2010 Audi A3
- 2009 Audi A3
- Used Audi A3
Based on analysis of 94 A3 reviews and test drives.
Audi A3 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Audi A3 ranks 2 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 94 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Audi A3 has sports car-like performance in the body of a sleek hatchback, which makes it unique within its class. Still, the A3 is expensive compared to other entry-level luxury cars.
The A3 boasts a winning combination of quality, sportiness and attractive styling that is a rare find for small-car shoppers. It becomes even more appealing for 2010 with the addition of an optional diesel engine rated for 30/42 mpg city/highway -- figures that blow away nearly every non-hybrid in the small car classes.
Nonetheless, the A3 does have drawbacks. The Audi’s performance and prestige come at a high price -- literally. With a base sticker around $27,000, the A3 isn’t exactly a bargain. The diesel model starts at nearly $30,000, making it an even more difficult pill to swallow. Aside from price, the A3’s other shortcomings are a cramped rear seat and confusing controls when you opt for the navigation system.
If you can live without the Audi prestige and performance, there are less expensive choices. The Volkswagen GTI saves you $4,000 and provides an even sportier driving experience -- but it can’t match the Audi for interior refinement and doesn’t offer a fuel-efficient diesel engine. For more interior refinement, consider the Volvo C30. It costs about $3,000 less than the A3 and boasts sharp looks -- but offers significantly less cargo capacity.
The A3 comes in two trims, Premium and Premium Plus. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is available for non-diesel models only.
- "While it hasn't been lighting up the sales charts, A3 is a premium compact that deserves serious consideration. It delivers a good array of features, versatility, and driving enjoyment.” -- Consumer Guide
- "The 2010 Audi A3 makes for a good entry-level luxury car with plenty of utility, but the higher sticker price and expensive options may scare off some buyers." -- Edmunds
- "The A3 is a handsome little car that offers a healthy dose of utility, as well." -- Autoblog
- "Hungering for a European sports sedan like an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but can't quite justify the expense? If so, the…Audi A3's taut handling, sophisticated design and hatchback versatility, at a price lower than those worthy machines, could make this car a keeper." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "The Audi A3 3.2 Quattro wagon costs too much. It runs the risk of crashing into common sense and injuring the one major thing it has going for it -- cache. It validates reverse snobbery." -- Washington Post
A3 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
The Audi A3's quick acceleration and taut handling are some of its best features. "Like the Jetta that we raved about in the same area last fall, the A3 proved to be a remarkably well-balanced machine,” says Autoblog. “It does indeed understeer at the limit, as one would expect of a nose-heavy hatchback." For 2010, the A3 becomes even more appealing with the addition of a diesel engine that has spectacular fuel economy. Read More
A3 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2010 Audi A3’s exterior stands out in a sea of hum-drum small cars and hatchbacks. Edmunds says the A3 boasts “sporty exterior styling that's a cut above most cars on the road.” Read More
A3 Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2010 A3 boasts one of the most refined, high-quality cabins in its class. For upscale materials and quiet comfort, it’s the way to go. Consumer Guide says the cabin “is handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials. Our extended-use 2.0T held up extremely well during its 12,290-mile test." While the A3's cargo space is good compared to other upscale small cars, it’s not that impressive for a hatchback. In addition, its controls can be confusing when you opt for the navigation system, and its second row is on the small side -- with the latter being a common complaint for cars in its class. Read More
A3 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2010 Audi A3 is an insurance industry “Top Safety Pick” for its good crash test scores. The A3 comes with plenty of standard safety features, and optional all-wheel drive makes it even more secure in poor weather conditions. Read More
A3 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 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). Audi's new vehicle limited warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles. Read More
