Classy hatchback with a premium interior. Wide choice of engines including efficient TDI models. quattro models corner sharply. S3 can be a blast to drive.
All engines still belt cam. Oil pump problems with 2.0 TDI.
Introduction
Latest Update 6-5-2012: Timing chain issue with early 1.4TSIs. During the preceding two weeks journalists from Auto Bild in Germany met with VW to discuss the extent of a chain failure. In the meeting, VW managers admitted that they have identified a problem with a defective component supplied by a third party company. The engines affected have been identified by VW but there is no general recall. Journalists from Autoweek have also started to investigate the extent of the problem in the Netherlands. Clarification of which engines are affected is urgently needed but has not so far been forthcoming. Timing Chain Failure Video No evidence that this is a problem with the same engine in later cars such as the Golf VI and the facelift A3 from 2008.
First VAG 'C' segment hatch based on PQ35 floorpan later shared with Golf V and Leon II.
Handled quite well. The old A3 was pretty good for its day. The Golf Mk IV and the Octavia took handling a step back. The SEAT Leon brought it forward again. But the new A3 shifts the goalposts altogether.
Outside, its chunky good looking and Audi-like. First with the new corporate two-tier Audi grille, like the Nuvolari concept car. Inside, you get a fully adjustable driving position and an interior that quietly shouts quality. Getting comfortable takes no time at all and, unlike some former Audis, you dont feel the need to re-adjust yourself afterwards.
Audi A3
Audi A3
Audi A3
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