In-depth reviews

Audi A3 Saloon (2013-2020): owner reviews

"The Audi A3 Saloon looks sharp and has a fantastic interior plus a great range of engines. It’s surprisingly practical, too"

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by Richard Ingram

29 Jun 2020

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 29 Jun 2020

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price

£30,080 - £53,595

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

75%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (2 cases)
Engine (3 cases)
Electrics (3 cases)
Gearbox / clutch (1 case)

Review 1 of 24

Tell us what you think about your car?

No major issues

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It is 18 months old - reliability shouldn't be a problem should it?

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Another prestige motor from audi & i don't think i shall ever bother to try a rival manufacturers

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A grown-up car without being over the top

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I read many reviews before deciding on a 3-year lease on a brand new 2018 A3 Saloon. I test drove hatch and saloon, Sport and S-line versions before finally deciding on the S-line saloon with the no-cost option of Dynamic suspension set up. This is raised 15mm from what comes as standard on the S-line spec. To make the ride more comfortable. Yes, you are right, Audi must think comfort is Dynamic. Well not really. It offers the option to actually lower the standard S-line suspension a further 10 mm to, in its own words, 'provide a more 'dynamic' experience for the enthusiastic driver. You wouldn't believe it would you? But, it doesn't stop there. Just when you thought it couldn't get any more baffling it decides to calls the other model in the saloon range the 'Sport'. That comes with the comfort (Dynamic) suspension as standard - 25mm higher than the S-line 'Sport' option. Unbelievable!!!! Anyway, moving on to my review of the car. As I said at the outset, I had read many of the online reviews before making final decision. And with the exception of one aspect the car has not disappointed. It has lived up to expectations and even exceeded them. The suspension (Dynamic) is very pliant yet not to the detriment of handling. The engine is so quiet that other than under hard acceleration it is almost inaudible. When sitting at traffic lights for instance - with stop/start deactivated of course - you could be forgiven for thinking the engine has stopped. A glance at the rev counter is required to confirm. It is that quiet. Married to the S-tronic the 1.0 litre turbo charged petrol engine provides more than enough shove for the average driver, in my opinion. The cabin is classy. Seats are very supportive and comfortable. In fact. everything cabin-wise is to my satisfaction. However, there is one aspect that ruins the cabin experience and it is no fault of the cabin itself. That is; ROAD NOISE. Now, you might be wondering how was it I hadn't noticed this in the reviews or during the test drives? Well, in doing a more in depth search of reviews it emerged I had simply overlooked or just subordinated this aspect. I now deeply regret underestimating the reviews and test drives. The road noise is so intrusive it ruins the whole driving experience. The A3 replaced a 2015 Volvo V40 R-design which was light years ahead in terms of road noise. It had virtually no road noise in comparison. I have had four A4 models in the past, all of which did not suffer from this issue. I assumed their wee brother, the A3, would be likewise. WRONG. The road noise issue is of such huge significance to me that I would definitely not recommend an A3. Pity, because in other respects it is a fine product.It also seems that tyre brand has little or no effect on road noise. What does however, is opting for 16" in preference to 18" wheels. Function over fashion.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

The best car we have owned since mk 2 golf driver circa 1987. It handles well, it is comfortable, well finished and after a disastrous 3 series x drive, has been utterly reliable. After two years and 45000 miles fault free driving, we have ordered an identical replacement. More than happy!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have the 1.0-litre 116ps A3, and was worried it wouldn't have the punch to move off quick on the road. I was wrong. Don't underestimate this engine. After the car was broken in, I got a chiptune for it (now 145ps and 250Nm) and wow what a difference. It keeps up with a 2.0t A5. The engine sound very good due to the fact it's a 3-cylinder. I also fitted an exhaust and people tell me it has a V6-like tone. Reliability is very good! I do push it more than what its made for. The suspension rattles sometimes for some reason, I don't know why. Interior quality is very good for the price you pay! The best actually. The only problem I find is that the MMI system glitches one time out of every two months. I am very happy so far and recommend this car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very solidly build but very few "toys" on a high price ticket car computer, external temperature etcleaves it feeling a bit cheap for the price compared to say a similar price golf

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

My audi s3 has exceeded my expectations whether plodding slowly around town or cruising long distance on motorways it always feels spot on light controls and steering with instant power when you need it. The traction and cornering grip has to be experienced to believe and is incredible in the wet and snowy conditions. This was my first four wheel drive car and i cant see me going back to two wheel drive. To sum it up i love this car and after two years it puts a grin on my face every time i drive it. I would recommend to everyone who wants safety, comfort, performance and quality.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Acquired as a company car as a replacement for a Passat CC, there was a noticeable difference in cockpit and luggage space. However, materials are of a high grade and is a very comfortable drive even in sport mode. It's quick off the mark, economical and good looking in the right colour/wheel combo. Rear leg room is woeful if the driver or front passenger is over 5ft 10. Sat nav is an expensive option as are the leather(ette) seats. To date, no mechanical problems and haven't had to top up the oil between services.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The best purchase for years. Having experienced a disastrous BMW 3 series, with a myriad of serious faults, it has been a revelation to have completed 40,000 miles motoring with two minor electrical faults, rectified very quickly by the dealer. It is good to drive, little roll on corners, firm but not uncomfortable on s line suspension. The seats are really comfortable for long journeys. I cannot fault service from Ayr Audi. I intend to buy another Audi, but not too soon, it is too much fun!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had any problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very pleased

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A little cumbersome and tinny

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

All round very good but new clutch after 52k few sensor last big issue engine mount/bracket broke and the engine fell on the exhaust. Replaced the whole lot include cat! £600 parts only!! Common fault with engine mount it's audi 6th attempt at changing the bracket but all said lovely motor and would buy another

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Its still good for its age

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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