Advantages: Great looks, excellent road handling, reliability Disadvantages: Not very soundproof, expensive, and other minor issues
...who are considering buying an Audi A3 1.6 Special Edition (SE) in the future.
=== A little explanation ===
The difference between Special Edition and standard A3 is that the former comes with 16” alloy wheels, ESP (about it later), air conditioning and is a 3-door car. If you like this car but would prefer a 5-door version, then you will need to look for Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 SE.
I remember quite clearly a school trip to France about ten years ... ...visiting my parents I entered Audi website to see what cars they had on offer, not really thinking seriously about this, but I noticed there was one specific car I liked in a dealership close to my parents’ place. We all went to see the car, spent about 2 hours viewing it from all angles, checking specs and interior. I was getting excited like a child who just wanted to jump up and down with joy, just by looking at it. After a short test drive around ...
Veronica115012 17.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: exceptional Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Build Quality, Comfort, Handling, Residual Value Disadvantages: Little lacking in Power for motorway driving.
...bought it instead of the Audi A3 at the time cos I'm from Yorkshire and tight) which at the time was basically the same car, using same, engine gearbox and even interior dash etc. Well this time I decided to go the whole hog and spend that bit extra, particularly as both Audi and Seat had changed the models and the intreriors were very different. All I can say is what a mistake I made last time around. These cars may use the same engine/gearbox etc, ... ...in various motoring magazines) the Audi is also the best car in it's class for retaining value - a subject that is close to my heart!!
This car is essentially my wife's, and she initially wanted the 3 door version, because she thought it looked more sporty, but having two young children the 5 door was much more practical.
Small tangent here, but if you don't know what the Sportback is, it's Audi's name for the 5 door version of the A3. It's different ...
TheCoopster 16.11.2006 (12.01.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Looks, image Disadvantages: High insurance group, cost of parts
I owned an Audi 1.6 Sport for a year back in 1998, and overall found it to be a good alternative to the other hatchbacks available. I was originally considering a VW Golf (essentially the same car under a different guise), but was swayed by the looks and slightly more responsive handling of the Audi. I must also confess to being slightly taken with the more prestigious image (sad, I know).
I purchased the car from an Audi dealership (AFN Guildford) ... ...thing I found with the Audi was the insurance costs, but then I suppose this is the fault of a young man (under 25) wanting a car with an executive badge. Service intervals were long (12,000 miles, 6k oil change) and services were reasonable, but I was warned of the expense of Audi replacement parts.
In conclusion, whilst I really liked the Audi, the car market has altered since then and other choices are available. Seat, VW and Audi all use this ...
alexslater 29.11.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Stunning looks for a hatchback, superior build quality. Disadvantages: Expensive to buy and maintain. High Insurance
...new circuit boards put in. Audi were very apologetic and gave us a curtesy car and had sorted it in a short space of time. The 1.6 16V engine is pretty punchy and has a nice smooth torque range all through the rev range. Basically it pulls well through all the gears. The gearbox is a littly notchy, but this might be due to the fact it is still quite new. Handling is superb, it really sticks to the road well, mainly due to its lowered suspension. ... ...version is perfectly ample. Switch gear is chunky and solid, it feels like it will last for ever. The sound system is quite beastly for such a hatchback.
The problem is with this car is that you pay so much for those 4 silver rings back and front. It is a lot more than the Golf and as I mentioned servicing is a real pocket emptier. However, they are not common on the road, you feel somewhat special when you are driving, and if it is clean and polished ...
Kimpalmer 01.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
The AUDI A3 1.6 is one of the best small to medium cars around. Buying a 2nd hand car like I did is probably the best value. The general build quality of the car is 2nd to none, even for the 1.6 whcih is pretty near the bottom of the range. When you get in to one of these you feel secure and safe. With the 4 rings on the bonnet you also get that feeling of quality.
Driving wise, if you are not bothered by a powerful engine and the need for speed ... ...are a wide range of Audi supplied extras available but alas this is one of the bad points. The cost is normally out of this world. So if you are wanting those extras it may be worth shopping around for an A3 that has some or all fitted already. Else there are a quite few places where you can buy extras at minimal cost.
The standard 1.6 up until around 2001 came with very basic 15" Alloys which to be honest look like steal wheels. Combine that with ...
skrg28 04.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Looks great on both the inside and the outside, feeling of safety when driving Disadvantages: Cost of petrol, tyres etc, noise from engine, space
I bought an Audi A3 1.6SE 3 door after saving for years. I was soooo excited when it came on a big lorry from Audi. The delivery man was very well dressed and gave me a demonstration of the vehicle and informed me what all the gadgets and buttons did on the inside. We even had a tour of the engine (I'm a girl, an engine is an engine - sorry!!!). I couldnt' have been more impressed.
So, after the hours demonstration, and my brain whirring round my ... ...onto the downside of the Audi A3 SE - i have taken it back to the garage and have written a letter of complaint to Audi. My car sounds like a disel, either that or I am a boy racer in disguise. On pulling into my car park at work, my colleague thought my exhaust had blown - I'd had only had the car a few months. Audi have responded that there is nothing wrong with the car but this is how it sounds. I have to turn my radio up to disguise it. Also, ...
Gossie 21.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Build quality and Badge Disadvantages: High insurance, underpowered, expensive parts.
I saw the Audi A3 as my dream car, and finally i got one. I was so pleased with the way the car drove, how secure it felt on the road and the way it looked. The build quality was excellent; solid, just how an audi should be, and you really feel like you've made the right choice. All my friends were green with envy and all agreed that they would love to have this car.
I decided on this model since it had the cheapest insurance and reasonable fuel ... ...if carried out at an audi garage. Independant garages are much cheaper but you still can't escape the high price of parts.
To conclude, I am extremely happy with this car and has indeed raised my standards. I now cannot see myself in anything below the audi standards.
To all those looking to purcahse this car....good choice..but make sure you make the proper checks and watch out for all this little noises that should not be there. Ensure that servicing ...
erik7584 08.09.2005 (09.09.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Stunningly good looking, well sought after - easy to sell on, definitely get more then you paid for if you've done the research Disadvantages: Audi servicing and parts pricey, steep insurance, overall maintenance expensive
...research and... The Audi A3 1.6 Sport is a stunner, although could be a smoother drive such as his rival the 1.8, although the difference in cost does not justify the 1.8 making the 1.6 a favourite. Moreover the 1.6 handles the road exceptionally well ensuring the ultimate feeling of security, whereas driving other cars feels like your driving a tin can. I immensely enjoy the ride of the 1.6 along with the a/c, abs, alarm, airbags and e/windows who ...
kaine76 10.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: Good Runner, Excellent Build Quality, Disadvantages: Not so hot acceleration, quite high insurance group
I have owned my Audi A3 1.6 since 2003 and its on an S plate. I managed to pick up an ex courtesy car model from JCT 600 with only 15000 miles on the clock and a few little upgrades from the base model.
By far and away this is the smoothest drive i have ever had. Dont get me wrong if you want a car that is like **** of a shovel then go for the S3 (if you can afford it) but for my needs a sedate 1.6 was just fine.
The build quality is as you would ... ...you go to an authorised Audi dealer, but i was in the position that i wasnt looking to swap for at least five years and by that time, even with an audi service history, i wasnt going to get a lot for it, so independant servicing becomes a much cheaper option.
Overall if you want a good looking hatch thats reliable fun to drive and as smooth as silk (in my opinion) then this is the one, failing that get a Golf or Seat Leon (all the same floor plan). ...
hobbes40 09.02.2007 (12.02.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: small size, easy parking, easy driving Disadvantages: none
Audi A3 1,6.
In my opinion this car is very comfortable to drive. Specially for women this is very handy because of its size. The size of the car is perfect for women compared to an Audi A4. which could be the same motor size of 1,6 but is still very large. From my point of view the available security system is very good. In the time I have had this car I have never had any problems with it. the navigation system in this car is very reliable. The ...
dksobi 20.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
I got my Audi a couple of years ago. It's a T reg.
I quite like it really- it's a nice sort of blue that you don't see much on new cars (cornflower blue), it's reliable, and gets me from A to B.
OK- it'll never beat anyone at the lights but you can give them a run for their money. Mine had no CD player which I guess is the standard- that's a shame in this day and age.
The seats aren't exactly great for long journeys.. and it guzzles petrol quite ... ...& caused loads of scratches. They really should be secured better.
Let's face it- Audi is a prestige car and even the base model looks good. If you can get it for a good price, all the better. They are always going to be something to be proud of. ...
bexbex 23.04.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
Advantages: It's not a Golf Disadvantages: Black takes a lot of polishing
...have just purchased my first Audi and am so far delighted. Friends all said I should get a Golf _basically the same car but a lot cheaper.But then everyone and his auntie has a Golf, and I think they are just too tame and bland. My A3 goes like a little rocket,has great nifty pockets and fab yellow and black checked seats. What do you mean typical girly comments -these things are important you know!
One complaint that I have though is that a Cd ...
gillianh 23.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Audi A3 1.6
AUDI approved Audi A3 Hatchback 1.6 Sport 3dr manual in Unspecified.The car has covered ... more
24,500 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 39.80.Additional Info: Insurance Group 10. Emission Count 170g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 101.
Loders Peugeot approved Audi A3 Hatchback 1.6 SE 5dr manual in Denim Blue.The car has ... more
covered 47,814 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 39.80.Additional Info: Insurance Group 10. Emission Count 170g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 10...
AUDI approved Audi A3 Hatchback Special Editions 1.6 Special Edition 3dr manual in ... more
Mauritius Blue.The car has covered 55,080 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 39.80.Additional Info: Insurance Group 9. Emission Count 163g/Km, What...
Mercedes Benz Of Colchester approved Audi A3 Hatchback 1.6 SE 3dr manual in Blue.The car ... more
has covered 63,636 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 39.80.Additional Info: Insurance Group 9. Emission Count 163g/Km, What Green Car Rating...
AUDI approved Audi A3 Hatchback 1.6 SE 3dr Auto automatic in Unspecified.The car has ... more
covered 38,880 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 34.90.Additional Info: Insurance Group 10. Emission Count 194g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 101...