Is the Audi A3 a good first car?

Congratulations on passing your driving test! It’s a big milestone, and suddenly the road feels wide open. Still, the excitement quickly meets reality when the costs come into view.

For a new driver, insurance premiums can feel punishing, and once you add other costs, your options for a first car look narrower than expected. That is why most people start with something small and simple.

The Audi A3, with its premium image and larger size, does not sound like the typical choice. However, on the used market, it can be surprisingly affordable. So, does the Audi A3 make sense as a first car?

Why the Audi A3 appeals to young drivers in the UK

The Audi A3 has built a strong following among younger drivers due to its:

• Premium image without being unmanageable – The A3 gives drivers access to an Audi badge and design quality in a model that still feels approachable on the road.
• Strong balance of size and practicality – As a hatchback or saloon, it offers more space than a supermini but remains easy to park and drive in the city.
• Good safety reputation – Audi’s engineering and safety technology add peace of mind for both drivers and parents.
• Wide choice of engines and trims – The A3 comes in entry-level models that keep costs down, as well as sportier versions that deliver more performance.
• Comfortable daily driving – High-quality interiors and a smooth ride make the A3 a car that works just as well for short commutes as it does for longer motorway journeys.

New vs used: What to look out for

Buying a new Audi A3 means getting the sharpest design, the latest infotainment, and the most up-to-date safety kit. You also know the car’s entire history because you’re the first owner. The downside is cost, both in the higher upfront price and the depreciation that hits hardest in the first few years.

A used A3, on the other hand, delivers strong value if you choose carefully. A three- or four-year-old model with sensible mileage feels just as refined as a new car but at a far lower price point. The key is checking for a full service record and avoiding ones with unusually high mileage.

If you’re deciding between new and used, Carplus can help you compare what’s available across different age ranges and conditions, and show how finance options might make either route more accessible than expected.

Audi A3 overview: Features that matter

Here’s what really counts when you get behind the wheel of an A3:

Size and handling: Is the Audi A3 easy to drive?

The Audi A3 Sportback sits in a useful middle ground for size. It’s small enough to feel manageable but large enough to feel settled on the road. The plug-in hybrid adds extra weight from its battery.

Sport trim versions ride softly and absorb bumps well. S line and Black Edition models use firmer suspension and bigger wheels for a slightly sharper, more controlled feel. Grip is strong, and the car remains stable even when the road surface isn’t perfect.

Interior space and boot size: Is it practical for everyday use?

The A3 has good space in the front, with enough adjustment to suit taller drivers. There are large door bins, cupholders, and a compartment under the armrest.

Space in the back is fine for most trips. Adults can sit there without too much trouble, but taller passengers find legroom and headroom tight. The middle seat is less comfortable because of the raised base and floor tunnel.

The boot gives 380 litres of space in standard models, and plug-in hybrids reduce this to 280 litres.

Engine options and transmissions: What should you choose?

The 1.0-litre petrol is best for short trips, but the 1.5-litre is stronger and works better for mixed driving. Diesels are good for long motorway journeys, especially the 150bhp version. The plug-in hybrid can do about 88 miles on electricity and makes sense if you can charge it often.

Most engines are offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. The automatic is smoother and easier in heavy traffic, but the manual still makes a lot of sense for new drivers.

Safety ratings and features

The Audi A3 holds a full five-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard equipment covers the essentials, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors at both ends of the car. You can also add a reversing camera or self-parking.

Up front, visibility is clear, and the standard LED headlights do a good job at night. The optional matrix LEDs make things even brighter. Rear visibility isn’t quite as strong due to the thick pillars.

Tech features

The Audi A3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a digital display behind the wheel. Both are sharp and easy to use, and you still get proper buttons for the climate controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with two USB-C ports up front. Wireless charging and a head-up display are optional.

The basic stereo is fine, but upgrading to the Sonos system gives you much better sound. Built-in navigation and voice control are also included in the tech setup.

Total cost of ownership

Buying a car is about more than just the price on the sticker. For the Audi A3, it helps to step back and look at the bigger picture:

Fuel economy

The 1.5-litre petrol manages around 48-52 mpg depending on driving conditions. The 2.0-litre diesel does slightly better at around 55-60 mpg, so it’s more efficient for motorway driving and long distances.

The plug-in hybrid offers up to 88 miles of claimed electric range, though in real use you’ll see more like 70-80 miles. For many drivers, that’s enough to cover the daily commute on electricity alone. Official figures suggest over 200 mpg when the battery is kept charged, but if you rarely plug in, expect economy closer to the standard petrol.

Vehicle reliability

Audi’s reputation for reliability isn’t perfect, and the A3 hasn’t always scored highly in owner surveys. That said, the build quality is strong, and most drivers don’t report major issues early on. The standard warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles, with the option to extend for a fee.

Price

A new Audi A3 starts at just under £29,000 and goes up to nearly £50,000 for high-spec models.

On the used market, there are 2018 models available from around £5,000, but these come with very high mileage. For a more reasonable model with average use, closer to £10,000 is a fair expectation.

Maintenance and servicing costs

Servicing costs are higher than those of non-premium brands, and similar to BMW and Mercedes. If needed, Audi offers service plans to spread the cost.

Tax is reasonable thanks to the relatively low CO2 emissions. Most petrol and diesel models sit between 120 and 140 g/km, which keeps them in mid-range bands. The plug-in hybrid is far cleaner at 30 g/km or less.

Resale value: What happens when you sell it?

The A3 holds its value well compared with most small hatchbacks. Strong demand for used Audis means you’re less likely to lose heavily on depreciation, especially with petrol and hybrid versions. Diesels tend to lose value a bit faster as fewer buyers want them second-hand.

Audi A3 insurance costs for first-time drivers

Insurance groups for the Audi A3 vary depending on engine and power, ranging from 14 to 46 for the RS3. Most standard A3 models fall between 16 and 26.

Being a premium compact car, the A3 sits in higher insurance groups than non-premium alternatives. Still, compared to rivals (the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, Mercedes A-Class, and Mercedes CLA), the A3 is competitive and doesn’t stand out as particularly costly to insure.

Driving experience with an Audi A3

When you drive an A3, the experience speaks for itself.

Performance: Is it too powerful for a first car?

The Audi A3 isn’t overwhelming for a new driver, but it does feel quicker and more confident than cheaper first cars.

The 1.5-litre petrol with 148bhp gets from 0-60mph in about 8.4 seconds, which is brisk but still manageable. The entry-level 114bhp petrol is slower but may feel underpowered in a car of this size. The diesel is slightly quicker and pulls strongly at motorway speeds.

The plug-in hybrid is the fastest of the lot, but most buyers will choose it for its electric range rather than performance.

City driving: Parking and manoeuvring

In town, the A3 feels easy to place on the road. Steering is light at low speeds, and the car’s compact footprint makes squeezing into tighter streets less stressful than you’d expect for a premium hatchback. Standard parking sensors offset the chunky rear pillars.

Motorway driving: Comfort for long journeys

On longer trips, the A3 feels stable. Wind and engine noise are kept to a minimum, and even at higher speeds, the car feels secure. Cruise control is standard, and adaptive cruise and lane-keeping aids are optional extras.

Finance options for first-time buyers

For most first-time buyers, paying the full amount upfront isn’t realistic, but spreading the cost with a finance plan makes it doable.

• Personal Contract Purchase – PCP lets you keep monthly payments lower, and at the end you can return the car, pay a final sum to keep it, or swap it for a newer model.
• Hire Purchase – With HP, you pay a deposit, then fixed monthly payments until the car is yours.

With the right plan, an Audi A3 is no longer just a car you hope to have. You can actually sit in it, drive it, and use it every day. At Carplus, we help first-time buyers explore both options and understand what works best for their budget and long-term plans, so a car like the Audi A3 becomes something practical, not just aspirational.

Final verdict: Should you buy an Audi A3 as your first car?

Overall, the Audi A3 can be a reasonable choice if you’re comfortable with its higher running costs and are willing to pay a bit more for a vehicle that feels refined and dependable. It’s not the cheapest option for a first car, so the decision comes down to whether the benefits match what you’re willing to spend. Whatever you decide, we wish you all the best on the road!