Audi A3

5 chassis covered · 2003–2020 · 31 engine variants

Generations

ChassisBodyYearsEnginesMAvg riskPrice spanCharacter
8Phatchback2003–201391R3€1,800€9,600The three-door, launched first in 2003. The tidiest-looking 8P and the one that established the car as a premium Golf.
8PAhatchback2004–201391R3€1,850€9,800The five-door on a slightly longer wheelbase. The version most 8Ps were sold in, and the one to buy for the extra usability at no real penalty.
8P7convertible2008–20135R3€3,000€10,100A cloth-roofed cabriolet launched with the 2008 facelift: later, rarer and softer than the hatches, and only ever sold in facelift specification.
8Vhatchback2012–20203R2€7,550€22,950A Golf Mk7 in a tailored suit, quieter inside and priced accordingly, sharing every engine and every fault.
8V Sportbackhatchback2012–20203R2€7,850€23,800The five-door, which is the body almost everyone bought and the sensible default.

Timeline

Chassis030405060708091011121314151617181920
8P
8PA
8P7
8V
8V Sportback

● in production · facelift year, the changeover often splits engines mid-year, so verify the engine code rather than the registration date.

Which generation should you buy