From frugal commuter cars to racing cars for the road, the Audi A3 range offers it all.
The Audi A3 is one of the brand’s best-selling models and it’s not hard to see why. It offers the tech and styling that Audi’s known for, at a price that’s much more attainable than bigger Audi models. There’s a wide range of engines and enough passenger space for four adults – even though it’s still compact enough to make it easy to park. Here’s how to find the best Audi A3 model.
Types of Audi A3
The current-generation Audi A3 is available as a five-door hatchback, or as a four-door saloon.
Above the regular A3 range are the S3 and RS3, two high-performance range-toppers. These are also available in hatchback or saloon body styles, and with several trim-level options.
In previous years, the Audi A3 has also been sold as a three-door hatchback, and even as an A3 convertible!
Audi A3 trim levels
- Technik – the cheapest Audi A3 model. Technik is the essence of the A3 – clean styling with plenty of standard equipment, including a digital driver’s display, air conditioning, sat nav, cruise control and parking sensors
- Sport – a mid-range trim that offers an excellent balance between cost and equipment. Chrome trim and bigger wheels make it stand out a little more than the Technik trim, while additional kit includes climate control and leather upholstery
- S Line – a very popular Audi A3 model. Brings the looks of the S3 without the running costs, and highlights include upgraded headlights, more supportive seats, tinted windows, ambient lighting and sports suspension
- S Line Competition – a new trim level that pairs the more powerful plug-in hybrid engine with large wheels and black detailing
- Black Edition – a moody trim level with S Line styling, large wheels and black exterior trim. It’s available in the same range of paint colours as other A3 models
- Edition 1 – very similar to Black Edition. Edition 1 cars are likely to be a little older – and therefore cheaper – than newer Black Edition cars
- Vorsprung – a trim level with all the bells and whistles. Very rare because S Line and Black Edition are better value
- S3 – the first of two Audi A3 hot hatches. The standard S3 trim looks very similar to S Line, but packs a powerful punch and grippy four-wheel drive
- S3 Black Edition – Combining the power of the S3 with the dark trim of the Black Edition models
- S3 Vorsprung – the S3 with added equipment. Fancy extras include a panoramic sunroof, carbon door mirrors and additional driver assistance tech
- RS3 – a 400hp mega hot hatch that can keep pace with supercars on a twisty road. Incredibly expensive but very fun to drive
- RS3 Carbon Black – adds carbon trim, different wheels and a big spoiler to the RS3
- RS3 Vorsprung – if you really want to pay £70,000 for an Audi A3, the RS3 Vorsprung includes all the power and all the equipment. You can still pay another £5,000 for racing car-like ceramic brakes, mind
Audi A3 generations
Mk4 – 2020-present
- Current-shape model with big discounts on the nearly new market
- Model code: 8Y
- Facelifted in 2024
- Available as five-door hatchback or four-door saloon
- Tech-heavy interior with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid engines available
Mk3 – 2012-2020
- You’ll still find some of these great-value A3s for sale at Motorpoint
- Model code: 8V
- Facelifted in 2016
- Available as three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and two-door convertible
- First A3 to get Virtual Cockpit and plug-in hybrid model
- Fold-away infotainment screen
- Petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid engines available
Mk2 – 2003-2012
- Can be cheap and plenty available, but expensive problems can come up as cars get older
- Model code: 8P
- Facelifted in 2008
- Available as three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and convertible
- First A3 to be offered in sporty S Line trim
Mk1 – 1996-2003
- Marked Audi’s return to small car market; now becoming a classic
- Model code: 8L
- Facelifted in 2000
- Was only offered as a three-door hatchback until 1999, when a five-door model was launched
- Six-speed manual gearbox available on higher-powered engines
What is the best Audi A3 model?
Mechanically, the current-shape Audi A3 is quite similar to the previous model, with a careful evolutionary approach to improve performance and efficiency. However, inside, the new Audi A3 feels much more modern than its predecessor, with a fantastic MMI infotainment system and digital dials as standard.
There’s plenty of choice in terms of engine, bodystyle and trim level to find the best Audi A3 model for you. The most popular combination is a hatchback in S Line trim with a petrol engine.
Shop all our exciting used Audi A3 cars for sale, or read our Audi A3 review to see why the current one’s so good.
