In 1997, Audi draped a stylish body and smart interior over the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf to create the luxury segment's first hatchback.
The A3's popularity prompted Audi to expand the line-up - first with a convertible variant for the second generation, followed by a sedan spin-off for the third generation.
Performance versions adopted Audi's usual S and RS badges.
Pros
Cons
Great interior quality and design
Engines deliver good performance and efficiency
Refined driving manners of latest generation (2013 on)
Consistently attractive styling
Driving manners of older models could have been more polished
Not cheap for a small car
S-tronic auto gearbox prone to hesitancy at low speed