further, with cleaner, greener and more economical engines and a host of the latest high-tech goodies available throughout the range.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: A3 Sportback (2013-20)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 has a high quality interior, excellent drivetrains, and relaxed driving manners.”
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Model reviewed: S3
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s fast, yet completely trustworthy as there’s so much grip and traction.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: https://fleetworld.co.uk/audi-a3/
“Audi hasn’t pulled any surprises with the new A3, and why would it when the current model is still so popular? Greener engines, a larger interior and the same high quality will boost its appeal.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.6 TDI Sport 6-speed
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Audi A3 1.6 TDI is a quality product that has very few areas of weakness.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 Sportback looks great, has a brilliant interior that’s ageing well and comes with plenty of standard kit for the money. It’s also great to drive.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: S3 2013
Score: 8 / 10
“The S3 offers enjoyable performance and handling but feels safe and controllable, which is a great blend for a family-sized hot hatchback.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 9 / 10
“More space, more technology and a good driving experience make the latest Audi A3 Sportback one of our favourite family hatchbacks.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A3 Saloon is a pricey but very well-rounded and likeable family car.
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A3 is more enjoyable to drive than before, with lots of standard kit and lassy styling.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Hatchback (2012-18)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A3 is still a leader in terms of image and quality.”
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Model reviewed: https://www.parkers.co.uk/audi/a3/s3/review/
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Audi S3 is a very impressive take on the ‘warm hatch’.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre turbo 150hp
“The Audi A3 turbo is fast and playful and sounds great, which is important.”
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Model reviewed:
“The improved A3 has a ride that is is whisper quiet and because it’s an Audi the build quality is second to none.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A3 is a welcome refresh of the trusty hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: 2012
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi A3 is a little bit characterless but a beautiful object, inside and out. Now much better to drive, too.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2016 facelift
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A3 is not only the best car in its class, but one of the best new cars on sale full stop.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The latest version of the car that defined the premium hatch sector stays classy, with an advanced chassis and breadth of abilities.”
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Model reviewed: 306bhp Audi S3 Quattro
“The Audi S3’s reactive but numb steering and sterile stability add up to something that’s more effective than fun.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Sport 4dr (2012)
Score: 7 / 10
“The A3’s cabin is amazing. Audi has raised the quality bar again.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: S3 2013-2019
Score: 8 / 10
“The S3 has more than enough boost in any gear at any speed and the handling is also seriously impressive, while the steering is precise and well weighted.”
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Model reviewed: 2013-2019
Score: 10 / 10
“The Audi A3 is an impressively refined car that’s also supremely agile and a pleasure to drive, with precise steering and surefooted handling.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: 2013-2019
“The Audi A3 offers a high-quality feel by class standards.”
Read review
“An enjoyable, high-quality hatchback.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: August 2012
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 86%
Notes on safety rating
The Audi A3 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2018 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Audi A3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The third-generation Audi A3 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 192
Average repair cost: £624.74
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2022, the Audi A3 has a slightly better-than-average reliability rating of 56%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation A3 and also to both newer (2020 onwards) and previous (pre-2013) generations.
The average repair bill for claims is fairly standard at about £620, which is still more than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s certainly worth considering if you are looking at a used A3.
Most repair bills to date seem to be pretty average in terms of cost. Gearbox problems are the most expensive to fix, which is not unusual, so make sure any used car warranty you purchase covers you for this.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A3 received
2019
- What Car? Used Car Awards – Used Car of the Year
2017
- Business Car Awards – Best Compact Premium Car
- Fleet News Awards – Best Compact Premium Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Family Car (Sportback) + Best Executive Car between £25k-£30k (saloon)
2016
- SME Company Car Awards – Best Green Car (Sportback e-tron)
2015
- Business Car Awards – Best Mainstream Segment Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Luxury Car (Sportback)
- What Car? Awards – Best Electrified Car (Sportback e-tron)
2014
- World Car Awards – World Car of the Year + Best Small Hatchback
- carwow Awards – Best Hybrid (Sportback e-tron)
- What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car (saloon)
2013
- iF Design Awards – Gold Award
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Executive Car (saloon)
- What Car? Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Family Car (Sportback)
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi A3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
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