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2013 Audi A3 Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$11,310 - $16,768
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
MPG (up to)
21 City / 28 HWY
Horsepower
140-200
Seats
5
4.5 Owner Reviews (12) 3.7 Expert Reviews Photos (84) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (4)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff
3.7 Overall Score
Performance
3.9
Interior
3.8
Comfort
3.5
Value
3.6

Editor's Overview

The 2013 Audi A3 offers the versatility of a small hatchback, the year-round driving security of all-wheel drive and a luxurious interior befitting its Audi heritage. Although it's priced far above the average VW or Subaru, the A3 isn't just a compact car with a luxury badge, it's a true premium driver's car worth every penny.

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Audi A3 Models & Trims

Premium - $11,310 - $13,613

Horsepower: 200 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Diesel I4, Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 17 x 7.5, 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Premium Plus - $13,931 - $16,768

Horsepower: 200 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Diesel I4, Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 17 x 7.5, 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.50
5 star
50%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Best car manufactured by Audi .

The TDI engine is very responsive and low in noise and delivers good fuel economy too. The S-tronic transmission with the dual clutch is truly amazing and its fast in tuning up with a change of gears, with virtually no change in vehicle speed between changing of two speed It's a wonderful car with tremendous performance and luxurious interiors. However in terms of cost, it looks bit high as compared to its rivals. The panoramic sunroof, leather interiors and the advanced infotainment system makes worth the money spent. Best car manufactured by Audi .
Jim G
Helpful

My vehicle is compact, sleek, efficient, and exactly what you want out of a car.

There are no problems with my vehicle it runs very smoothly and it is very comfortable. There was one problem with the breaks because we got it used but we got it fixed and now it runs smooth as butter. It does not have all the high tech features of a brand new car but it has all of the necessities and I am really happy with it.
Ellen B
Helpful

It sounds dope, and it drives well.

Its good and stuff, I mean it gets me to point A to point B without any problems really. I've never had to fix anything on probably because I only drive it around my general area. I usually drive it to the store, work, the cigarette store the beer store you name it and it hasn't caused any problems, it sounds great to.
Harley F
Helpful
See All Reviews (12)

Video Reviews

Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) review - Carbuyer

Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) review - Carbuyer

993,535 views
Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) review - Carbuyer
Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) review - Carbuyer
993,535 views
Audi A3 2013 review - Car Keys
Audi A3 2013 review - Car Keys
256,699 views
Audi A3 hatchback review - CarBuyer
Audi A3 hatchback review - CarBuyer
585,234 views
New Audi A3 Sportback 2013 Review
New Audi A3 Sportback 2013 Review
70,771 views

Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel anti-lock braking system w/rear brake pressure distribution
  • Hill hold assist *
  • Electronic stability program
  • Daytime running lamps
  • Impact protection -inc: reinforced high strength steel/aluminum crossmembers, reinforced bumpers, rigid occupant cell
  • Driver & passenger dual stage airbags w/passenger sensor
  • Driver & passenger seat mounted side airbags
  • Front & rear head curtain airbags
  • 3-point height adjustable front seatbelts -inc: force limiters & automatic pretensioners
  • 3-point rear seatbelts -inc: force limiters on outboard sitting positions
  • LATCH provisions in rear seats
  • Rear child locks
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (1)

  • .
    Air Bags Feb 10, 2016
    Report Receipt Date:
    Feb 10, 2016
    NHTSA Campaign:
    16V079000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

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Expert Rating 3.7 /5 What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

Kelly Blue Book® values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

2. J.D. Power’s Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power awards. See jdpower.com for more information. Your experience may vary. All information provided by J.D. Power is owned by J.D. Power and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power, other than printing copies of the J.D.Power content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power.

Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2013 Audi A3

Review Process Provided By: The Car Connection

The Car Connection is VehicleHistory.com’s trusted resource for unbiased expert reviews of the vehicles you find on our site. If you’re curious about their review process, we encourage you to read the “How We Rate Cars” explanation from The Car Connection’s website:

Our Approach

Our reviews are the product of decades of experience from some of the most experienced automotive writers working today.

Our automotive experts have over 50 years of collective automotive journalism experience writing for outlets such as Automobile, Car and Driver, Auto Express, Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, more than 75 newspapers across the country including The Chicago Tribune, and more. Now we have harnessed their talents to create a unique type of review that brings the best of the web together in a single opinion that readers can act on.

Our team of experts drives nearly 200 new vehicles each year between them, including advance drives of new vehicles not available to the general public. The Car Connection’s experts also travel to the world’s auto shows to learn firsthand about vehicles nearing production.

How We Test Cars

The Car Connection’s experts test-drive completely new models as well as cars that have been substantially updated with new styling, new safety gear, and new engines and transmissions. The team also drives some models that haven’t seen major changes as needed to refresh their opinions of the car. In nearly all cases, our experts have driven the vehicle in question in its current form, for the hands-on experience needed to bring you the best advice.

There are a few vehicles that have not been driven by our experts due to availability. In those cases, The Car Connection’s reviews bring you the highlights from the most respected sources around the Web. In the rare cases where The Car Connection’s team of experts has not recently driven a car, we will still bring together the consensus opinion from around the Web and update the review when they get some “seat time” in the car.

What Is The Rating System

We’re rating cars based on Style, Performance, Comfort, Quality, Safety, Features, and Green. Most categories start at 5 (average) and go up or down from there.

Style: Points can be earned or lost based on above- or below-average interior and exterior style; excellent or poor interior or exterior style; and exceptional (or very poor) style.

Performance: Points can be earned or lost based on powertrain performance; braking and handling performance; ride quality; and transmission. An additional point can be awarded (or lost) for exceptional circumstances, i.e. off-road prowess, or supercar credentials.

Comfort: Points can be earned or lost based on comfort in the front seats, back seats, or third-row seats (where applicable); good or bad interior storage; and good cargo capacity. Cars, SUVs, or trucks with significant cargo capacity can earn an additional point.

Safety: Cars with official crash data gain points for a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA, or Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS. Cars with Top Safety Pick+ status are awarded an additional point for those advanced safety features. An additional point is awarded for cars with exceptional safety features such as parking assistance, surround-view camera systems, or autonomous-driving features. Cars with official crash data lose points for a four-star overall rating by NHTSA, “Poor” ratings by the IIHS, any three-star NHTSA ratings, no standard rearview camera, poor outward vision, or any special notes by the IIHS or federal testers. Cars without crash data aren’t given a rating at all.

Features: Cars with excellent base equipment earn a point above average. Extra points can be added for exceptional available features, good customization options, good infotainment systems with screens larger than 5.0 inches, and good warranty or service programs. Cars may lose points for sub-standard or expensive features; bad feature packages; poor relative value; or bad warranty or service availability.

Green: Cars are assigned a rating based on their EPA-estimated highway and combined mileage ratings. Plug-in and battery-electric vehicles start at 8. Electric-only cars with a range of more than 250 miles; plug-in electric cars with an EV range of more than 50 miles; or cars with a combined equivalent MPGe rating of more than 100 mpg earn a perfect score.

What’s New?

Our rating system better reflects how people look at their cars. We start in the middle, and add or take away points based on features, usability and driveability. It’s pretty simple!

A clearer path to 10—and 0. Our system is designed to better identify what’s exceptional in new cars.

Our ratings are reviewed by experts, every week. Editors constantly evaluate every new car rating to make sure we’re giving readers the best information.

We’re asking for discussion. We want to be as transparent as possible, so we’re inviting readers to discuss our ratings with the experts.

It’s not like grade school. Our ratings go from 1-10 with 5 being an average score. In the past, most of our ratings have fallen between 6 and 8 and while our new ratings may have lower scores, it doesn’t mean we like the car any less. An overall score of 5 is average—anything above is better than average.

How Do We Get There?

For most ratings, we start at 5 and work our way up—or down. Cars gain and lose points based on feature availability, affordability, comfort, and quality relative to their competition.

Some of our ratings are based on specific criteria. Safety ratings, for example, are based on official crash data from both of the major U.S. safety organizations. Green scores are calculated on mileage estimates from the EPA.

All of our ratings are open to the public. Wherever possible, we’ll tell you how we’ve rated a car and why we arrived at the score we did.

We’ve added an “N/A” rating. For cars without official crash safety ratings or other data by authorities, we’ve removed those numbers from the overall score to give readers a better measure for that car’s actual performance. We’ll tell you why we’re withholding a score, and we’ll add those in as those become available.

We’ve factored “Green” into the overall average. We know many readers and shoppers prioritize fuel economy and we’re rewarding efficient cars.

The Car Connection’s experts consult these professional review sources when writing our reviews:

  • Autoblog
  • Automobile
  • Car and Driver
  • Cars.com
  • Consumer Reports
  • Edmunds
  • Kelley darkBlue Book
  • Motor Trend
  • Road & Track
  • Top Gear

How Often Are Ratings Changed?

We re-evaluate our ratings for new cars at least once a month—if not more.

How Can I Tell If You Recommend A Car?

We’ll tell you! For most models, we’ll identify our picks for powertrain and popular combinations we think are important to buy.

We’re changing our rating system to better serve our readers and start a conversation about new cars on the road today. We take seriously our responsibility to you and we want to be open and transparent.