- 2009
2008 Audi A3
- Used Audi A3
Audi A3 - What the Auto Press Says
The A3 performs like a sports car in the body of a stylish compact hatchback, but some consider it expensive for an entry-level upscale vehicle.
According to our analysis, the 2008 Audi A3 is a good combination of stellar performance and safety coupled with the utility of a small hatchback. The A3 also ranks well among hatchbacks for offering a level of luxury most reviewers are not accustomed to finding in the class. But many say that luxurious look and feel comes at a price -- and a hefty one at that. On the other hand, reviewers also praise the A3's respectable gas mileage for its class.
The 2008 A3 is available in three trims: the 2.0 T S tronic, the 2.0 T 6 speed and the 3.2 S line, also known as the 3.2 Quattro. But reviews caution that even the base model doesn't come cheap. If you like the styling and utility the Audi A3 but are concerned about price, also consider the Acura TSX. Other hatchbacks to consider are the Volkswagen GTI and the Volvo C30.
- "A former 10Best winner, the A3 is roomy and benefits from incredible build quality and class-leading design. … Solid, quick, and nimble, the A3 is one of our favorites." -- Car and Driver
- "It's not only versatile, but as an added bonus it's fun to drive." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "It's the most affordable German sports hatch around, and it's a load of fun. … The new A3 3.2S quattro, featuring a 250-horse 6-cylinder with all-wheel drive, is an absolute delight to drive." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- "In a country where bigger is better, the A3 dares to offer high-end amenities and German cachet in a package that is fuel-efficient, space-efficient, and family friendly." -- About.com
- "The Audi A3 3.2 S line Quattro is expensive -- really expensive -- and it suffers from a slightly harsh ride." -- Automobile Magazine
- "The Audi A3 3.2 Quattro wagon costs too much. It runs the risk of crashing into common sense and injuring the one major think it has going for it -- cache. It validates reverse snobbery." -- Washington Post
A3 Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)
According to our analysis, Audi has succeeded in creating a hatchback with the power and feel of a sports car. Whether driving the base 2.0 T or the 3.2 Quattro, most say the A3's performance is quite good. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says, the 3.2-liter engine "makes the Audi a missile on wheels, but one with smooth onset of power through 70 mph and beyond. Its all-wheel drive quattro system puts the power down evenly, as I found driving a drive in a steady rain." Read More
A3 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Car and Driver says the 2008 Audi A3 is "seductively styled inside and out," a sentiment many auto writers share. Read More
A3 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
Although the 2008 A3 is the entry-level compact in Audi's line of vehicles, reviews report it's in keeping with Audi's reputation for a quality fit and finish. Automobile Magazine notes that the "cabin boasts typically fine quality, peerless ergonomics, and an excellent mix of A6, TT, and A4 design elements." Read More
A3 Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
Many say the A3 is a secure ride, thanks to a number of standard features and Audi's reputation for safety. In addition, the 2008 A3 was selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a "Top Safety Pick" for good performance in front, side and rear tests. Read More
A3 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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 for four years or 50,000 miles. Read More
