2006 Audi A3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The A3 combines European driving refinement with a host of standard features and a practical hatchback layout.
The luxury market is getting smaller. No, the actual sales volume is not decreasing. Rather, the size of entry-level vehicles is becoming physically smaller. This allows luxury automakers to target new shoppers who would previously have waited until they entered the next tax bracket to enter a showroom.
A prime example of this new subcompact luxury segment is the 2006 Audi A3. Previously exclusive to Europe, the A3 joins Audi’s North American lineup, providing a high-quality interior and refined, athletic driving characteristics but with the practicality of a compact hatchback layout. The A3 shares a platform with the Volkswagen Golf hatchback and seats five passengers.
7/10
Despite its Volkswagen connection, the appearance of the A3 is all Audi. The front end is defined by chiseled headlights and a large, squared-off grille that extends all the way down to the lower front spoiler. Unlike the Golf, the A3 has a more complete greenhouse, with rear-quarter windows behind the rear side doors. Out back, the A3 finishes with a raked rear window and below that, the body bulges out slightly finished with taillights similar to that of the A4 sedan.
The A3 features a modern, focused cabin that bridges style and functionality. The climate control vents protrude slightly from the dash, providing a sporty look. The ring of brightwork around each vent is echoed in the climate control dials within the center stack, bringing balance to the dash. Despite its visual appeal, the cabin of the A3 uses a lot of hard plastics and falls short of delivering the same cabin refinement one would expect from an Audi.
The A3 has a long list of standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and one-touch power windows all around. Leather upholstery, fog lights, and driver lumbar support are all available. Perhaps the best options in the A3 are the Open Sky dual moonroofs. The front panel opens and both have integrated sunshades.
8/10
There are two tiers of the A3: the 2.0T and the 3.2 S Line. As the name suggests, the former is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower. This engine routes power to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic with a tap-shift manual mode. While the manual is the de facto choice for driving enthusiasts, the tap-shift DSG is every bit as rewarding.
Once again, the name gives away what the 3.2 is all about. Namely, a V6 engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters. This engine makes 250 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, sent through the 6-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive. Quattro provides added traction in rough road conditions and added grip in cornering.
Whether equipped with Quattro or front-wheel drive (FWD), the A3’s time in Europe is evident by its nimble, refined driving dynamics. Steering response is tight, and it is a fun car in winding roads.
8/10
The A3 has a very practical cabin layout, with easy-to-use dials and controls. The center stack flows into the shifter area, providing helpful barriers for the center stack tray, which could prevent a cell phone or keys from flying in a hard turn.
The A3 has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That’s barely as much as some compact sedans have for trunk space, but the A3 has the benefit of its hatchback layout, and dropping the 60/40 split-fold rear seat brings cargo space up to 54.5 cubic feet, which is impressive. The rear seat also has a center pass-through that allows you to store longer items like skis while still making the backseat available for use.
9/10
The A3 comes standard with an AM/FM radio with satellite radio prep, but it does require a subscription. An optional sound system adds a Bose stereo and 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Buyers can further upgrade the A3 with an optional navigation system.
There is also an optional Sport version of the A3 that offers a Convenience Package with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, an advanced trip computer, and HomeLink integrated garage door opener.
9/10
Standard safety features include a full array of front- and side-impact airbags with an occupany sensor for the front passenger seat. The A3 also has four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, as well as traction control and stability control. Other standard safety features include pre-tensioning seat belts and whiplash-prevention headrests. Fog lights and rain-sensing wipers are among the few safety options.
6/10
Fuel economy with the 2.0T and 6-speed DSG is 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. Opting for the 6-speed manual drops that number to 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined. The V6 Quattro model returns 18 mpg city, 25 highway, 21 combined.
Base MSRP for the 2006 Audi A3 is $24,740 for the 2.0T with manual transmission. Adding the DSG brings the price of the 2.0T to $26,220. The 3.2 S Line starts at $33,980. This is more than your typical hatchback, but the A3 is anything but. In fact, the closest comparable vehicle to the A3 is the Mini Cooper, which costs between $17,000 and $25,000 and does not have the cabin space of the A3.
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
User reviews for 2006 Audi A3
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Brock -
Mar 18, 2023
Very sporty and packed with options and devices. I love the suspension and the stance.Mar 18, 2023
by Derek F
Jun 12, 2022
Many small electrical issues. Mostly sensors and warning lights. Stuff that so far can be fixed, but you need to be ok tinkering with cars to own one of these I think.Jun 12, 2022
by Leah E
Oct 17, 2020
Something was amiss with the steering and steering column. Oct 17, 2020
User rating:
by Brock -
Mar 18, 2023
Very sporty and packed with options and devices. I love the suspension and the stance.Mar 18, 2023
by Derek F
Jun 12, 2022
Many small electrical issues. Mostly sensors and warning lights. Stuff that so far can be fixed, but you need to be ok tinkering with cars to own one of these I think.Jun 12, 2022
by Leah E
Oct 17, 2020
Something was amiss with the steering and steering column. Oct 17, 2020
by Anonymous
Aug 22, 2014
This Audi A3 3.2 Quattro is very well appointed and a perfect all-around car. Fits plenty of junk in the trunk. The engine and transmission are a perfect match, whether zipping around town or putting on the miles on the highwayAug 22, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 26, 2012
My favorite part about this car is the quick acceleration- it is nice to have a gas-saving turbo charged engine with a lot more power than most. Also, I love the classy look of this hatchback- making a hatchback look good is not always easy to do but Audi has done it perfectly. The moon roof in the front and the skylight in the back is a huge favorite for my daughter- almost like having a glass ceiling! Of course the steering wheel controls make driving easy and carefree. This A3 is low maintenance and is just a great example of premium Audi quality. Feb 26, 2012
by Forrest P
May 15, 2011
Performance-- 3.2L Quattro gets me there in ANY weather, passing the big Ford 350s as they slip slide in the rain or snow. Breaking... I need to test this out more. Handles like a katana in the hands of an angry master ninja.
Mileage--my wife gets 24-26 mpg...i get around 17 the way I drive it.
Appearance...Beautiful in any light, great commuter car amid the plain jane trucks and Korean wanna-be european knock-off look-a-like cars.
Audi bumper to bumper warranty is beautiful peace of mind. May 15, 2011
by Sean M
Feb 13, 2010
I like the feel of the car as you drive, the acceleration is very responsive. Build Quality being german its always of high standard, Mileage is low including i done nearly 10k since i have had the car.
Fun Factor is very high just the Performance keeps it subtle and not a real street threat :DFeb 13, 2010
by Irfaan A
Sep 26, 2009
2006 2.0 FSI A3 3-door
Full S-line body kit, consisting of:
- front and rear bumper
- S-line grille and badging
- sills and rear spoiler
- 17" 5-spoke alloys (subsequently changed to 19" R8 V12 TDi wheel)
Performance - not as much fun as the 2.0T, but no
slouch. Brakes are precise and sharp and handling is very
predictable and allows for lots of fun on winding roads.
Build quality - usual Audi fit and finish. No rattles or
niggling hassles that motorplan can't sort out.
Appearance - handsome from most angles. S-line package
offers a break from the majority of A3/S3's driving
around. Wide rear appearance not to everyone's liking.
Running costs - not a performance vehicle so it doesn't
cost an arm and a leg to run. Fill her up with fuel and
she's good to go.
Fun factor - fun drive. Great for twenty-somethings
looking for a hatch that's slightly more exclusive than the
majority of the competitors but without being dull. Sep 26, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 09, 2009
so this is my first car, its a lotta fun to drive, can carry
a lot, and it has fantastic build quality... so far no
problems, knock on wood, and yeah, thats all for
now...
askjdfha;sdlkf lkdsajf;alkdf fJul 09, 2009
by Bard B
Jul 04, 2009
This car is a ton of fun for the money. OK it is just a rebadged VW with Audi styling but they did a good job.
The 2L Turbo is a great engine that still gets 29MPG on the highway. And the DST tranny is quick shifting. Jul 04, 2009
by Steven L
Jun 24, 2009
Great Car at an unrealistic premium to the 2.0 turbo - Could be justified when the 2.0T was only available in FWD, but with the 2.0T now available in Quattro, there's no reason to pay a premium for the V6. The V6 is somewhat thirsty, unless you are very disciplined, and weighs more than the 2.0T. The DSG gearbox is outstanding, but longevity is somewhat unproven. Jun 24, 2009
by Eli F
May 01, 2009
Amazing acceleration, perfect braking, best handling of any car in production ever, rock-solid build quality, appearance is sex inside and out, it costs nothing to own (60MPG!) and the Fun Factor is through the roof. I love my car. It is the best car in world.May 01, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 16, 2009
The performance is amazing in the 3.2. Acceleration from 0-60 is better than claimed. and turning is tight and agile. Braking is highly responsive. It's a fun car for the free spirited person who is willing to take it onto the race track or icy roads. She is just like a little gymnist who is also a sprinter.Mar 16, 2009
by Rod W
Feb 25, 2009
The DSG is God sent you get the wonders of a manual with the luxury of a automatic! The 2.0T is an amazing little engine with plenty of HP and Torque to spare. As a Sport wagon a big advantage is the cheaper insurance!Feb 25, 2009
by Faaiza A
Jan 28, 2009
Want a German car that actually handles like a German car, but can afford the 'BIG' BMW's or Mer Benz ......
then Audi A3 S line TDi 4 door is the one.
I liked it so much, this 1 is my 2nd A3 & I plan to upgrade soon to another Audi.
So go on what are you waiting for, go get your own.Jan 28, 2009
by Nelson M
Dec 11, 2008
Performance- Not as quick as comparable vehicles in price range but twin-clutch transmission is addictive to rifle through gears Build Quality- Right on top for comparable vehicles Appearance- Ex with S-line package certainly looks the part for the top-line A3 excl. S3 and has decent practicality Int- reminiscent of the TT with aluminum vent bezels and the center console Open Sky glass roof gives interiour a much larger appearance though cuts headroom Cost of Ownership- 4 yrs free maintenance woot -replacing with OEM tires can be costly with 18" summer tyre package mileage- average of 24 mpg with mixed highway city Fun Factor- depends on your eagerness to experience Wide Open Throttle while entering on-ramps or deciding where your limits of traction lie. "Dec 11, 2008
by Alin R
Aug 31, 2008
I have this car for 2 years and I love it. The car is a lot of fun to drive. DSG is amazing, great performance ( Chiped - 252 HP - on 93 octane) and build quality, very low cost of ownership, great gas milage, and let's not forget it's a HATCH. That' s sexy.
Aug 31, 2008
by Rami A
Aug 26, 2008
wonderful driving experience. a bit pricy if you want to buy it as new. there isn't much torque and power in it as the two seater is only available in 1.6L engine. it's fun to drive and handeling is as smooth as it gets. engine sound is very low. great value for money. it would of been the perfect car if it had a 200bhp engineAug 26, 2008
by Lasse H
Aug 16, 2008
den er sku fin nok... den har kun 102 hk med en lille 1.6 liters motor... god kvalitet, 50 hypper mere vil sku ikk gøre noget... alt i alt er det en lækker vogn... bilen er let stylet, med sorte 18" fælge, sænket 35 mm bla bla bla jeg gider ikk mere nu !Aug 16, 2008
by Rowan H
Jun 13, 2008
The DSG gearbox is fantastic. I love my padde shifters. I got the Sport package and so benefit greatly as far as handling goes, from good wheels and racing suspension. Get this car - although it's on the high end of pricing, I recommend it completely.Jun 13, 2008
by Glenn B
Apr 23, 2008
My second Audi, and I love it! The engine can race way ahead of the drivetrain, making it very easily to fishtail the car even in dry conditions. Given the power the engine has you have to be careful with it. The 6spd is wonderful! Cant wait until I can start getting goodies into that transmission!Apr 23, 2008
by Tom V
Apr 16, 2008
The car is not bad, but not worth the extra cost over other cars of the same size.Apr 16, 2008
by Manny A
Jan 25, 2008
For those looking for a practical vehicle that's not boring, the A3 is a great choice. I know Americans hate hatchbacks but, what other small vehicle can give you above average fuel consumption, accelerate and move around fast with the best of them, carry four golf bags, have the best Auto/Manual transmission in the market, allow you to park almost anywhere, and manage to swallow everything from gardening supplies to a 42" Flatscreen HDTV in the cargo area?Jan 25, 2008
by Hayley A
Jan 21, 2008
This is a fantastic car, excellent in icy conditions, handles like a dream, powerful yet quiet....I love it!!Jan 21, 2008
by Jean-Nicolas B
Jan 10, 2008
Beautiful car, easy handling, can be drove with one finger, really confortable, nice style.Jan 10, 2008
by Peter D
Jan 03, 2008
Great car, fun to drive, brilliant transmissionJan 03, 2008
by Peter D
Jan 01, 2008
For those looking for a sporty and very fun car for getting around this A3 has been great. Audi has come through with a great interior layout in thier smallest offering and combined with a very solid engine that puts out serious torque. I have always preferred a smaller car with good mileage but I also find this to have plenty of space and good rear seat room so you don't feel space compromised on that weekend trip.Jan 01, 2008
by Trefor P
Dec 30, 2007
Great car in SE trim, with great standard equipment levels. I've had 3 now and covered over 70,000 miles between them. Good performance and handling, ride a little hard but helps with the cornering :-)Dec 30, 2007
by Doreen P
Dec 26, 2007
Great for everyday use & very helpful when you're carrying big stuff such as foldable bicycles.Dec 26, 2007
by Brendan J
Dec 22, 2007
I would put anyone in this car! It gets great MPG and its fast as hellDec 22, 2007
What users have asked
Symptoms of bad 02 sensor
Buying an audi it runs for about ten min then shuts off guy sais it needs an 02 sensor it just started doing this but I dont want to buy it if it's more wrong with it
10 views
No start
Car turns over but won’t start and if it Does start has no power will not drive missing rpm will not rev up replaced plugs coil packs pcv numerous codes new fuel pressure regulator replaced hi pressure fuel pump was told maybe computer may need to be reflashed ?? PLEASE HELP
53 views
What could be the lifespan i can expect out of this car?
i have an Audi A3 2006 which has done about 100K. I'm thinking of selling it. How much do you think it would last? It's been well taken care of and no issues so far. Would it last till 200K?
4088 views
I put car into drive and turns off..
I have a 2006 Audi A4 3.2 V6.. the car starts without a problem but when I go into drive it cuts off
22 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Audi A3?Compare this car
2006 Audi A3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,460 to $34,700Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: under seat
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: fixed glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent