Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Audi A3 Full Review
Date Published: 5/01/08
Also in the 2008 Audi A3 Review:
2008 Audi A3 Review
The 2008 Audi A3 gets no major changes. This 4-door hatchback is smaller and less costly than Audi's A4 compacts. The A3 2.0T has front-wheel drive and a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The A3 3.2 quattro S line has a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.0T comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on those models and standard on the 3.2 is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery, sport front seats, alloy cabin accents, and sport-tuned suspension are standard on 3.2, optional for 2.0T. A navigation system is optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
News
A 4-passenger A3 convertible is said to be due sometime in 2008, perhaps as an early-'09 model. It should share most features with A3 hatchbacks, powerteams included, and will probably have a power-operated cloth roof rather than a hideaway hard top. All A3s are expected to get a freshening at decade's end; look for them in the U.S. as 2010 or 2011 models.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Audi A3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
| Controls/Materials (without navigation) | Navigation system controls |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Audi's 0-60 mph-claims for 2.0T--6.7 sec with automatic, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in our tests. Turbo 4-cylinder lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2s are also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 sec 0-60. The manual transmission is super smooth. The automatic's shifts are rewardingly smooth and prompt when used in manual mode. In some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.6 |
Audi's 0-60 mph-claims for 2.0T--6.7 sec with automatic, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in our tests. Turbo 4-cylinder lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2s are also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 sec 0-60. The manual transmission is super smooth. The automatic's shifts are rewardingly smooth and prompt when used in manual mode. In some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 2.0T automatic averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test automatic 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 18.6-19.4 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure fuel economy with a manual-transmission model. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for all A3s.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 2.0T automatic averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test automatic 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 18.6-19.4 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure fuel economy with a manual-transmission model. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for all A3s.
Ride Quality
2.0T models have a firm but reasonably absorbent ride with their base suspension setup. S line models are notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with their available low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s are stable at highway speeds.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.5 |
2.0T models have a firm but reasonably absorbent ride with their base suspension setup. S line models are notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with their available low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s are stable at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension 2.0Ts suffer from some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in the 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction a boon in all conditions. Braking is strong.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.4 |
Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension 2.0Ts suffer from some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in the 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction a boon in all conditions. Braking is strong.
Quietness
We noticed some coarse-surface tire thrum on base models, and it rises with the available 18-inch tires. Wind rush is low at highway speeds. Both engines sound classy while accelerating.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
We noticed some coarse-surface tire thrum on base models, and it rises with the available 18-inch tires. Wind rush is low at highway speeds. Both engines sound classy while accelerating.
Controls
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges, handy switchgear, though their complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. A single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions. The navigation also absorbs and complicates many audio controls.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges, handy switchgear, though their complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. A single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions. The navigation also absorbs and complicates many audio controls.
Details
Again, like its more expensive siblings, the A3's cabin is handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials. Our extended-use 2.0T held up extremely well during its 12,290-mile test.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Again, like its more expensive siblings, the A3's cabin is handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials. Our extended-use 2.0T held up extremely well during its 12,290-mile test.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Headroom and legroom are plentiful. The seats are all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. The rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to the right rear.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Headroom and legroom are plentiful. The seats are all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. The rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to the right rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom and legroom are adequate, even for six-footers, as long as the front seats are not set far back. The cushion is nicely padded but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways are not that large.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate, even for six-footers, as long as the front seats are not set far back. The cushion is nicely padded but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways are not that large.
Cargo Room
A3 has less space than a small station wagon but is far more versatile than a compact sedan. The hatch door lacks opening glass but lifts high for access to a usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend the load area but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.1 |
A3 has less space than a small station wagon but is far more versatile than a compact sedan. The hatch door lacks opening glass but lifts high for access to a usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend the load area but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
Value within Class
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers a good array of features, versatility, and driving enjoyment. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey. Our Recommended picks are the more sensibly priced 2.0T models.
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.4 |
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers a good array of features, versatility, and driving enjoyment. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey. Our Recommended picks are the more sensibly priced 2.0T models.
Total Score
| 2.0T, manual | 2.0T, automatic | 3.2 S line w/navigation | Class Average |
| 71 | 71 | 68 | 65.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Audi A3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/08/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.0T 4-door hatchback, manual | $25,930 | $24,115 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 2.0T 4-door hatchback, automatic | $27,410 | $25,491 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 3.2 S line 4-door hatchback, automatic | $34,915 | $32,471 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.0T
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/45YR17 tires, alloy wheels.
3.2 S line adds to 2.0T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power driver seat, aluminum interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,500
|
$1,396
|
|
Leather upholstery, power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, steering wheel shift paddles (automatic), aluminum exterior trim, additional interior lights, illuminated visor mirrors, fog lights, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
S line Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$2,500
|
$2,326
|
|
Leather upholstery, sport seats, power driver seat, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, steering wheel shift paddles (automatic), aluminum interior trim, additional interior lights, illuminated visor mirrors, unique exterior trim, rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Navigation Plus Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,950
|
$1,813
|
|
Navigation system, iPod adapter. Requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,350
|
$1,255
|
|
Bose sound system, satellite radio. Requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. and Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$700
|
$650
|
|
Heated front seats and mirrors, ski sack, heated washer nozzles. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. and Convenience Pkg., power sunroof.
|
||
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$350
|
$325
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.
|
||
|
Titanium Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$1,500
|
$1,396
|
|
Black head liner, black exterior trim. 2.0T requires S line Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$350
|
$325
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$1,100
|
$1,023
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$450
|
$418
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$800
|
$745
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$400
|
$373
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
iPod adapter
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$250
|
$233
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Wireless cell phone link
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$435
|
$405
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Manual side sunshades
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$150
|
$139
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$800
|
$745
|
|
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. and Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$450
|
$418
|
|
225/40R18 tires
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$1,000
|
$930
|
|
2.0T requires S line Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Audi A3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3263 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 55.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.2 /191 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 | 236 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 21/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 22/29 | 18/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Audi A3 Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
