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Which used Audi A3 should you buy?
You can choose from a broad range of diesel and petrol engines with the Audi A3, plus a plug-in hybrid variant, meaning there’s plenty of choice, whether you’re after maximum value, performance or fuel economy.
You also have the choice between a three-door hatchback, four-door saloon and five-door hatchback, badged Sportback by Audi. Plus there’s a stylish Audi A3 Cabriolet convertible version, plus high-performance Audi S3 and Audi RS3 models.
The fourth generation of the Audi A3 was launched in 2020, with significantly updated and more dramatic styling, plus a more striking interior.
The previous version of the Audi A3 had been released in 2012, and received a substantial upgrade in 2016, which included new exterior styling, plus updates to the interior tech.
What used Audi A3 trim levels are available?
As you would imagine for such an established model, there’s a long list of different specifications and versions available for the Audi A3. Read on as we detail the most important ones.
Audi A3 SE
The Audi A3 SE is the most basic model, and generally the cheapest available on the used market. But don’t let that put you off. Even this version comes with some pretty desirable standard equipment.
- Air-conditioning
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Comfort suspension
- Cruise control (Post-2016 models)
- Pop-up seven-inch display (Post-2016 models)
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
Audi A3 SE Technik
The Audi A3 SE Technik trim arrived when the model was updated in 2016, becoming the new entry variant as the Audi A3 SE was discontinued. A couple of key additions (below) give it obvious appeal.
- Sat-nav
- Rear parking sensors
Audi A3 Sport
As you might imagine, the Audi A3 Sport trim is intended to make the car look more sporty compared with the Audi A3 SE versions. You can make it feel sportier to drive too, with Audi’s Drive Select system, which adjusts the sensitivity of the throttle, steering and gearshifts (on S tronic automatic models) in four separate settings.
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome exhaust
- Climate control
- Aluminium interior trim
- Sports seats
Audi A3 S line
If you thought that the Audi A3 Sport trim was a little bit tame, then perhaps the Audi A3 S line will be more to your liking. These examples have more aggressive styling, and some additional practical touches, such as storage netting in the boot.
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- More aggressive styling
- Part-leather seats
- Flat-bottomed steering wheel
- Extra ambient lighting
- 12V power sockets
Audi A3 Black
The Audi A3 Black Edition went on sale in late 2016, bringing some additions to what was already offered on the Audi A3 S line models. Audi A3 models built from 2020 onwards are not available as Black Edition versions.
- New 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black trim around the grille and windows
- Tinted glass
- Upgraded sound system
Audi S3
Although not as powerful as the super-high-performance Audi RS3, the sporty Audi S3 does represent a substantial jump in performance over standard Audi A3 models. We see it appealing to drivers who are looking for a low-key performance car that’s still family-friendly, but delivers some serious speed when required. It adds to Audi A3 S line trim with a number of upgrades.
- Four-wheel drive
- Firmer suspension
- Redesigned front bumper
- Roof spoiler
- Redesigned exhaust pipes
- Nappa leather
- Heated front seats
- Upgraded sound system
Audi RS3
The Audi RS3 is the one to go for if you’re after supercar-style performance from your family hatchback. With acceleration from 0-62mph possible in just over four seconds, the range-topping Audi RS3 with S tronic automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive is a seriously fast hatchback. Unlike the other models in the range, the Audi RS3 has a distinctive sounding five-cylinder engine that produces a characterful thrum when worked hard.
Audi A3 e-tron
The plug-in hybrid version of the 2012-2020 car, badged Audi A3 e-tron, can be charged up for 16 to 20 miles of driving on pure electric power before its petrol engine takes over. Versions built from 2020 onwards offer up to 40 miles of electric-only range. These are badged as the Audi A3 40 TFSIe.
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Driving modes
- LED headlights
- Climate control
- Sat-nav
Audi A3 Cabriolet
With an electrically folding fabric roof that can be opened in 18 seconds, the Audi A3 Cabriolet enables you to make the most of the summer. It has been sold in Audi A3 Cabriolet SE, Audi A3 Cabriolet Sport, Audi A3 Cabriolet S line and Audi S3 Cabriolet trim, but in all cases, heated seats are only available as an optional extra.
Audi A3 Saloon
Everything you see inside the Audi A3 Sportback is essentially identical on this four-door saloon variant, which does without a hatchback, but instead has a longer, lower boot area. With a longer, sleeker-looking body, the saloon is very similar at the front, but passengers in the back seats will have to make do with more limited headroom thanks to that stylish, but constraining, sloping roofline.
Is a used Audi A3 a good buy?
As a small family hatchback with an upmarket feel, the Audi A3 ticks a lot of boxes. It’s an alternative to the likes of a BMW 1 Series and another German offering, the Mercedes A-Class and is similar in size and price to the Ford Focus and ever popular Volkswagen Golf.
The Audi A3 looks and feels like a more high-end product than the latter pair, even though it shares a lot of its mechanical components with the Volkswagen Golf.