2011 Audi A3

The A3 is sort of a hatchback and sort of a wagon, but its proportions are almost universally appealing; nearly everyone seems to like the look of the A3 design, which is at once inoffensive yet fancier than other hatch designs on the market, like the Mazda3 or Subaru WRX.

Last year, the Audi A3 got a somewhat sportier, more aggressive look as the elements of the former S-line package were made standard; the roof spoiler, reskinned bumpers, and brushed aluminum trim that were part of that upgrade give the A3 a more upscale look, overall.

You have a choice of two different engines in the 2011 Audi A3. They're both 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, and turbocharged, but one burns gasoline and the other diesel. The 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection inline-four remains the base engine, while a 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter clean-diesel four-cylinder engine was introduced last year, in the A3 2.0 TDI model. TDI models are offered only with the S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which shifts very quickly and decisively. Gasoline models get either that or a six-speed manual transmission

Performance is remarkably close between the two engines. Between the two, the TDI engine is narrowly the favorite of our editors, because it cranks out heaps of torque, giving it the response of a torquey big-displacement V-6 off the line or in top gear, while in either model the S tronic gearbox doesn't make the sacrifices that automatics normally do. One thing worth pointing out is that Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, which is usually offered in most of Audi's cars, isn't offered with TDI versions, or on versions with the manual gearbox.

The Audi A3 has a rather small interior, but it's well laid-out and exquisitely crafted. The front standard leather buckets sit low, and lack the side support needed in such a car and can cause backaches on longer journeys, though they afford a good view out. For a car of this size, rear-seat accommodations are just acceptable, allowing you to squeeze a pair of adults in there—provided the passengers in front don't mind scooting forward an inch or two.

Cargo space is somewhat disappointing for those who think that the hatchback/wagon layout guarantees heaps of space, but it is versatile. The backseats are 60/40-split and fold forward, nearly flat, though cargo can't be piled in very high or it interferes with outward visibility.

The 2011 Audi A3 comes with all the safety features you'd expect to see in this class, along with a few more: Stability control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side-impact, full-length head-curtain airbags, and rear side-thorax bags—unusual in this class of vehicle—are available.

Additionally, it has some safety-ratings bragging rights. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it top 'good' ratings in all of its categories—including the new roof strength test—and named it a 2011 Top Safety Pick. The A3 hasn't been rated by the federal government, though.

The 2011 Audi A3 has an equipment set that we'd best describe as being what "entry luxury" is all about. While it appeals to those who might look at a well-equipped Subaru WRX or Mazda3, it has a stronger feature set than those vehicles at about the same price. Fog lamps, automatic climate control, keyless entry, leather upholstery, and a 140-watt, ten-speaker sound system are all standard.

Premium Plus models are a step up and include xenon headlamps, larger alloy wheels, a power driver seat, steering-wheel audio controls, ambient LED lighting, and LED running lamps.

The 2011 Audi A3 is a sporty hatchback, but Audi certainly hasn't forgotten how shoppers for this type of vehicle value fuel economy more than just the dent it might put in their budget. With either engine, fuel economy is better than average, but it's downright excellent with the TDI; EPA ratings are 30 mpg city, 42 highway with the S tronic automatic, and our editors have seen more than 45 mpg in long-haul interstate cruising and even low 30s in stop-and-go situations.

In 2015, Volkswagen admitted diesel engines in this model illegally cheated federal tests and polluted beyond allowable limits. As part of unprecedented settlements with federal and state governments, Volkswagen agreed to buyback from owners diesel-equipped models of this vehicle. To determine eligibility for all affected Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi models, Volkswagen set up VWDieselInfo.com for owners. (Owners of affected vehicles can enter their VIN numbers to see if their cars are eligible for buyback.)