Audi A3
Overall Score - 8.7 (Very Good)
The A3 delivers sports car performance in a stylish compact. If you're in the market for an upscale small car, the Volkswagen GTI offers similar performance at a lower price, while the Acura TSX offers a better reputation for reliability.
The 2007 Audi A3 combines the versatility of a compact hatchback with premium performance and safety. Kelley Blue Book says, "Audi's goal was to infuse the A3 with the sportiness of its impressive TT coupe and roadster, while at the same time giving buyers a versatile vehicle that can accommodate more cargo and passengers. In that Audi has definitely succeeded." The Detroit News concludes, "Outside of the jaw-dropping sticker and a few quibbles, there isn't much to dislike about the A3."
The 2007 Audi A3 is on Consumer Guide's recommended list. However, About.com echoes the most frequent criticism of the A3 when it writes, "The A3 has one big problem: It is seriously expensive." Kelley Blue Book says that "the Mazda 3 and Toyota Matrix are significantly less expensive but don't offer the premium panache of the A3." AutoWeek says, "The price may put some people off, but hey, if you want a cheap hatch go buy a cheap hatch." IntelliChoice gives the A3 a "better than average" value rating based on a total cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class.
A3 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
Reviewers praise the 2007 Audi A3's power and versatility. "Audi engineers have certainly achieved their design objective of creating a hatchback with the feel of a sports car," says Kelley Blue Book. continue
A3 Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2007 Audi A3 hasn't undergone major changes since last year's debut model. It has Audi's new grille and elegant, European styling. "With its attractive wedgy profile and bold trapezoidal grille, the five-door A3 comes off as a sort of A6 Avant Lite," says Automobile Magazine. continue
A3 Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Reviewers are divided about the 2007 Audi A3's cockpit. Motor Trend describes it as "high-quality materials combined with superb fit and finish." About.com, on the other hand, says, "the black plastic on the A3's dashboard is shinier, harder, and chintzier-looking than that fitted to pricier Audis." continue
A3 Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)
A number of features and Audi's reputation for safety have most reviewers convinced that the 2007 Audi A3 will prove to be a secure ride. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the A3 an overall rating of "good" (the best possible rating) in its frontal offset and side impact crash tests, and named it a "Top Safety Pick." Government crash tests have not yet been conducted on the A3. continue
A3 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Audi A3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The A3's new vehicle limited warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles. continue
