2012 Audi A3

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Rating8.1

Ranked #2 in 

Subcompact Wagon
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$27,270 - $30,850
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

High-quality, and luxurious cabin with premium materials and trim

Rear row might be confining for taller passengers

Remains unchanged for 2012

Multiple transmissions and drivetrains are available to choose from

Complex and unintuitive infotainment system

Excellent ride quality and engaging driving experience

Price gets skyrocketed once loaded with options

Specs & Features

$28,750

price

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

horsepower

207 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automated Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 6AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Audi A3 Wagon is a subcompact luxury wagon offered in 2 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $27,270. For that price, it mainly competes with the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen and the Mini Countryman. Between 2 trims, the A3 Wagon offers a single powertrain. It is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine making 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, there is a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with the FWD model while the AWD model comes paired exclusively with the automatic. The A3 Wagon reaches 60 mph from zero in 7.1 seconds with the manual transmission, which gets pumped up to 6.9 seconds with the automatic. Depending on the powertrain, the A3 Wagon can manage a combined fuel economy of between 23 and 24 mpg. While we're on the topic of choices, the 9 striking colors the A3 Wagon comes in really pull you towards itself.

Buying Advice

The 2012 Audi A3 Wagon is an engaging and comfortable car in its segment. There are two trims offered and we recommend getting the base Premium trim. It comes loaded with standard features including cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player.

Trims

    Premium
    $27,270 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    Premium Plus
    $27,270 onwards
    • Auto dimming rearview mirrors
    • Navigation system
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Xenon headlights

Compare to similar cars

Price

$27,270- $30,850

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.08

Horsepower

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

Torque

236 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$32,950- $43,650

Gasoline

7.52

240 hp @ 6200 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,750- $27,050

Gasoline

7.36

121 hp @ 6000 rpm

114 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

7

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2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2012 Audi A3

    Ranked #1

    7.1 sec-130 mph
    7.5 sec--
    9.9 sec17.8 sec-

    2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2012 Audi A3

      Ranked #2

      21 mpg30 mpg24 mpg14.5 gal.304.5/435 mi.
      25 mpg35 mpg30 mpg12.4 gal.334.8/434 mi.
      19 mpg25 mpg21 mpg18.5 gal.351.5/462.5 mi.

      2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2012 Audi A3

        Ranked #2

        169 in.78.5 in.56 in.4.3 in.101.5 in.
        190.5 in.73.3 in.63.1 in.8.3 in.110 in.
        161.7 in.70.4 in.61.5 in.6 in.102.2 in.

        2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2012 Audi A3

          Ranked #3

          19.5 cu.ft.89 cu.ft.39 cu.ft.
          33.3 cu.ft.98 cu.ft.72.1 cu.ft.
          -96 cu.ft.41 cu.ft.

          2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2012 Audi A3

            Ranked #1

            39 cu.ft.19.5 cu.ft.39 cu.ft.-
            72.1 cu.ft.33.3 cu.ft.72.1 cu.ft.56 ft.
            41 cu.ft.-41 cu.ft.-

            2012 Audi A3 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2012 Audi A3

              Ranked #2

              -1102 lbs.3219 lbs.
              3300 lbs.1285 lbs.4147 lbs.
              -860 lbs.2954 lbs.

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