Faults:

This is a pool car at my work, so the boss takes care of servicing and repairs. He says it generally has been good, needing only essential wear and tear items replaced. Dealer was initially expensive for service and repairs, but he has since found a local independent garage to get it serviced and MOT'd cheaper, and recommends anyone with an Audi to do the same when the warranty is up.

General Comments:

A3 TDi S line in white, very smart looking car. I love driving this everyday, it is a fun hot hatch.

Good looking with the S line spec, alloy wheels look great. Interior is black and very stylish also. A lot of people complain about the electronic handbrake - myself I got used to it quickly but I understand why people prefer a lever. Interior is surprisingly spacious for a smaller hatch, and the boot is big enough for our sales materials, rear seats are ok also, but if you have a large family you might need an A4 or A6.

Quiet and refined for a diesel. The car is smooth around town but is at its best out on the country/motorway - 2.0 TDi has more than enough power for an easy overtake. And you'll also see 60+ mpg on a regular basis; the car is also cheap to tax according to my boss, about £20 I think. Best of both worlds - economy and a decent turn of speed. I have heard repairs to these cars can be expensive as the miles rise, so as mentioned before, check out local independents for a better deal.

Used ones are still expensive to buy also, but if you want an everyday modern hatchback that does everything well, check out the Audi A3.

Faults:

Battery died suddenly.

Some rubber bushings in the suspension.

Engine would have problems idling when cold outside, dealer couldn't fix, went away on its own.

General Comments:

Looks very similar to an A4. Great styling on the outside.

Interior is well designed, intuitive and comfortable, but not for long trips. The pop out display, although a gimmick, is a fun and well designed detail, as is the entire multimedia system, if you don't mind the CD player in the glovebox. The back seats are uncomfortable for long rides due to the low roof and seating position. Little leg room in back. Decent sized boot.

The 1,4 TFSI is very cultured, and compared to the Jetta's 1,4 TSI, quieter and more responsive (even though Jetta was rated at 160HP compared to the Audi's 140HP).

Fun to drive, but the original tires that came with the car were quite prone to slipping in corners; glad to say the behavior was much improved once they were changed. Low fuel consumption if you follow the gear change suggestions and are light on the gas pedal. COD helps to reduce it further and the transition is seamless.

Faults:

The front suspension makes some unusual noises; it sometimes sounds like an old spring mattress, but this is a very subtle sound. Most people say I'm crazy and I'm hearing things in a perfectly good car.

General Comments:

The car is absolutely fantastic.

Awesome minimalist interior that is very well built, and with pleasing materials and details all around.

The 1.2T is incredibly economical, I have averaged about 6.0l/100km in all my driving - and note, San José in Costa Rica has awful traffic.

The ride is very smooth with the 16 inch wheels and the big sidewalls. Gear changes from the manual transmission are a joy, typical of VW/Audi products of late.

Servicing has been minimal, only oil and filter changes.