2012 Audi A3

2012 Audi A3 Review

The original luxury subcompact.

Reviewed by Automobile on 11/1/2011

Overview

The idea of a premium entry in the small-wagon category seemed strange back in 2006, but the A3 makes sense to enough buyers to have stuck around all these years. The A3's continued existence is certain proof that there are enough places in the United States -- in large cities, for instance -- where space is at a premium and small but versatile cars make sense. Often, those urban buyers are wealthy enough to afford a vehicle like an Audi A3. Even now, when carmakers are adding more and more luxury features to their small cars, this upscale compact hatchback remains the only vehicle of its type. The A3 is based on the last-generation Volkswagen Golf, which used to be its only competitor. Now, however, the Lexus CT200h has entered the ring, and its hybrid powertrain produces huge fuel economy numbers. The A3 is far quicker than the CT200h, though, whether equipped with the turbocharged gasoline engine or the turbo-diesel. Both engines are available with the VW Group's benchmark dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the turbo is also available with a six-speed manual. The ace in the A3's pocket is its available all-wheel-drive system, a feature no other car in this segment offers. And as nice as the Lexus is, we think the diesel-powered A3 is a more engaging, more luxurious way to break into the 40-mpg club.

Check Dealer Pricing On a New Audi A3

The Range

Drive: Front-wheel, 4-wheel
Trim levels: 2.0T FWD, 2.0T Quattro, TDI
Body style: Wagon, 5-passenger
Engines: 2.0L turbo-diesel I-4, 140 hp, 236 lb-ft 2.0L turbo I-4, 200 hp, 207 lb-ft
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Passenger Volume: 89.0 cu ft
Cargo space: (rear seats up/down) 19.5/39.0 cu ft

What's New

Not much, actually. The A3 is unchanged for 2012, which means the small premium hatchback is now in its seventh year with only one minor face-lift. For many cars that would be a problem, but not in this case, because the A3 was a very good car to begin with.

Exterior

Interior

Performance & Handling

Safety

ABS, front and side air bags, stability and traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard.

EPA Fuel Economy

All: 21-30 mpg city/28-42 mpg highway

You'll Like

Fast and luxurious
Diesel gets great mileage
Available all-wheel drive

You Won't Like

It's not cheap
Aging design
Increasing competition

Sum Up

The original luxury subcompact.

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