2008 Audi A3

Face to face, the familiar "single-frame tapered grille" is apparent on the A3 Audi and "dominates the front end," according to Cars.com. From the back, Kelley Blue Book feels the "sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space."

The Audi A3’s interior drew more mixed comments. “The A3’s interior, especially with the aluminum trim, still looks cheap,” writes Cars.com. “The black trim provides a more upscale appearance, but despite the attractive look and feel of the steering wheel, stalks, and gauges, the overall interior atmosphere doesn’t match the A3’s stablemates.” Edmunds felt that “few luxury touches are evident in the down-to-business interior,” but says separately that the A3 Audi’s interior “styling is classically German, with straightforward buttons and controls.”

The 2008 Audi A3 is essentially the same car Audi introduced back in the 2006 model year, TheCarConnection.com recalls. The smallest wagon in its lineup, the A3 Audi is derived from the Volkswagen Rabbit but sports tighter styling, a big Audi four-ringed grille up front, and a sleeker roofline. Not really good looking in a conventional sense, the 2008 Audi A3 is striking enough to make you do a wide-eyed double take if you saw one on the street. Inside you'll find the best interior that Audi currently makes, excluding the one found in the TT. It's dark and austere, as you expect from an Audi, but also ergonomically flawless and exquisitely made.

A 3.2-liter V-6 engine upgrade is also available, which Kelley Blue Book feels "delivers even more punch, combining the sure-grip traction of quattro all-wheel drive with the marvelous DSG transmission." ForbesAuto also recommends the upgrade, stating the 3.2-liter engine is "smoother" and "generates 250 horsepower."

Both A3 Audi engines provide adequate performance for Edmunds, who enthusiastically explains, "whether you choose the 2.0T or 3.2 Quattro, brisk performance is at hand for passing and merging maneuvers." Cars.com agrees that the 2008 Audi A3 "yields good maneuverability," but feels "steering is on the light side."

Acceleration and braking also received high marks in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book found that "the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) facilitates lightning-fast gear changes." ConsumerGuide is thrilled that "rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer" and says, "braking is strong."

Forbes Auto mentions that Audi A3's gas mileage is "lower than most small cars muster," but concedes that "what the car lacks in overall fuel economy it makes up for in speed."

TheCarConnection.com adds that Audi credits the optional V-6’s 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds with its speedy feel. The dual-clutch transmission is an editors' favorite. And though the 2008 Audi A3’s ride can be somewhat stiff, and the electric power steering doesn't wind into a corner like a traditional hydraulic power steering system would, the A3 feels like a true Audi in most every sense: light, direct, and refined.

Edmunds touts the easy-to-use comfort, with "straightforward buttons and controls" and an "excellent steering wheel" that "fits the driver's hands perfectly" among the most notable features.

ConsumerGuide claims front seats are "all-day comfortable" and "headroom and legroom are plentiful." Cars.com adds that the "excellent seats deliver good support and their bottoms are fairly long," but points out that "some drivers might find their right knee resting against the center console."

In the backseat, ForbesAuto warns that "larger occupants could feel cramped." In regard to the A3 Audi seats themselves, ConsumerGuide mentions that "the cushion is nicely padded but not long enough for good thigh support."

Noise was not a major concern for those reviewing the 2008 Audi A3. ConsumerGuide did notice "some coarse-surface tire thrum on base models," but "wind rush is low at highway speeds," and "both engines sound classy while accelerating."

The interior makes good use of space, with Car and Driver calling the A3 Audi "roomy." Still, Kelley Blue Book reminds drivers it is a hatchback, meaning "some folks might be disappointed by the size of the rear cargo area."

In extensive drives of the A3 Audi in Europe and the United States, TheCarConnection.com’s editors felt its standard leather buckets lack the side support needed in such a car and can also cause backaches on longer journeys. Rear seat accommodation is acceptable for a car of this size, allowing you to squeeze a pair of adults in there--provided the front seat passengers don't mind scooting forward an inch or two. The trunk is very large.

According to the IIHS, the 2008 Audi A3 crash tests edge out the Volkswagen Jetta, which received a grade of Marginal in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests. The more expensive BMW 3-Series also fell short, garnering an Average score in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests.

Reviewers' eyes grew wide over the long list of standard safety features available on the 2008 A3 Audi. Kelley Blue Book relays the highlights: "electronic stability program (ESP), front seats with active head restraints, remote keyless locking, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the Sideguard airbag system."

ConsumerGuide also lists anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system as standard safety gear on the Audi A3; 2008 brings the option of side airbags, according to Edmunds.

There's plenty to admire from the outside too. Cars.com lists "dual-exhaust outlets" and "alloy wheels" with "17-inch tires" as attractive standard features.

In regards to stand-alone upgrades, ForbesAuto claims "a navigation system heads up a fairly short options list." Kelley Blue Book lists other singular additions, such as "SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 18-inch alloy wheels," and "Bose audio."

The S-line package is a popular 2008 Audi A3 options package with reviewers. Edmunds lists included package features as including "sport-tuned suspension, foglamps, sport seats with leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, unique front and rear fascias and a roof spoiler."

The Premium Package is another popular package. According the ConsumerGuide, the A3 Audi package includes "leather upholstery, power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, steering wheel shift paddles (automatic), aluminum exterior trim, additional interior lights, illuminated visor mirrors, fog lights, (and) unique alloy wheels."

Options include Bluetooth, a navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and an iPod integration kit.