The Audi A3 was launched in 1997 to meet increased demand for premium compact cars, and it achieved instant success in the UK. With more than 600,000 units sold in Britain alone, Audi continues to keep the A3 updated to ensure that customers are satisfied. Now in its fourth generation, the best-selling A3 is known for its high-quality interior materials, stylish appearance and comfortable driving experience.
Used Audi A3 cars for sale
Why buy a used Audi A3?
If you're in the market for a car that's stylish, family-friendly and exciting to drive, then a used Audi A3 is a great choice. The best-selling model for Audi in Britain, the A3 has a classy exterior appearance and a wide range of engine options. It also has many of the latest tech and safety features equipped as standard.
Latest used Audi A3
Audi, A3
2014 (14) - Audi A3
33£7,999
Finance available £156 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
95.2K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Hatchback
Motorplus Car Supermarket Caerphilly
Audi, A3
2024 (73) - Audi A3
7£31,599
Finance available £628 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
4.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Lookers Glasgow Audi
Audi, A3
2021 - Audi A3
12Low Mileage
£18,498
- 1L
- Miles
17.3K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock
Audi, A3
2013 (13) - Audi A3
14£3,999
Finance available £67 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
162.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Hatchback
Route4cars
Audi, A3
2021 - Audi A3
1£21,498
- 1.5L
- Miles
28.3K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock
Audi, A3
2013 (63) - Audi A3
25Low Mileage
£6,299
Finance available £118 pm
*Representative example
- 1.6L
- Miles
81.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Hatchback
Audi, A3
2014 - Audi A3
20Reduced
£3,788
Finance available £62 pm
*Representative example
- 1.6L
- Miles
158.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Hatchback
Fine Car Sales
Audi, A3
2021 - Audi A3
12Low Mileage
£22,698
- 1.5L
- Miles
12.2K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Saloon
Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton
Audi A3 snapshot review
Pros
- More enjoyable to drive than before
- Classy styling
- Lots of standard kit
Cons
- Pricier than rivals
- Interior isn’t as clear as before
- DSG automatic gearbox can be dim-witted
Audi A3 by type
Used Audi A3 information
Engines and transmissions
Over the years, Audi has offered petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains with a manual or an automatic gearbox and front- or four-wheel drive.
Petrol- S-Line 30 TFSI provides the starting point on newer models with its 108bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, taking 10.3 seconds to reach 60mph and featuring fuel economy of around 50mpg.
- More powerful 35 TFSI has a 1.5-litre engine that makes 147bhp, returns a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds, and still offers decent efficiency at 45.6mpg.
- TFSI e plug-in hybrid allows up to 36 miles of electric-only travel with a full battery with a combined output of 201bhp.
- 2.0-litre 147bhp 35 TDI offers a good fuel economy at claimed 57.6mpg.
- Older TDI Sport has a 1.6-litre engine that makes 114bhp for a rating of 68mpg.
Practicality
The Audi A3 is extremely practical considering its smaller size, especially when choosing the five-door Sportback model.
Interior space- Front seat adjustments offer a good view of the road.
- Sportback has the most rear seat space, with headroom for taller adults.
- ISOFIX points included for child seats with the front seats slid up slightly.
- Sportback has a 380-litre boot, similar to the BMW 1 Series, but more than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
- Folding down the rear seat creates 1,200 litres of space.
- Adjustable boot floor makes it easier to load heavy luggage.
- Boot area is equipped with a 12V socket and storage hooks.
- Five-door hatchback, known as the Sportback, offers the most amount of interior space.
- Three-door hatchback was discontinued with the fourth generation.
- Four-door saloon has executive styling.
- Two-door convertible was discontinued with the fourth generation.
Safety
- 2020 Euro NCAP rating was a perfect five stars.
- Adult occupant rating is 89%.
- Standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking, a distance sensor, hill-hold assist and lane-departure warning.
Technology
- 10.1-inch infotainment system connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 10.25-inch digital driver's display has clear, crisp graphics.
- Available Comfort Pack includes a premium 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Audi A3 generations
Fourth Generation (2020 to Present)
With the release of the fourth generation, Audi made the A3 bigger with a longer wheelbase for added interior space. Most engines during this generation featured mild hybrid technology to make them more efficient. Also, Audi changed the nomenclature, taking the engine type out of the name, which helped to simplify the lineup.
Inside the cabin, Audi added digital and touchscreen displays to streamline the technology. With the latest driver-assist equipment, the new A3 was very safe and enjoyable to drive. Beginning with this lineup, the three-door hatchback and two-door convertible were dropped from the lineup, leaving just the five-door hatchback (known as the A3 Sportback) and four-door A3 Saloon bodystyles.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Not Supplied / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1 - 2
- MPG:
- 46 - 62
- Acceleration:
- 4.7 - 10.6 seconds
- Boot space:
- 280 - 425 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
40 TFSI e Sport 5dr S Tronic
Cheapest
30 TFSI Technik 5dr
Fastest
S3 TFSI Quattro Vorsprung 4dr S Tronic
Third Generation (2012 to 2020)
The third-generation A3 didn't come with any major styling changes because enthusiasts were happy with the current look. Sharing its platform with other VW Group vehicles, the A3 had similar components to the Skoda Octavia, SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf, keeping it affordable for customers to buy and own.
A refresh was released in 2017 with some mild exterior upgrades and added standard technology. The Virtual Cockpit became a popular option with its large 12.3-inch screen. There were also some new materials added, such as chrome and aluminium.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Not Supplied / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1 - 2
- MPG:
- 38 - 176
- Acceleration:
- 4.5 - 11.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 280 - 425 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
1.4 TFSI e-tron 5dr S Tronic
Cheapest
1.2 TFSI SE 3dr
Fastest
S3 TFSI Quattro 3dr S Tronic
Used Audi A3 information
Used Audi A3 FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the Audi A3?
The petrol engines are far more popular than the diesel variants. The 1.5-litre TFsI 30 variant is the most popular of them all. It's likely that people prefer the faster acceleration, as there isn't a dramatic efficiency drop with the petrol engines. However, the plug-in hybrids are starting to gain some traction on the used car market.
Which are the most popular trim levels?
Throughout the years, Audi has offered a variety of trim levels, including the Technik, Sport, S Line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung. On the used market, the S-Line remains the most popular, as it is a high-spec trim with a good balance between features and price.
What optional extras should I look out for?
There are many different wheel designs, and even 19-inch alloys. There are also upgraded stereo systems and wireless device charging available to add more technology to the cabin.
Is the Audi A3 a good family car?
Yes, the Audi A3 is considered a good family car. It's compact, but there's plenty of room for a family inside, especially with the Sportback model. Adequate boot space is also provided, ensuring that there's room to hold all your gear.
Is there a hybrid version of the Audi A3?
Audi recently released a plug-in hybrid version of the A3. The TFSI e plug-in hybrid allows up to 36 miles of travel with a full battery, dramatically cutting down on the amount of fuel used for daily driving.
Is the Audi A3 available as an automatic?
Yes, Audi has offered both an automatic and manual gearbox throughout the four generations of A3 production. There seems to be a nearly equal split between the two among used examples that are for sale, making both of them easy to find.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
Most Audi A3 models come standard with front-wheel drive. However, there are some with four-wheel drive, known as 'quattro'. With power sent to all four wheels, improved handling and traction can be expected on slippery surfaces.
Find a specific Audi A3
Trim
Engine Size
Transmission
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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