2006 Audi A3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The A3 combines European driving refinement with a host of standard features and a practical hatchback layout.
The luxury market is getting smaller. No, the actual sales volume is not decreasing. Rather, the size of entry-level vehicles is becoming physically smaller. This allows luxury automakers to target new shoppers who would previously have waited until they entered the next tax bracket to enter a showroom.
A prime example of this new subcompact luxury segment is the 2006 Audi A3. Previously exclusive to Europe, the A3 joins Audi’s North American lineup, providing a high-quality interior and refined, athletic driving characteristics but with the practicality of a compact hatchback layout. The A3 shares a platform with the Volkswagen Golf hatchback and seats five passengers.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Despite its Volkswagen connection, the appearance of the A3 is all Audi. The front end is defined by chiseled headlights and a large, squared-off grille that extends all the way down to the lower front spoiler. Unlike the Golf, the A3 has a more complete greenhouse, with rear-quarter windows behind the rear side doors. Out back, the A3 finishes with a raked rear window and below that, the body bulges out slightly finished with taillights similar to that of the A4 sedan.
The A3 features a modern, focused cabin that bridges style and functionality. The climate control vents protrude slightly from the dash, providing a sporty look. The ring of brightwork around each vent is echoed in the climate control dials within the center stack, bringing balance to the dash. Despite its visual appeal, the cabin of the A3 uses a lot of hard plastics and falls short of delivering the same cabin refinement one would expect from an Audi.
The A3 has a long list of standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and one-touch power windows all around. Leather upholstery, fog lights, and driver lumbar support are all available. Perhaps the best options in the A3 are the Open Sky dual moonroofs. The front panel opens and both have integrated sunshades.
Performance
There are two tiers of the A3: the 2.0T and the 3.2 S Line. As the name suggests, the former is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower. This engine routes power to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic with a tap-shift manual mode. While the manual is the de facto choice for driving enthusiasts, the tap-shift DSG is every bit as rewarding.
Once again, the name gives away what the 3.2 is all about. Namely, a V6 engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters. This engine makes 250 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, sent through the 6-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro provides added traction in rough road conditions and added grip in cornering.
Whether equipped with Quattro or front-wheel drive (FWD), the A3’s time in Europe is evident by its nimble, refined driving dynamics. Steering response is tight, and it is a fun car in winding roads.
Form & function
The A3 has a very practical cabin layout, with easy-to-use dials and controls. The center stack flows into the shifter area, providing helpful barriers for the center stack tray, which could prevent a cell phone or keys from flying in a hard turn.
The A3 has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That’s barely as much as some compact sedans have for trunk space, but the A3 has the benefit of its hatchback layout, and dropping the 60/40 split-fold rear seat brings cargo space up to 54.5 cubic feet, which is impressive. The rear seat also has a center pass-through that allows you to store longer items like skis while still making the backseat available for use.
Technology
The A3 comes standard with an AM/FM radio with satellite radio prep, but it does require a subscription. An optional sound system adds a Bose stereo and 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Buyers can further upgrade the A3 with an optional navigation system.
There is also an optional Sport version of the A3 that offers a Convenience Package with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, an advanced trip computer, and HomeLink integrated garage door opener.
Safety
Cost-effectiveness
Fuel economy with the 2.0T and 6-speed DSG is 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. Opting for the 6-speed manual drops that number to 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined. The V6 Quattro model returns 18 mpg city, 25 highway, 21 combined.
Base MSRP for the 2006 Audi A3 is $24,740 for the 2.0T with manual transmission. Adding the DSG brings the price of the 2.0T to $26,220. The 3.2 S Line starts at $33,980. This is more than your typical hatchback, but the A3 is anything but. In fact, the closest comparable vehicle to the A3 is the Mini Cooper, which costs between $17,000 and $25,000 and does not have the cabin space of the A3.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Audi A3 express strong affection for this car, praising its performance, handling, and stylish design. Many reviewers enjoy the powerful acceleration and solid build quality, as well as its practicality, mentioning its cargo space and fuel economy. However, some owners feel that the vehicle may not justify the price compared to other options in its class, and there are mentions of a somewhat stiff ride. Overall, it’s celebrated as a fun and sporty option that offers a premium feel."
Performance-- 3.2L Quattro gets me there in ANY weather, passing the big Ford 350s as they slip slide in the rain or snow. Breaking... I need to test this out more. Handles like a katana in the hands of an angry master ninja. Mileage--my wife gets 24-26 mpg...i get around 17 the way I drive it. Appearance...Beautiful in any light, great commuter car amid the plain jane trucks and Korean wanna-be european knock-off look-a-like cars. Audi bumper to bumper warranty is beautiful peace of mind.
May 15, 2011The DSG gearbox is fantastic. I love my padde shifters. I got the Sport package and so benefit greatly as far as handling goes, from good wheels and racing suspension. Get this car - although it's on the high end of pricing, I recommend it completely.
June 13, 2008My favorite part about this car is the quick acceleration- it is nice to have a gas-saving turbo charged engine with a lot more power than most. Also, I love the classy look of this hatchback- making a hatchback look good is not always easy to do but Audi has done it perfectly. The moon roof in the front and the skylight in the back is a huge favorite for my daughter- almost like having a glass ceiling! Of course the steering wheel controls make driving easy and carefree. This A3 is low maintenance and is just a great example of premium Audi quality.
February 26, 2012What owners say
Performance-- 3.2L Quattro gets me there in ANY weather, passing the big Ford 350s as they slip slide in the rain or snow. Breaking... I need to test this out more. Handles like a katana in the hands of an angry master ninja. Mileage--my wife gets 24-26 mpg...i get around 17 the way I drive it. Appearance...Beautiful in any light, great commuter car amid the plain jane trucks and Korean wanna-be european knock-off look-a-like cars. Audi bumper to bumper warranty is beautiful peace of mind.
May 15, 2011The DSG gearbox is fantastic. I love my padde shifters. I got the Sport package and so benefit greatly as far as handling goes, from good wheels and racing suspension. Get this car - although it's on the high end of pricing, I recommend it completely.
June 13, 2008My favorite part about this car is the quick acceleration- it is nice to have a gas-saving turbo charged engine with a lot more power than most. Also, I love the classy look of this hatchback- making a hatchback look good is not always easy to do but Audi has done it perfectly. The moon roof in the front and the skylight in the back is a huge favorite for my daughter- almost like having a glass ceiling! Of course the steering wheel controls make driving easy and carefree. This A3 is low maintenance and is just a great example of premium Audi quality.
February 26, 2012The DSG is God sent you get the wonders of a manual with the luxury of a automatic! The 2.0T is an amazing little engine with plenty of HP and Torque to spare. As a Sport wagon a big advantage is the cheaper insurance!
February 25, 2009This is a fantastic car, excellent in icy conditions, handles like a dream, powerful yet quiet....I love it!!
January 21, 2008I like the feel of the car as you drive, the acceleration is very responsive. Build Quality being german its always of high standard, Mileage is low including i done nearly 10k since i have had the car. Fun Factor is very high just the Performance keeps it subtle and not a real street threat :D
February 13, 2010Great car in SE trim, with great standard equipment levels. I've had 3 now and covered over 70,000 miles between them. Good performance and handling, ride a little hard but helps with the cornering :-)
December 30, 2007This car is a ton of fun for the money. OK it is just a rebadged VW with Audi styling but they did a good job. The 2L Turbo is a great engine that still gets 29MPG on the highway. And the DST tranny is quick shifting.
July 4, 2009I have this car for 2 years and I love it. The car is a lot of fun to drive. DSG is amazing, great performance ( Chiped - 252 HP - on 93 octane) and build quality, very low cost of ownership, great gas milage, and let's not forget it's a HATCH. That' s sexy.
August 31, 2008For those looking for a sporty and very fun car for getting around this A3 has been great. Audi has come through with a great interior layout in thier smallest offering and combined with a very solid engine that puts out serious torque. I have always preferred a smaller car with good mileage but I also find this to have plenty of space and good rear seat room so you don't feel space compromised on that weekend trip.
January 1, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,460 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
