Have you always wanted a luxury version of the VW Golf? Look no further than the 2012 Audi A3.
Audi A3 Trims and Features
The Audi A3 is a small 4-door hatchback, featuring seating for 5. Serving as Audi’s entry-level nameplate, the A3 features competent performance, upscale design, and everyday value- if you don’t go overboard with extras. For 2012, Audi offers the A3 in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with gasoline or diesel options for each. The gasoline A3 is equipped with either front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive quattro, while the diesel A3 is front-wheel drive only, though it receives 34 combined MPG thanks to TDI technology.
A3 standard features include alloy wheels, leather seating and steering wheel, and dual zone climate control. The Premium Plus trim adds niceties like power seating adjustments and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, though you’ll still have to add navigation. Additional Premium Plus packaged items include rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, and a BOSE surround sound system (all part of the Convenience Package).
Come on over to CarWoo! and configure your A3 from where you sit.
Audi A3 Performance
Drivers get their choice of two distinctive engines. First up is the gasoline powered 2.0T, a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. Audi pairs the 2.0T A3 either with its 6-speed manual or 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, the latter available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive quattro. The manual A3 is front-wheel drive only.
Those who are feeling European- and as gas prices rise, you can get used to that quickly- can opt for the 2.0 liter TDI engine. The TDI is a turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel job that produces just 140 horsepower but 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s equipped with the S tronic auto, though the downside is that Audi doesn’t offer the A3 TDI with quattro; it’s front-wheel drive only. Making up for that is the TDI’s boastful fuel economy. Speaking of which…
Audi A3 Fuel Economy
EPA estimates tag the TDI A3 at a healthy 30/42/34 (city/highway/combined) MPG on diesel power. Gasoline A3’s get 21/30/24 with the manual and 22/28/24 for the front-wheel drive automatic, with quattro autos dropping just 1 city MPG for 21/28/24. Premium fuel is required.
Audi A3 Interior Features
High quality, and upscale- it is an Audi after all, and tradition must be kept. The A3’s interior features leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and metallic & aluminum details that intermingle well with the odd plastic part. Owners can also upgrade to wood trim and sport front seats if so inclined. Some say the navigation takes a while to get used to, but the biggest problem seems to be space-related, with rear seat passengers receiving the brunt of squashed conditions. Thankfully A3’s frame allows for decent cargo capacity- it’s 39 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats down, or 19.5 cubes if said seats are in use.
Audi A3 Safety
A3 standard safety features include antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, along with front-side and two row curtain airbags. Audi has also made rear-row side airbags optional for all trims. Rain sensing wipers and parking sensors are available as part of the Convenience Package on Premium Plus trims. The Audi A3 receives perfect crash scores from the IIHS, making it a 2012 Top Safety Pick. Government crash tests have yet to be delivered.
2012 Audi A3 Summary
The 2012 Audi A3 is a respected choice, even if it takes a little more cash to equip it the way you want. With so few of its kind to choose from, other than the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and Lexus CT 200h, the A3 offers enough practicality and fun to strongly consider- just don’t plan on having a big family. You can move in with your very own Audi A3 right now, at CarWoo!
