2008 Audi A3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.