• Small outside, family-friendly inside
• Top notch safety gear
• Lots of fun to drive

Cons:

• Expensive
• Darker colors make interior downright depressing
• Interior isn't as nicely trimmed as other Audis

Verdict:

Who should buy the Audi A3:

Who should not buy the Audi A3:

• Body style: 5-door hatchback
• Trim levels: 2.0T, 3.2
• Price range (including options): $26,060 - $41,850
• Base engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4, 200 hp @ 5100 RPM, 207 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
• Optional engine: 3.2 liter V6, 250 hp @ 6300 RPM, 236 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
• Premium fuel required? Yes
• Transmissions: 6-speed manual (2.0T only), 6-speed direct shift gearbox (automatic)
• Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive (2.0T), all-wheel-drive (3.2)
• Emissions: Info not available
• EPA fuel economy estimates: 25 city/31 highway (2.0T manual), 24/32 (2.0T automatic), 21/27 (3.2 automatic)
• Where built: Germany
• Standard safety equipment: Front-seat torso airbags, 2-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control
• Optional safety equipment: Rear-seat torso airbags (3.2 only)
• Major standard features: Power windows/locks/mirrors, dual-zone climate control, CD stereo
• Major options: Leather interior, DVD navigation, trip computer, premium stereo

• Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 12 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
• Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, first scheduled maintenance free (within 12 months or 5,000 miles)

• Volkswagen GTI 4-door
• Volkswagen Jetta GLI
• Mazdaspeed 3
• BMW 325i sedan