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Anyone who spends a lot of money on a premium product like the Audi A3 also hopes for quality. The TÜV evaluation is clear here.
who used one Compact is spoiled for choice. Many manufacturers are represented in the so-called Golf class, and the range is extensive. Even the namesake of the segment has strong competitors within the VW Group. But if you want to go in the direction of premium, the offers Audi A3 on. The third generation (Type 8V), which was launched from 2012 to 2020, is now in the best used car age.
Body and interior
At the market launch there was initially the A3 with three doors, the five-door called Sportback followed in early 2013. The notchback made its debut at the end of the year, and since 2014 a convertible with a fabric roof and a nominal four seats has been available. With the exception of the three-door model, which was removed from the range in 2017, all body variants were available until the third generation was replaced. You don't necessarily see that the A3 is closely related to the Golf.
The dimensions of the two compacts are similar, but visually the Audi sets its own accents. "Premium" is the magic word. This claim is particularly evident in the interior. The noble and meticulously finished interior is the flagship of the A3. However, how classy it turns out depends on the willingness of the first-time buyer to invest in extras such as leather or chic inlays.
The space is more average. The luggage capacity of the 4,24 meter long five-door varies between 325 and 1.100 liters depending on the seat position; the 4,46 meter long sedan offers 390 liters of storage space in the basic position, which can be expanded to 850 liters. The convertible drivers have to exercise restraint when it comes to luggage (245 to 680 liters).
In 2016, the A3 received a facelift. There was a slightly changed radiator grille, different headlights and modified tail light graphics.
Motors and drive
The range of engines is huge and confusing and consists of petrol and diesel engines, but also natural gas and plug-in variants. From economical to sporty, everything is included. The performance spectrum of the petrol engines (three and four-cylinder) ranges from 85 kW/116 hp to 294 kW/400 hp in the RS3. Diesel is available from 77 kW/105 hp up to an output of 135 kW/184 hp. Interested parties should ensure that the 1,6 TDI (EA 288) known from the diesel scandal has received all software updates.
All-wheel drive is always on board in the top models as well as in other powerful engine variants; it is optional for some units in the middle of the performance spectrum. In the case of the petrol engines, the consumption values are between 4,4 and 9,4 liters, in the case of the diesels between 3,9 and 6,8 liters. The natural gas version could also be interesting as an alternative to the classic burners. The models marketed under the term “g-tron” have an output of 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp (since 2019). On average, they get by with 3,2 to 4,4 kilograms of natural gas. The "e-tron" is exotic in the engine jungle. The plug-in hybrid, which was offered between 2014 and 2018, had a system output of 150 kW/204 hp.
Equipment and safety
The equipment showed that the A3 was not an everyday car. At its debut, it scored with a modern infotainment system and many assistants. Most electrical helpers such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and automatic high beam were in packages. The basic model (initially "Attraction", later nameless) offered air conditioning and xenon lights, but the higher-positioned variants with aluminum wheels, some lowered bodywork and an upgraded interior are nicer to look at. As is typical for Audi, first-time buyers could choose extras from a long price list, including a panoramic glass sunroof, matrix LED headlights and digital instruments. The 2012 Audi achieved a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Quality
An upcoming TÜV main inspection (HU) does not have to scare A3 owners. The A3 shows its best side at the HU. In almost all HU test categories, it performs significantly better than the average in its class. There are occasional problems with the axle suspension and the brake discs. The premium model from the VW group is obviously well cared for and maintained by its owners.
Conclusion
Whether three- or five-door, classic sedan or chic convertible: the third-generation A3 offers the right model for every taste. There is also an almost confusing range of engines that can make bargain hunters happy and inspire those with sporting ambitions. As the icing on the cake, the A3 also does very well at TÜV. However, the rising used car prices are also having an impact on this compact car. Older models are offered from around 10.000 euros; for a convertible you have to dig deep into your pocket and expect an investment of around 20.000 euros.
