The 2008 A3 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 2.0 T to the 3.2 With DSG.

Upon introduction, the 2.0 T is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 3.2 With DSG is equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, V6, 250-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Introduced a decade ago in Europe, redesigned in 2003 and introduced to the U.S. market for 2006, the A3 is Audi’s entry-level model for the North American market. Roughly a foot shorter and about 400 pounds lighter than an A4 2.0T Avant quattro, the front-drive Audi A3 2.0T Sportback presents a strong argument for buying a bargain sport wagon, provided one goes easy on the options. With the same powerful turbocharged engine as its bigger brother, the A3 performs like a sport sedan that happens to have a maximum cargo capacity of 56 cubic feet, just 3 cubes less than its larger sibling. And just because this is Audi’s entry-level car doesn’t mean the company cut corners on quality. The cabin’s design and materials are up to the lofty standards that Audi has set for the industry, meaning everything fits tightly, moves with precision and looks and feels top-shelf.

As with the rest of the Audi family, the A3′s chassis strikes an agreeable balance between athletic handling and a comfy ride. Its electromechanical steering does a superb job of dampening out unwanted road vibrations and kickback without marring the sublime feedback enthusiast drivers crave. And the advanced four-link rear suspension combines with McPherson struts up front to keep the A3 buttoned down without transmitting harsh road impacts to the cabin.

The 2008 A3 is a carryover from 2007.

Standard Engine for 2.0 T:
2.0L I4, 16 valve, 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
21 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features for 2.0 T:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Electronic Brake Assistance
AM/FM Radio With 140-Watts, Speed Sensitive Volume and 10 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
Standard Engine for 2.0 T With DSG:
2.0L I4, 16 valve, 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
22 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 66

Standard Features for 2.0 T With DSG:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Electronic Brake Assistance
AM/FM Radio With 140-Watts, Speed Sensitive Volume and 10 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
Standard Engine for 3.2 With DSG:
3.2L V6, 24 valve, 250 hp @ 6300 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 59

Standard Features for 3.2 With DSG:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Electronic Brake Assistance
Subwoofer