The Audi A3 was introduced in 2006 in the United States as Audi's entry level model for the North American marketplace, though it had been sold in Europe for over 10 years. This compact wagon, with its tasteful interior and generous power output, was designed to shatter the typical stereotypes associated with small, space efficient vehicles, such as cheap materials and poor build quality. As a luxury car manufacturer, Audi is highly regarded for their high quality materials throughout, precise user friendly controls and a superior fit and finish, and the A3 does not disappoint. Also unusual for this category is the A3's highly functional all wheel drive version that tackles snow covered roads with ease. There have been no major changes for the A3 since its debut.

The 2008 Audi A3 is available in 2 trims - the base model 2.0T and a 3.2 Quattro. The 2.0T is a very versatile front wheel drive vehicle that is powered by a gutsy, turbocharged 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. Transmission choices are either a 6 speed manual or Audi's S-tronic transmission, which is a manual transmission that shifts automatically. In previous years this versatile transmission was known as Audi's DSG transmission, and it works very well. In fact, the S-tronic's exceptionally quick downshifts and gear changes make it one of the best automatic-manual gearboxes on the market today that provides all the driver advantages of a fully automatic transmission. Acceleration is very good, taking the A3 from 0-60 in just 7 seconds. Fuel economy is pretty good too, with EPA estimates coming in at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 3.2 Quattro offers all wheel drive and a powerful 3.2 liter V6 that is mated to the S-tronic transmission. Horsepower is increased to 250 for this model, but due to the all wheel drive system, the more powerful motor does not provide much more in terms of acceleration but the 3.2 Quattro comes out of the 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. This version of the A3 gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is also pretty good for an all wheel drive vehicle. Both models benefit from steering that is nimble and quick to respond to the driver's commands. Of course, being an Audi, crash test results for both models are impressive as well.

Standard features on the 2.0T include 17-inch wheels, power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10 speaker stereo system and a trip computer. The S Line Options Package offers a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, leather upholstered sport seats, aluminum interior trim, a roof spoiler and unique front and rear fascias. The Premium Package also includes some of the S-line's features like the leather upholstery and fog lights, and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 12-way power driver seat, rain-sensing wipers and HomeLink technology. The 3.2 Quattro has almost all of the features found in the S Line and Premium Packages as part of the standard equipment list and adds a Satellite radio. Options for both models include a dual-pane sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a manual rear sunshade. A Cold Weather Options package offers heated exterior mirrors, windshield washer nozzles and seats.

Both versions of The 2008 Audi A3 offer brisk performance, a comfortable ride and a sporty driving experience. However, based on the MSRP, the 2.0T is a better value that delivers more than ample power for most drivers. The 3.2 Quattro is almost $8000 more than the 2.0T, and at that price there are a few other luxury imports that offer comparable features for less money.