Question 1

Which Audi A3 generation should I look at?

Accepted Answer

The ones on the used market are mainly the 8P (2003 to 2012), the 8V (2012 to 2020) and the current 8Y. The 8V moved to the MQB platform shared with the Golf and León, and the 8Y adds mild-hybrid petrol versions that carry the ECO label.

Question 2

What should I check on an Audi A3's S tronic gearbox?

Accepted Answer

S tronic is Audi's name for its dual-clutch automatic. Ask for its service record, and on the test drive feel for judder when pulling away or hesitation in slow traffic, which point to worn clutches or a tired mechatronic unit.

Question 3

Does a plug-in hybrid Audi A3 get the CERO label?

Accepted Answer

The plug-in hybrid A3, sold as the e-tron and later as the TFSI e, gets the CERO label, as does any plug-in hybrid with more than 40 km of official electric range. It gives the widest access to low-emission zones in Spanish cities; confirm the label on the car's papers.

Question 4

Do the S3 and RS 3 versions of the Audi A3 cost more to run?

Accepted Answer

Spain's IVTM rises with fiscal horsepower, which follows engine size, so a 2.0 TFSI S3 or the five-cylinder RS 3 pays more than a 1.0 or 1.5 TFSI. Their brakes, tyres and quattro drive also cost more to maintain.

Used Audi A3 cars in Spain

AUDI A3 1.6TDI CD Advanced S-Tronic

Audi A3 Sedan 1.8 TFSI 180 quatt S tron Advanced

Audi A3 S.line 2.0TDI Ambition DPF

AUDI A3 A3 2.0TDI Ambition quattro 170

Audi A3 1.9TDI Ambiente

Audi A3 Sportback TFSIe Sportback 40 TFSIe S line S tronic

Audi A3 A3 1.6 Ambition Ambition

AUDI A3 A3 Sedán 1.6TDI Design Edition S tronic 85kW

AUDI A3 RS3 Sportback quattro S tronic 294kW

Audi A3 Sportback 40 e-tron S tronic