2012 Audi A3 vs. Its Competition
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You now have quite a few interesting choices in the U.S.
market, if you're looking for a five-door hatch or small wagon with a more premium feel.
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is a good alternative; the VW is roomier inside and has a better ride, though it’s not nearly as sporty as the A3.
The Mazda3 and Subaru WRX hatchbacks are also strong alternatives; both have interiors that aren't nearly as nice and refined, but both have good performance and excellent handling—and the WRX offers standard all-wheel drive.
The BMW 3-Series wagon—especially the fuel-efficient 335d—is one possibility, but it’s much more expensive.
With the Lexus CT200h, you could get a body style that's somewhat like that of the A3, with a version of the Toyota Prius' fuel-stingy powertrain.
The CT handles well and gets better mileage in the city, even compared to the A3 TDI, but it's hardly sporty.
Finally, surprisingly, the Audi A4 Avant is an alternative.
Keep the A3 simple; otherwise, you might as well move up to the A4 Avant and its more lavish interior.
 2012 Audi A3Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 BMW 3-SeriesGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Lexus CT 200hGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Subaru ImprezaGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportwagenGet FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The fashionable, versatile 2012 Audi A3 is as deft for the city commute as it is at ease on the highway. | The 2012 BMW 3-Series delivers the class-leading sport-sedan performance and handling enthusiasts have come to expect, yet it makes substantial improvements in fuel-efficiency, active safety, and connectivity. | The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is a surprisingly stylish, fun, and unexpected car, blending Lexus levels of refinement with superb hybrid gas mileage. It's the sole compact luxury hybrid hatch, but it offers good value and a new way of driving green. | With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. | Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative. | The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen isn't exactly like its sedan counterpart--it's noticeably smaller but nicer inside. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $27,270 | $34,900 | $29,120 | $15,200 | $17,495 | $20,195 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4 | Gas I5 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Station Wagons | Compact Cars | Compact | Compact | Compact Cars | Small Station Wagons |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4dr HB Man FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4dr Sedan 328i RWD | FWD 4dr Hybrid | 4dr Sedan Man i SV | 4dr Man 2.0i | 4dr Manual S |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | 4 Door Hatchback | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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