Used Audi A3 Saloon for sale: everything you need to know

The Audi A3 Saloon is now in its second generation, the current car arriving in 2020. It still offers the same things its predecessor did, namely classy styling that echoes Audi’s larger saloons, but the footprint, economy, and lower pricing of the regular Audi A3 Sportback.

Naturally, Audi has also offered the S3 Saloon in numerous variants during its short existence, so whether you need more equipment or a choice of engines, there’s likely something to suit, even if finding that perfect used model might take a bit longer as a result.

Audi’s key rivals offer cars with similar characteristics, including the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon (and the more swoopy Mercedes CLA), while you could also (briefly) get the Honda Civic as a saloon, and the Mazda 3 too, both of which feel more premium than their badges suggest.

Should you buy an Audi A3 Saloon?

The Audi A3 Saloon is the version of the A3 you might get if you prefer the upmarket look of a saloon shape, and rarely need the extra utility of a hatchback tailgate. It could be the perfect model for someone downsizing from one of Audi’s larger saloons like the A4 or A6, with similar levels of quality and features, just in a tighter package.

Like the Sportback, the A3 saloon isn’t the most exciting car to drive in its class, but certainly feels one of the best-built and highest quality. The cabin is a highlight, looking a little more high-tech than older A3s, but putting slightly less emphasis on touchscreens than its larger Audi counterparts (and with separate climate control buttons, it’s easier to operate than the mechanically similar VW Golf, too).

Excluding the sporty Audi S3 and RS3, most of the A3 Saloon range aims for refinement and comfort rather than the sharpest handling, and this will suit most people fine. It’s at its best in lower trim levels with smaller wheels, as larger options don’t greatly improve the handling but do begin to harm the ride quality.

All the engines are fuel-efficient, and the entry-level three-cylinder model performs better than you might expect. Bigger petrol and diesel variants have a good balance of refinement, pace, and economy, while both the manual and DSG automatic gearboxes are painless to operate.

The saloon actually gets a slightly larger boot than the A3 Sportback, but obviously doesn’t give you quite the same access, while the rear seats can be tight for taller passengers. Still, rivals like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon and BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe have similarly cosy rear quarters, so the A3’s not alone here.

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What’s the best used Audi A3 Saloon model to buy?

The 1.5-litre petrol, badged 35 TFSI, is probably the sweet spot in the range. With 150PS it’s got enough power to feel brisk but it’s still frugal, barely lagging the smaller 30 TFSI engine (even if it can’t quite hit the figures achieved by the 35 TDI). The diesel’s still a great engine though and ideal if you cover higher miles.

We’d stick to Sport trim too unless you’re drawn by the more aggressive styling of S Line models and above. It’s the smoothest-riding thanks to rolling on the smallest wheels and tallest tyres, plus normal rather than sports suspension, and doesn’t lack any equipment we’d consider essential.

Used Audi A3 Saloon fuel economy and performance

• Audi A3 Saloon 30 TFSI: The entry-level petrol is a 1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit putting out 110PS through a six-speed manual gearbox. 0-62mph takes 10.6 seconds and combined economy is 53.3mpg.
• Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI: The 35 TFSI uses a larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo, which develops 150PS. A dual-clutch auto is available, but as a six-speed manual it covers the 0-62mph time in 8.7 seconds and achieves up to 51.4mpg.
• Audi A3 Saloon 35 TDI: 35 TDI models employ a 2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with 150PS. In seven-speed dual-clutch auto form, 0-62mph takes 8.4 seconds, and combined economy is up to 61.4mpg in Sport trim.

What used Audi A3 Saloon trim levels are available?

The Audi A3 Saloon’s trim levels match those of the A3 Sportback, and are similar to those offered across the Audi range, so anyone familiar with other Audis shouldn’t be too lost here. Essentially the range starts at Sport and stops with Vorsprung, ignoring high-performance models like the S3 and RS3 (though each of those also gets a handful of trim levels).

• The Audi A3 Saloon Sport gets 17-inch alloy wheels, leather and artificial leather seat trim, selectable driving modes, dual-zone climate control, and aluminium interior trim elements.
• The Audi A3 Saloon S Line upgrades to 18-inch alloys, 15mm lower sport suspension, LED headlights, S Line exterior styling, sports seats, LED interior lighting, and stainless steel pedals.
• The Audi A3 Saloon Edition 1 features 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, a black styling pack, electric heated and folding door mirrors, Alcantara and leather seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus display, and ambient lighting.
• The Audi A3 Saloon Vorsprung gets a different 19-inch wheel design, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather sports seats, carbon inlays, and a power-operated boot.

Used Audi A3 Saloon dimensions and boot size

The Audi A3 Saloon’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4495mm
• Width: 1816mm (without mirrors), 1984mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1425mm

The Audi A3 Saloon’s boot size is:

• 425 litres

Used Audi A3 Saloon road tax

With regular petrol and diesel engines the A3 Saloon gets a flat rate of road tax, currently £180 per year, though double-check the brand new price of any used model you’re looking at, as cars that cost over £40,000 brand new are subject to a surcharge, which lifts the annual VED bill to £570 in years two to six.

How much is it to insure an Audi A3 Saloon?

A 30 TFSI in Sport trim kicks off the range in group 18 (out of 50), while depending on spec, a 35 TFSI spans groups 24 to 27. In comparison, the Mercedes A-Class Saloon goes from group 18-31, depending on trim level (and ignoring the high-performance AMG).

Read our full Audi A3 Saloon review