Why buy Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that provides Australian buyers with an affordable entry into the premium German car market, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced technology. It comes in versatile body styles, including a five-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, and a two-door convertible, catering to a range of preferences. The A3 is equipped with high-end technology and safety features, such as a digital cockpit, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience. It has various engine options, including petrol, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid, with fuel consumption starting from 5L/100km, balancing efficiency and performance. The interior is well-crafted, offering a choice of standard or sports seats with optional leather upholstery, ensuring comfort and quality. With a maximum towing capacity of 1600 kg and a boot space of 425 litters in the sedan variant, the A3 is practical for everyday use and light towing. The quattro all-wheel-drive option provides additional stability and traction, and Audi's strong brand reputation ensures good resale value, making the A3 a solid investment.
Audi A3 range and updates
The Audi A3 range in Australia offers a variety of models and configurations designed to cater to diverse preferences, with three main body styles: the five-door Sportback hatchback, the four-door Sedan, and the two-door Cabriolet for open-air driving. Engine options include the entry-level 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (30 TFSI), the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology (35 TFSI), the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (40 TFSI) with quattro all-wheel drive, and the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid. Trim levels range from base models with a solid array of standard features to the sportier S line, with upgraded interiors and additional tech. Recent updates enhance technology, with improved infotainment, larger touchscreens, and voice control, while efficiency improvements include mild-hybrid systems. Safety is also upgraded, with advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, making the Audi A3 a modern and flexible compact luxury option in Australia.
Audi A3 tech and features
2024 Audi A3
Engine and Drivetrain:
- Standard engine: 2.0 litter, turbocharged 4-cylinder (TFSI) with 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (S tronic) with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Performance:
- 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in around 6.6 seconds (estimated).
- Top speed electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Standard Features:
- Infotainment: 10.3-inch MMI touch display, Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad.
- Interior: Three-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, 8-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support.
- Safety: Automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, pre sense basic (tightens seatbelts, closes windows in anticipation of a collision).
Optional Features:
- Tech Package: Upgrades the instrument cluster to a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, adds navigation with traffic sign recognition, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and six months of Audi connect Plus subscription (includes Wi-Fi hotspot and connected services).
- Driver Assistance Package: Adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and park assist.
- Other Options: Head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel.
Audi A3 running costs and value
The running costs of the Audi A3 in Australia are influenced by factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance, insurance, and resale value. Fuel consumption varies across engine options: 5.1 to 5.3 litters per 100 kilometres for the 30 TFSI, 5.0 to 6.0 litters for the 35 TFSI with mild-hybrid technology, 6.5 to 7.2 litters for the 40 TFSI with quattro all-wheel drive, and lower rates for the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid. Audi's "capped price servicing" program helps manage maintenance costs, with services required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres. Insurance costs can be higher due to the premium brand status, but Audi's strong resale value, aided by its reputation for quality and luxury, can offset depreciation. Overall, the Audi A3 strikes a balance between luxury and efficiency, with a competitive running cost compared to other premium cars, providing good value for those seeking a compact luxury vehicle with advanced features.
Highlights:
Combines performance and efficiency:
Petrol engines:
- 35 TFSI (mild-hybrid): 5.0 to 6.0 L/100km
- 40 TFSI (quattro AWD): 6.5 to 7.2 L/100km
- A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid (electric option - lowest consumption)
Petrol range:
- 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI engines
Electric options:
Ownership cost:
- Managed by Audi's capped price servicing program (every 12 months/15,000 km)
- Higher insurance due to premium brand, offset by strong resale value
Appeals to:
- Buyers seeking a compact luxury car with a balance of performance, efficiency, and advanced features.
Overall
The Audi A3 in Australia offers a compelling mix of luxury, versatility, and advanced technology, with body styles ranging from a sporty five-door hatchback to a sleek four-door sedan and a stylish two-door convertible. Engine options cater to different needs, from efficient turbocharged petrol engines to a plug-in hybrid for those seeking lower emissions and fuel consumption, while recent updates ensure a modern driving experience with features like adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone connectivity. The A3's combination of premium build quality, solid resale value, and reasonable running costs makes it an attractive choice for buyers seeking a compact luxury car with a strong balance of performance and practicality.
