2012 Audi A3

With one of the highest safety rankings in its class, the 2012 Audi A3 wagon transports your family with class.

The sleek exterior design makes this hatchback appear elegant and sporty, giving a whole new look to this family-friendly vehicle.

Engine

The driving performance of this A3 model is just what you would expect from Audi. You have the freedom to select a manual or automatic transmission, as well as a diesel or standard gas engine. Both 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engines are turbocharged, delivering up to 200 horsepower.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Wagon Base Price: $27,270.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55 liters) MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 168.9 in. (429.2 cm) Wheel Base: 101.5 in. (257.8 cm)
Height: 56 in. (142.3 cm) Width: 78.5 in. (199.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 3219 lbs (1460 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 19.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0L Turbo DOHC Inline 4 Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Horsepower: 200 HP Max RPM: 5100-6000 RPM
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Premium Plus 2.0T MSRP: $29,270; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Option:Premium 2.0L TDI MSRP: $30,250; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy
Option:Premium Plus 2.0L TDI MSRP: $32,250; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy

Performance

The diesel engine provides some extra torque for better acceleration; you can enjoy up to 236 pounds per foot of torque versus the 207 pounds per foot of torque offered in the standard model. For the best gas mileage, the diesel engine wins out at 30 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway; that rating is about 10 miles more per gallon than the standard Audi A3 gas engine, and it can really make a difference for those traveling regularly on long commutes.

Interior

The predominantly black interior has the same touch of class found on all Audi models, and larger cargo can easily be accommodated by folding down the rear seats for 39 cubic feet of storage space.

Passengers travel in comfort on the leather seats with automatic climate control options. Children sitting in the rear are surrounded with pinch protection automatic windows, which use advanced sensors to prevent children’s fingers from catching in the window as it closes.

Safety

With airbags on three sides, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and three-point safety belts, this car can handle all possible crashes while offering the highest level of safety for the car’s occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested this car and given it the best possible rankings in terms of handling frontal offset, roof impacts and side impacts.

Reliability

The A3 comes with a limited warranty that protects the car for up to four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Audi is so confident about the exterior body quality that they guarantee no corrosion on this car for up to 12 years. You can also rest assured knowing that during the first four years of ownership; Audi provides 24 hour roadside assistance as well so that help is always available when you need it.

Pros & Cons

Audi has offered the option of front wheel or all wheel drive on the A3.
Some customers have noticed a slight tendency to under steer on the front wheel drive models; however, the all wheel drive models perform perfectly.

Competition

The Audi A3 is more luxurious than other popular hatchback models, and it is not in everyone’s price range. For those on a tighter budget, the Volkswagen GTI (MSRP $23,995; 24 city / 33 hwy) offers a bit more space for passengers at a lower price; however the driving experience will certainly differ.

Other cars that the A3 can be compared to are the Saab 9-3 Griffin (MSRP $29,830; 20 city / 33 hwy), the Jetta Wagon from Volkswagen (MSRP $25,540; 30 city / 42 hwy), and the Volvo V50 (MSRP $29,000; 21 city / 30 hwy).

All in all, the 2012 Audi A3 combines a taste of luxury with more reliable safety features than nearly any other car in its class.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“Audi is a leader when it comes to quality interiors and its A3, despite being on the lowest rung of the automaker’s U.S. lineup, has none of the signs of cost cutting that some rivals are guilty of with their entry-level offerings.”Car Connection

“Any A3 is agile, but base-suspension versions suffer from a bit of noseplow in tight, fast turns. A3s with the sport suspension have sharper responses and little noseplow. Steering feel on all models is accurate and linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in front-drive models. Braking is strong.”Consumer Guide

“The A3 is an upscale hatchback with a tasteful interior and generous power output. Base models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The S-tronic transmission, a manual that shifts automatically, works very well.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Blurring the line between hatchback and wagon, the 2012 Audi A3 combines utility and excitement in a compact design. Despite its entry-level price point, the 2012 A3 offers a variety of upscale amenities and drivetrain options.”KBB

“Upscale interior; enjoyable driving dynamics; versatile interior space; high fuel efficiency from available diesel engine.”Edmunds

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