Audi A3 (1996 - 2003)
MODELS COVERED: 3 and 5dr hatch [1.6, 1.8, petrol, 1.9 diesel.
Range incl, TDi , Sport, SE, T, T Sport quattro, S3 quattro]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Premium quality is the concept behind Audis A3 range. The Ingolstadt company have never subscribed to the fact that small car equals small status, and the A3 has the quality feel of a far larger car. Everything is firmly screwed together and high quality materials are used throughout. For this privilege the A3 commands a higher price than its VW Group siblings, which brings it into competition with far larger opposition.
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However, we all know what comes in small packages.
Call it chic, arriviste, unruffled, whatever, the
Audi A3 exudes effortless cool. The interior is not that spacious, but buyers will put up with that to sport the four interlocking rings on the grille. That symbol has come to represent independent thinking and an insistence on spare, thoughtful design. The A3 range typifies this approach.
All models wear stylish alloy wheels, and are supplied with driver, passenger and front side airbags. The first impression is that theres a lot of plain black appliqué dashboard on display, but look closely and all of the controls are apparent, tidily clustered and dripping with quality. Flick any switch, press any button and Audis investment in the A3 stands out clearly. Even the grab handles are silicon-damped for a smooth return. Sport models are perhaps the most attractive, with their tastefully dynamic appeal.
The SE models will have all but rear
seat passengers checking twice to make sure theyre not in the far bigger A6. Luxurious touches run to twelve-spoke alloys, Alcantara upholstery, electronic climate control and remote central locking. Even the key is beautifully designed, a chunky black transponder into which the key blade slots like a flick knife.
Quality in this instance does not come cheap. Dont expect to find A3s on dealer forecourts for any less than £4,600. This will net a 1996 P plate 1.6, and similar vintage Sport or SE trims will cost a further £600, with automatics commanding an extra £400.
Of the 1.8-litre cars, the 1.8T proved especially popular, and a 1997 P plate model of this type will be around £5,700 rising to £13,000 - £15,000 for a 2003 car, depending on spec. A3s generally hold their value well, being a premium small car in a market where people are willing to downsize but want to retain quality.
The Quattro Sport models reflect this, and it will be a lucky customer indeed who finds a 1999 T plate car for less than £7,900. Following price reductions to combat the threat of imported cars, the scorching S3 quattro has now dipped below £11,000 for an early example. Prices for the five-door A3 models are generally around £300 more than their three-door counterparts.
Its a testament to the quality of modern Audis that most used guides have little to report. Nothing significant is the usual commentary on the A3, and its the same across the Audi range. Reliability of the A3 has been excellent so far but if you want to nitpick, some higher mileage models suffer from suspension problems and the TDi car have been known to experience expensive catalyst failure. Generally speaking though, just look for main dealers service stamps, a sheaf of receipts and check for the usual accident or misuse damage.
On the models fitted with low profile tyres, check the expensive alloy wheels for kerbing damage, and insist on locking wheel nuts. Other than that, buy with confidence.
(approx based on an A3 1.6) Potential buyers will be cheered to know that premium pricing does not stretch to Audis parts prices. A replacement headlamp unit is £110 and a starter motor a comparatively inexpensive £150. An alternator costs in the region of £130, and front brake pads should cost £50.
An exhaust system is circa £170 and a clutch assembly around £130. Not too painful is it?
Packing all that quality into the A3 has a slight drawback. Quality weighs, and the A3 is far from the lightest car in its class. The horsepower figures wont serve to fling the car up the Queens highway with quite the abandon of its more lightweight counterparts. For instance the range-topping Audi S3 weighs more than the original Audi Quattro, and makes some
Volvo estates appear positively anorexic.
That said, the A3 has a great reassurance to its controls. The 1.8T manages 0-60 in 8.1 seconds, yet can still achieve over 45mpg on a run, and feels bulletproof.
The familiar Audi characteristic of very firmly servoed brakes is still there and the steering insulates a lot of road feel, but these are minor points. Of the diesel engined models the 90bhp variant is perhaps most perplexing. Somewhat dull to drive, it raises the question that if somebody is so concerned about penny pinching, why buy an Audi? The TDi 110 is a far more pleasing unit, doling out its great reserves of torque generously, and a modest right foot will return 57mpg. Of the sports models, the S3 could be the quickest point-to-point car in Audis range.
The 1.8T Quattro Sport represents a capable, and significantly cheaper, alternative.
The bulletproof build quality of the Audi A3 has resulted in it becoming an almost foolproof used car purchase. With the added versatility of the five-door, the A3 makes a great compact choice if interior space isnt too much of an issue. You could certainly buy more metal for your money from other manufacturers, but given the choice of an A3 on the drive, most people cant resist the big-boned baby Audi. Its a feel-good car that can justify itself in the bends and on the balance sheet.
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