Audi A3 hatchback (Sportback) 2003 - 2012 review - Carbuyer / Mat Watson
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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The Audi A3 is available in three and five-door bodystyles and is one of the best premium hatchbacks on the market. Thanks to its smart, understated design and superior build quality, it's desirable and hangs onto its value exceptionally well. A wide choice of engines is offered, plus manual, automatic and semi-automatic gearboxes - all of which are tough and reliable. A recent 2008 restyle made it look even sharper.
The premium badge and smart styling are a big part of the A3's appeal. It's also good to drive, but while it's refined and well built its chassis lacks the sparkle of mainstream rivals like the Ford Focus. The A3's diesel engines offer great fuel economy and tend to be worth more second-hand.
The five-door A3 Sportback builds on the appeal of the three-door hatchback. The only difference is a redesigned rear, that creates an extra 20 litres of boot space. You still get the same safe and predictable driving experience and a large choice of engines. The model is best suited to young families.
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You said it. Was umming and ahhing over a Golf and an A3, and even, Lord forgive me, a Focus, when in a blinding flash it came to me: Life Is Too Short. Buy the one you want, even if the others are better at carrying flat-pack furniture. So I did. Never been happier. A3 all the way.
You can’t beat German Engineering.
Damn he’s been at it for this long? Jesus he’s basically a CZcams OG
True
Hahah
what do you mean?
@@YTIsTakingOverMyLife yes
Bunun üzerine iki kasa değişti
Just got one of these a few months ago. Still a great car for both practicality and fun! The TDI version is really cheap these days because of the dieselgate stigma, but they still get awesome mileage and performance. Highly recommend!
I’m gonna be picking up an A3 2L TDI sport back tomorrow. Are they nippy?
@@vrglcom do u enjoying it
A3 Rocks, 2.0 TDI 5 Door Sportsback 21st Century all the way.
This looks so much better than the new one
i think this pair of wheels look the best
+Lexkar Wong They do look nice, I wonder what size they are, because I thought these were only available on larger Audi cars, and this is just a small 1.6.
+adrianTNT 18"
volty-L agree. New A3 and A4 aren't as nice especially the interiors.
King A - insurance for a first car would be quite high for new drivers but it all depends on the size of the engine, the year, what area you live in ect
Have one of these since 2006 and no problems with it. It still looks new and is very understated. Very practical car I think this review is spot on as regards some of the features and is not annoyingly nit picking.
Hello from 6 years later, did you have any major issues? Id like to buy one as a daily but Im a student
@@funfzylinder Hello to you, car still going strong with 170k miles on it. Mine is the 1.6 fsi engine that has a timing chain. Apart from a couple of coils, two broken springs, a rear wiper motor, the car has been trouble free. I have always ignored the long maintenance schedule for the car and changed the oil and filter every 7000 miles. You need to examine the car underneath for subframe rust as all older cars are susceptible to it in wet climates. This car was expensive when new but was worth every penny.
@@bmw-e30 any must or should have options? or any specific year-engine to stay away from?
@@funfzylinder I always look for heated seats and leather, must be petrol with a manual gearbox. Since these are Volkswagon engines fitted to the entire Vw range, engines should be solid. Preferably, go for an engine with a timing chain so you dont have the hassle of changing a belt. On a well looked after car, there should be plenty of life left in it.
I love my '07 A3. It's quick, spacious, comfortable, economical and agile. In fact, i rather drive it over my 350z. It may not have the race inspired look of the "Z", but it sure does move just as fast with groceries and tons of other stuff in the boot.
A3 Sportback S line. It is the best purchase I have ever made, I get a buzz each time I turn the key, well worth the five month wait. Drives fantastic with the tiptronic gearbox mated to the 1.8 petrol engine. Fabulous drive well worth taking the long way home.
Well done Audi. I have GTi and I love it, but the A3 has the refinement, it seems to be hewn from a single block. Fit and finish is first rate.
Got the same one 2010 model. This bany is awesome!
Louiepuss, do you still drive it ? And do you have 1.8TFSI with 160 HP ?
I have in plan to buy one? Do you have some suggestions?
I have a 2011 model A3 sportback with the 6 speed in the U.S. It's a pretty car.
Despite selling well in Europe, this car barely made a dent in U.S. sales. The market for luxury cars didn't overlap much with the market for compact hatchbacks at the time; people who wanted a sporty hatch would go for the GTI since it was cheaper and made the same power, and people who wanted a nice Audi didn't want to be seen with the lowest end model that could be dismissed as "fake" or "badge engineered" since it shared parts with the GTI. We only got the hatchback version of this car for the second generation, 2005-2013, and over that whole time it sold less than 50,000 units. The sedan version has sold much better since its introduction in 2014.
Even worse, most of the sportbacks that DID sell in the U.S. were TDIs, which were subject to mandatory recall after dieselgate. Some seem to have been "fixed" and resold (read: tweaked to make less power but pass emissions), but doubtless others were scrapped. Mine is the 190hp TFSI.
I'm not sure how many U.S. survivors there are, but it's always a bit exciting when I see another one, because it isn't too common. From my experience they tend to be found around historic metro areas where parking is tighter and a luxury compact has more appeal. You won't find this car in the back country, except for maybe in New England or the Mid Atlantic region.
Why tdi sold more in us ?
Well said! Also you can’t find a Manual transmission TDI in the states which is a huge bummer - I’m looking to buy a 2010 A3 manual S line - blue - 164k for about 5400k
I have the 2.0 diesel 140 ,the three door version. Very good car, very comfortable. Responds very well in the highway whether you are going 120km/h or 150, at 200 it's also comfortable and stable. In the city it's also very nice even on bumpy roads.
ive got 1 2 good drive
I'm thinking on getting one with that exact engine. I'm just afraid the 2.0tdi is not so reliable. What's your take? And about about fuel consumption?
@@nunonunes097 Not a problem here and 40+mpg
The young-er Matt Watson...
Awesome review as always, Matt!
i have a 2010 A3 TDI with the premium package and S line. not only does it get 45 mpg, its REALLY fun to drive. i go around corners at speeds that would leave normal cars in the ditch
I thought it said 10 months not years... looks like this came just out of the modern era
3:05 he was right about the resale 🤣🤣. I'm feeling that 9 years later now that I want to buy one.
I bougth a 2.0 turbo. Gonna pick it up 10 juli, cant wait lol
@@wezelhond5572 review please
@@dudyorz its the best dude, i AM soooooo fucking happy with IT
@@wezelhond5572 Im gonna pick up a 1,4 tfsi this week , 2012. im hyped
i wish i find one for 3.2k or 3.5k
it's not about what he's reviewing,but it's about the way he reviews it,very energetic and fun ! keep up the good work :-)
Just bought it as my first car and I'm so excited to drive it!
Same here...tomorrow is the day. How is it so far?
@@Hunkeykung hello there can I ask how the car has been and if it is your first car? Because I’m looking to buy one too
@@FunnySlips00 So far so good but i have the 2.0 TDI version from 2011. With the petrol the TFSI versions I heard are big oil consumers and I heard the engines arent really reliable till 2010. That said the handling is amazing and I do not agree with the steering being numb as is said in this video., also at high speeds the car is very stable and I love the red interior light when it is dark.
@@Hunkeykung oh okay thanks for the info and is this your first car
@@FunnySlips00 no like 5th car :)
Audis are such magnificent automobiles, they're works of art.
From wiki..."Research in 1969 by J. J. Leeming showed countries driving on the left have a lower collision rate than countries driving on the right...It has been suggested this is partly because humans are more commonly right-eye dominant than left-eye dominant.In left-hand traffic, the predominantly better-performing right eye is used to monitor oncoming traffic and the driver's wing mirror."
Audi sell the same car for a decade, and you never hear anyone complain about it. I guess that their designs are si timeless and ahead of their time that’s it’s acceptable when they just refresh the outside and update the tech a bit to keep it up to date. Lately they have been the leaders when it comes to breaking new ground when it comes to technology and design, they even make their big german rivals look a bit outdated and basic.
the engine on the 2003-present Audi A3
Engine
Petrol engines:
1.2 L I4 Turbo FSI (TFSI)
1.4 L I4 Turbo FSI (TFSI)
1.6 L I4
1.6 L I4 FSI
2.0 L I4 FSI
1.8 L I4 TFSI
2.0 L I4 TFSI
3.2 L VR6
Diesel engines:
1.6 L I4 TDI
1.9 L I4 TDI
2.0 L I4 TDI
ive got one,the older 2008/2013 audi a3 1.6tdi is the best quality hatchback on the road.
i love this car .. it is so stable and has got really quality materials .
I bought one for my first car, love it.
Kinetic Consular same
Same
I might do the same, how much was the insurance for you?
my first car too but I have the 2005 one with 2.0 tdi on it
@@damnson261 which country?
the videos are nice but you should give more look of the interior and the front dash.
He listened to you my friend.
I own a 2.0 diesel quattro and it's awesome.
i hope you see this comment, im thinking of getting 2.0 diesel quattro too. how reliable is it and is it expensive to keep going
One of the best videos... calm, cosy, explanatory.... and believe me it is not a VW, I am an owner of both cars... A3 and Golf.... the cars are different...
Which do you prefer driving the most?
@@kidryan2187 Audi A3 by far to be honest!
Passed my test in one of these baby's 😊
I have a 2.0 tdi and I am in love with it.
Still the same jokes and all. After 10 years. Best reviewer period. Came here to hear your impression on my 15 yo audi a3 Sportback from 2006. And I'm certainly not disappointed. Guess I'll keep it 15 more years
Such a complete review in ~3 minutes! This guy (and his crew, I'm sure) is amazing!
Love his reviews. They are simply the best. Thank you!
I have the 1.6 liter petrol which he said to avoid. It's a little anemic, but on the upside, it's NOT a turbo, so less things to go wrong. It''s a 2005 model, and now it has only 60k kms. The cars is basically brand new, and it's the full optional model, it even had the satnav.
How much did you pay for it?
Is the 1.6 heavy on petrol ? Is it very slow ?
This guy is the guy from carwow
Yes he use to work for carbuyer but now owns his own channel carwow
The only good review of A3 on the CZcams!
Its 2020 and I finaly can buy this car 😐
I have a 3.2 Sport 3 door A3 and it’s the maddest/funnest thing on the road. Do I really need 0-60 in 5ish seconds? No. Do I love doing it. Absofuckinglutely.
Yooka: Absofuckinglutely doesn’t exist, MrBritishguyESQ!
@lardauk I live in Canada. Here Golfs are assembled in Mexico whereas the A3 is assembled in Germany and shipped overseas. A3 offers four-wheel-drive as opposed to golf's front wheel drive. And A3 has LED lights and paromanic sunroof. A3 is just a better car. Maybe they share many technologies, the Audi badge is always more desirable than VW isnt it?
the 2003-present Audi A3 is assembled in
Ingolstadt, Germany
Brussels, Belgium (2004-2005; 2007-May 2010)
Jakarta, Indonesia
@rapaceable I was given an A4 as a loaner car 3 weeks ago, and it had none of the problems my car has. I would seriously consider getting an A4 if you can afford it - I wish I had. At least drive a new A4 before you buy the A3. It really is much tighter and performs better.
best reviewer on the web! thumbs up
Matt basically lives in CZcams
1:29 isn't it better to brake before the bend and accelerate through it?
Maaan this model looks so much better than the one they make now
shazaibbiazahs agree
The 1.6 8v gas engine is super reliable though, can't really say that about the tfsi engines.
I had one once. A 2010 1.6 gas. It really wasnt fuel efficient, got bad mpg
He wasn't kidding about the resale. Picked up a low mileage sportback similar specced to the one in video for 7k
lower mielage go for way more. im boutta pick up a 112k mielage for 3k but obviously runs fine. heard these things can go up to 250k+ km
So glad ive got one, love it.
I'm getting this for my first car I've saved 12 thousand and just got my insurance quote for this and it's only 1,100
King A - I paid £2080 for my first year for a 1 litre Peugeot. With 3 years no claims I'm being quoted £2300 for a 2.0T A3 living in London. Insurance really is a con as I'm getting quoted £914 if I lived outside London
Zain K Not really a con It’s just with how busy London is you’re more likely to have an accident than around let’s say County Durham.
I wanna get this car. Would be a perfect first car
would be, but no parent is that generous lol
Bought few days ago this one, 2.0 200hp quattro 😍
For the first car I think it's the best choice
Sounds like a great first car! I am thinking about getting one as my fith car 🙂
Im getting another too, cheaper to maintain than the A4, does everything a car should do.
volty"
Totally agree with ya'
i got the same but wiv the 2.0 170bhp tdi"
Top motor still in love with it, sometimes i sit at home watchin TV and i just grab my keys and go for a quick spin,
love my Audi bro :-):-)
If money isn't the problem, then it's ok. I can say that it's really easy to drive (as all modern cars) and especially to park. It also has a good visibility.
He said it's expensive but it holds it's value. I don't care about how this A3 holds it's value. I want to use it for more than 2 years so Audi make it cheaper !
Im about to buy a 2012 a3 5 door s line 2.0t that has a TFSI right? Oh and 86k miles
I LOVE THIS CAR, LOOKS AMAZING IN ALPINE WHITE, IM GONNA GET THAT CAR WHEN IM OLDER(INSHALLAH)
kash cash did u get it
did u get it bro 4 years hope u get 1 or better
kash cash did u buy it
Where we at now?
Have u bought the car?
Who really wants to carry flat pack furniture in their car, fgs. A bag, a hold-all, a set of golf clubs and even children is the norm, so let’s focus on this please.
im 6ft6 and for some reason the leg space was comfortable. the seat wasnt even all he way back. it must have a small boot or something
Matt you started as a child with you car reviews 😂😂😂
@rapaceable I had an Audi A4, two Golf GTi's, a 911, and a Scirocco. I have never had any objections to the quality of any of these VW-Porsche-Audi products until I got my 2011 A3 S-Line TDI. They have put two new glass roofs on my car, and it STILL rattles. Also, the DSG transmission slips constantly. The car has been a nightmare. Maybe you are right, and the European models are built differently - but my car was built in Germany too, not USA.
Such a beautiful car! To my mind, better looking than a M4 or a C63 !!
lol, kid get over yourself and stop bullshiting.I have one and you just cant compare it to M4 or C63, but hey it's obvious that you know nothing about cars so your comment is invalid, why do I even bother to respond.
Tomislav Kovačević it’s his opinion relax...
@@overtaxed3628 lol your opinion is more invalid.
Should be comparing with the 1 series or a VW golf lmao not a m4 or a c63
That's because license plates in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean are of very different dimensions than what you'd find in the EU.
I have a white 2011 A3 TDI S-line and have had it for about 8 months. Sadly, I must say that the car has had one problem after another. It has a bad, jerky DSG transmission, the glass roof rattles constantly, door seals are coming unglued, various electrical problems, and, all in all, just not a good level of fit and finish for the $40,000 price. I would NOT buy an A3 again.
notice at the hand brake in 0:30. it might look stupid but i drive the A3 with an arm rest in the middle. now imagine it in mats car, if he had it because he actually doesnt, well that hand brake is almost blocked by the armrest. i really have to put my arm on vertical position so i dont get disturbed by the arm rest to release the brake... why cant i just lay down my arm relaxed in my audi and dont have to get strange positions to release it?
thats a detail audi failed quite much in my opinion
great review tells you what you actually need to know and not just aload of gumpf about how its 0.3 of a second slower round some circuit.
I think I'll go with a 2.0 diesel just purely for the power. Does the Audi have better leg room for rear seat passengers?
Hello,can you tell which size of tires and rims are on this model?? Thanks
Looking at an a3 sport back 1.9tdi.....??? Any good ???? 93k
There is something about it that makes me want one, but not as much as a mazdaspeed 3. However, this one is closer to my budget, and if I end up needing to get a "new" car, I'd go for this. Especially with the snow where I live, the quattro would be an excellent choice.
I like it. My friend has one, 2.0 tdi and it's great. I especially like the interior. On the other hand, even the older model is still quite expenisve if you consider that it's just redesigned golf 5.
You guys have really nice reviews :)
What's that beeing draged by the car in the background at 0:24?
My friend just got one and i want one so badly. It's a great looking car.
which car is more fantastic? audi a3 or vw golf tsi?
I just bought a 2008 petrol 2.6 manual with 29000 miles from car giant today for my beloved wife for £10K. Hope it was worth it.
just got my a3 sportsback 2012 170hp;)) awsome
Guys im so excited im biying one after i get my licence in like 2 years and 2 years flys by
@richcarr349 Sure, if you can afford the insurance and the lease/finance every month.
its the oppisite in euroupe, you are considerd a manaic if you drive on right.
I do like the Audi A3 but unless you go out and get a leather fitted S-line, then the standard interior in most of the models doesn't do the badge justice, it feels cheap and very plain, dated even.
@Dillon1791 Yes, maybe. But the TSX, or Honda Accord(as marketed outside the USA), isn't in the same league as the A3. Compare it to a A4 if you want to, it's more comparable to a VW Passat. It's no question that Japanese design and engineering is the most bang/buck but the car is after all meant for the mainstream market. The big 3 Germans are a bit more exclusive aiming for comfort. These are still the best cars on the market, but it comes with a slightly pricier price-tag as well.
I'm gonna buy this car, my first car but not this new thing but the a3 from 2004, voor 3000 EURO''s
Thats a good deal or not?
2020 anyone?
Yep
I'm learning to drive in this car 1.6tdi and it is so easy to drive and I love the accelerator is on the floor no like other cars which have it like the clutch and brake. The clutch is light and the seating is okay but I'm 6ft so I have to crank the seat down. Only gripe is the way you put it into reverse you push it down so If you push on the gearstick trying to go into first you might grind the gears. But I'm only on my 4th lesson and I'm on main roads so a very easy car to drive indeed
Yes, and the guy didn't have any. Also, you should probably put a question mark at the end of your sentence, if it is going to be intended as a question.
I want to know if the Audi A3 Sportback 2004-2008 have the same exterior than Audi A3 Sportback 2008-2011 to use the same S-Line kit. And what change in this versions? They are almost the same
www.autoevolution.com/audi/a3-sportback/
question for anyone out there...we own a vw golf variant and the front seats can be adjusted vertically for headroom/ for seeing on the road (if ur short)...does this audi have the same feature?
It does
Very good review!
1.6 petrol isn't an awful car, especially with the BSE engine, mine's never let me down, it's an excellent first choice for a new driver looking for a premium car, more to be desired with the power but it's not exactly under powered
You alright mate might be a long shot here but how’s the gearbox I heard on the autos there’s always issues with it?
@@knt2660 I had the manual, but avoid DSG's if the engine is below 2.0 from Audi's of this time as well as multitronic
A3 is a nice car :D
Does bying audi a3 2010 in 2020 is a good choice?
What about golf 2013 instead ?
You're sitting on the wrong side.
Most of the world is left seated and it is not an argument that Brittish wants to
be different. British countries will get adopted (sometime).
the 2003-2012 Audi A3 is assembled in
Ingolstadt, Germany
Brussels, Belgium (2004-2005; 2007-2010)
Győr, Hungary
Jakarta, Indonesia
Beautiful car
I wonder from what part of England this guy is. The way he says "back" sounds like McCartney´s accent, lol. Very good review, amen to that about the steering, it feels like it isn´t connected to anything. Just got one of these and love it, if this was RWD and had heavier steering it would be perfect.
It is 2012 review but the video was uploaded in 2010🤔
my dream car is an audi a3 3.2 v6 quattro in blue i'd kill to get that car
I just got a 2005 2.0 tfsi quattro in same color as this one. the 3.2 is a possible next although i do love my 2.0. tho the 2.0 is alot more tuneable
3.2 makes it too heavy.
courtesy cars are cars that are given too people, people are going to rag them about and not take care of the car because it is not theirs, ive got an audi a3 sline and it is amazing to drive
Just got it as my first car ! It's a blue sportback with 1.6 tdi. Xenon , alcantara the car is beautiful !
how much was your insurance if you dont mind me asking ? i really wanna get this as my first car but the ones i really like are the 1.8 tfsi and the 2.0 tdi but im afraid the insurance will be insane.
@@skykyro7712 i'm from Macedonia actually, insurance with registration is around 250Euro for the whole year.
i love the Audi A3!!! I wonder if they're still going to be selling it June 2012 =/
I like the current one more than the concept / future one..
You're welcome. Happy to educate :)
this is the car i will use for my practices soon when i practice for my driving lisence and for the exam too