Audi A3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Audi A3 is a family hatchback; the latest version we cover is the A3 8Y Sportback (2020–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 124 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 127 of 442, and 24.9% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (2.9% of tests). Boot space is 380 litres (1,200 with the seats folded).
Audi A3 key specs (A3 8Y Sportback (2020–), 5-door hatchback (Sportback))
Price new
from £28,650
Boot
380 litres (1,200 seats folded)
Seats
5
Power
110–204 PS
0–62mph
7.4–10.6 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2020)
2020 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the June 2026 price list. Sources: press.audi.co.uk, euroncap.com.
Ranked 127 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 3 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 410,672 Audi A3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 24.9% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Audi A3 is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
24.9%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
10.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,900
Typical age at test: 9 years
Audi A3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Audi A3 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8% of tests
- Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7% of tests
What the Audi A3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.3% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 7.8% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Tyres | 7.7% | About average |
| Brakes | 5.7% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.0% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Visibility | 3.0% | ▼ 39% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.8% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | About average |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 84% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 34% less often |
How big is the Audi A3's boot?
The A3 8Y Sportback (2020–) Audi A3 has 380 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,200 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare; the Skoda Octavia has the most, at 600 litres. The previous 8V Sportback (2012–2020) had 380 litres.
What MPG does the Audi A3 do?
Official economy for the Audi A3 ranges from 26.2 to 83.1mpg across the 762 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 65.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Audi A3?
Any Audi A3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAudi A3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 762 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
26.2–83.1 mpg
CO2
6–259 g/km
Power
110–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Saloon TDI 150PS150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 125g | £200 | 35% |
| A3 Sportback TDI 150PS150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 | 35% |
| A3 Saloon TFSI 116 PS S tronic116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 55.4 mpg | 116g | £200 | 29% |
| A3 Sportback TFSI 116 PS S tronic116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 54.3 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| A3 Saloon TFSI 150 PS S tronic150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 54.3 mpg | 117g | £200 | 29% |
| A3 Sportback TFSI 150 PS S tronic150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| A3 Sportback 30 TFSI 110 PS 6-speed110 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
| A3 Saloon TFSI 116 PS 6-speed116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 122g | £200 | 30% |
| A3 Sportback TFSI 116 PS 6-speed116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 126g | £200 | 31% |
| A3 Saloon TFSI 150 PS 6-speed150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| A3 Sportback TFSI 150 PS 6-speed150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| A3 Sportback TFSI 150 PS S tronic150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 941.6 mpg | 6g | £200 | 7% |
| A3 Saloon 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S-tronic 17'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 105g | £200 | – |
| A3 Saloon 1.6 TDI 116PS 7speed S-tronic 18'' wheelsD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 106g | £200 | – |
| A3 Saloon 1.6 TDI 116PS 17'' wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 107g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 762 versions.
What a Audi A3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 51.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 65.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Audi A3Previous Audi A3 generations
Audi A3 8V Sportback (2012–2020, 5-door hatchback)
boot 380 litres · 105–310 PS · 0–62mph 4.6–11.2 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2012)
19.7% of Audi A3s built 2012–2020 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 25.6%).
Buying a used Audi A3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Audi A3 with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Audi models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Audi A3 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Audi A3 is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 124 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Audi A3?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 2.9% of tests.
›How big is the Audi A3's boot?
The A3 8Y Sportback (2020–) Audi A3 has 380 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,200 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare; the Skoda Octavia has the most, at 600 litres. The previous 8V Sportback (2012–2020) had 380 litres.
›What MPG does the Audi A3 do?
Official economy for the Audi A3 ranges from 26.2 to 83.1mpg across the 762 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 65.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Audi A3?
Any Audi A3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
›How many Audi A3s fail their MOT?
24.9% of Audi A3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Audi A3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.