Audi A3 Hatchback (2012-2018) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

The 2012-2018 Audi A3 in grey metallic, driving,

Written by Richard Kilpatrick Updated: 19 April 2024

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 40 - 83 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

On paper, the TDI is the one for economy
As a used buy the 1.5 TFSI is the best A3 for running costs
There is an A3 Mk3 with free road tax

If you want to keep Audi A3 running costs down then opt for the 1.6-litre TDI. Claimed average economy is 74.3mpg so expect around 64mpg in real-world driving. Audi servicing can be expensive, especially at main dealers while spares aren’t cheap either.

Low road tax Audi A3

Audi’s greenest A3 is the 1.6-litre diesel with start/stop technology emitting 99g/km of CO2. As long as it’s maintained well then it’s a good buy, most models are likely to be ULEZ compliant as Audi met Euro 6 standards as early as 2013 for some diesels. It’s also the Audi A3 to look for if you want a used car with free road tax (VED).

Don’t worry too much about going for a petrol one if you need to venture into clean air zones though. The majority of 1.4-litre or 1.5-litre 150hp models fall into band B or C for VED, meaning the Audi A3 is an affordable car to tax without having to go for for a basic, underpowered model.

Audi A3 Mk3 reliability and servicing

Proven VW Group running gear
Some trim and electrical parts can be expensive
Overall a reliable and easy to maintain car

Audi has an excellent reputation for build quality so worries about Audi A3 reliability should be non-existent. Easy to service at home and familiar to most specialists, you don’t need to visit a main dealer with your used Audi A3.

There are few applicable recalls for this version of the A3, and the only concerns should be around the quattro, S-tronic (DSG) and infotainment/electronic systems which can be expensive to repair – though these are usually robust unless neglected.