2013 Audi A3 Review
If you are looking for a quality but yet affordable hatchback, then the Audi A3 should definitely be on top of your shopping list. It boasts of excellent build quality, spacious interior, powerful engines, decent fuel economy and good safety ratings. Though it's more expensive to maintain compared to its Japanese rivals, these costs are offset due to its durable parts that last longer. It competes with the Subaru Impreza, VW Golf, Mazda Axela, Toyota Auris, Honda Fit, Toyota Vitz and Mazda Demio.
Detailed Review
The Audi A3 is a 5 seater small luxury car that has been in production from 1996 to present. It’s available as a Saloon and hatchback which is known as the Sportsback. Other body types such as Cabriolet are available but this are not common in Kenya. There are various engine options available in the line-up that are both diesel and petrol.
2013 Audi A3 Engine Lineup
The 2013 Audi A3 is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, these are;
Petrol
1. The 1.2 Litre TFSI Petrol Engine
2. The 1.4 Litre TFSI Petrol Engine
3. The 1.8 Litre TFSI Petrol Engine
4. The 2.0 Litre TFSI Petrol Engine – In the Audi S3
Diesel
1. The 1.6 Litre TDI Diesel Engine
2. The 2.0 Litre TDI Diesel Engine
Transmission
1. 6-Speed Manual Transmission
2. Multitronic CVT
3. S-Tronic
2013 Audi A3 Grades
- Audi A3 SE Sportsback- This is the basic grade that comes with 15-Inch alloy rims, manual AC, Bluetooth, plain steering wheel and halogen clear headlights.
- Audi A3 SE Technik Sportsback – This grade adds front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and standard suspension
- Audi A3 S Line Sportsback – This is a sports grade that adds 18-Inch alloy rims, sports suspension and S Line badging
- Audi A3 Black Edition – This grades improves on the S Line grade by adding matte black finishing, aluminum pedals, flat bottomed steering wheel and piano black inserts on the dashboard.
2013 Audi A3 Interior
The Audi A3 is a luxurious small hatchback that feels premium and is loaded with so many extras that you would not find in most of its Japanese rivals. The dashboard is simple and everything is neatly arranged with easy accessibility. The legroom is also good and feels as big as a full sized wagon. The legroom for the rear middle seat is restricted by the transmission tunnel and it’s not an ideal space for adults.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a cubby box and glovebox. At the second row, there are 2 cupholders and storage pockets on the front seats.
2013 Audi A3 Boot Space
The boot space is sufficient to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold down in a split format.
Extras: Sunroof, Radio/CD Player
2013 Audi A3 Safety Features: SRS airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Audi Lane Assist, Audi Side Assist, Adaptive Headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control
2013 Audi A3 Exterior
The A3 closely resembles its bigger brother the A4 with the main variation being in body size. At the front, it comes with a large grille emblazoned with Audi’s four rings and accentuated by modern headlights with daytime running lights. The rear is curved and the tailgate is finished off with the Audi rings.
2013 Audi A3 Fuel Consumption
1.2 Litre TFSI Petrol Fuel Consumption: 21.85 Km/L
1.4 Litre TFSI Petrol Fuel Consumption: 21.08 Km/L
1.8 Litre TFSI Petrol Fuel Consumption: 18.19 Km/L
2.0 Litre TFSI Petrol Fuel Consumption: 16.24 Km/L
1.6 Litre TDI Diesel Fuel Consumption: 31.58 Km/L
2.0 Litre TDI Diesel Fuel Consumption: 25.55 Km/L
2013 Audi A3 Acceleration
1.2 Litre TFSI Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.6 sec.
1.4 Litre TFSI Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 sec.
1.8 Litre TFSI Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 sec.
2.0 Litre TFSI Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 sec.
1.6 Litre TDI Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.0 sec.
2.0 Litre TDI Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 sec.
2013 Audi A3 Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Litres
2013 Audi A3 Ground Clearance
The 2013 Audi A3 has a ground clearance of 4.3 inches(109 mm) which is below the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2013 Audi A3 Stability and Handling
The Audi A3 drives and handles very well with no hint of instability even at high speed. The ground clearance is an issue and you may have to maneuver carefully on speed bumps or potholes.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Audi A3 Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly priced and shared with other Audis. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi. Click here to buy Audi A3 spare parts in Kenya
2013 Audi A3 Reliability
The Audi A3 is not as forgiving on poor maintenance as some of its Japanese rivals.
Some of the commonly reported Audi A3 problems are;
1. Engine Warning Light
2. Transmission problems
3. Engine Failure
4. Sensor problems
Ensure you thoroughly read the Owner’s Manual as it contains vital information on the maintenance and operation of the car. Send us an email at [email protected] for a copy of the 2013 Audi A3 Owner’s Manual.
Resale Value: Average
2013 Audi A3 Competitors: Subaru Impreza, Toyota Auris, Mazda Axela, VW Golf
What we like about the 2013 Audi A3
1. Executive finish
2. Quick acceleration
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
If you’re shopping for a good quality and affordable hatchback then the Audi A3 should definitely be on top of your list. Maintenance costs are higher than its Japanese rivals but this is offset by the durability.
Where to Buy the 2013 Audi A3 in Kenya
If you want to buy the Audi A3 in Kenya, please visit: https://cars.topcar.co.ke/vehicles/audi/a3
If you want us to import for you the Audi A3, please visit: https://topcar.co.ke/import-your-car/
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