Audi A3

Safety

All third-generation Audi A3s—which began with the 2012 model—sport a range of sophisticated safety features. The car's Xenon headlights have a range of 500 m, offering outstanding visibility during nighttime driving. The optional parking assist and rear camera will help to ensure that the sleek exterior remains scratch and dent-free. Other standard features from the last few years include:

• Adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains your speed and distance from other vehicles (from 2012)
• Active lane assist to keep your vehicle driving straight and alerts you if you begin to drift (from 2015)
• Advanced collision avoidance system that activates sensors to warn of a potential crash (from 2015)
• Multi-collision braking, which brakes the car in the event of an accident to prevent subsequent collisions (from 2016)

The 2012 model comes standard with front-seat and side curtain airbags, front headrests to lessen the effect of whiplash, and antilock brakes and stability control to avoid skidding. Models as old as the very first 2006 come standard with front, side and head-protecting airbags, as well as four-wheel disc brakes and stability control to keep the car running steady on slippery surfaces.

Interior

The Audi A3 is finished in leather—which became standard in 2009—soft black cloth and matt-brushed aluminum, giving the interior a premier feel. Front sport seats come as standard in later models, for those who plan to test the Audi A3's power on the road. Automatically dimming interior mirrors and dual-zone climate control remove distractions, allowing you to focus on the road. Privacy glass gives the car an extra level of prestige but is only available at higher trim levels.  

Technology

One of the Audi A3’s strong suits is its wealth of tech features. Though, it is worth noting that these upgrades may increase the price of the car considerably. One big perk—onboard navigation and a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen infotainment system come as standard. You can connect to the infotainment system through either Bluetooth or audio jack. Available technological upgrades to the Audi on later A3 models, as of around 2013, include:

• Advanced Key, which allows you to unlock and start the car while the key still in your pocket
• Audi Virtual Cockpit, a customizable, full-colour instrument display
• Bang & Olufsen® sound system, which features high-quality sound through 14 speakers

If you're looking for an older model from 2006, you might find some equipped with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and a navigation system, which were all optional on the Premium package at the time.

Space

In general, the Audi A3 is roomy in the front seats but tighter in the back seats and the trunk. This makes it more suited for those seeking style and comfort over practicality. That said, the amount of space will depend a great deal on the body type you choose. For example, newer models come as a three-door hatchback, a convertible or a five-door sedan. You should test drive your model of choice to ensure that sufficiently meets your needs. 

Comfort

The Audi A3’s dynamic suspension automatically adjusts to make the ride as comfortable as possible. The available turbocharged 2.0 L engine provides the torque that will put a smile on your face.