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2008 Audi A3 Safety Review

November 5, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good rating in front and side tests
IIHS

Not tested
NHTSA

A wealth of safety technologies is standard on the A3
Edmunds

Audi's trademark attention to safety is evident in the 2008 Audi A3, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com applaud the German carmaker's efforts.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls the 2008 Audi A3 a Top Safety Pick, basing this prestigious title on the A3 Audi's "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control."

According to the IIHS, the 2008 Audi A3 crash tests edge out the Volkswagen Jetta, which received a grade of Marginal in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests. The more expensive BMW 3-Series also fell short, garnering an Average score in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests.

Reviewers' eyes grew wide over the long list of standard safety features available on the 2008 A3 Audi. Kelley Blue Book relays the highlights: "electronic stability program (ESP), front seats with active head restraints, remote keyless locking, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the Sideguard airbag system."

ConsumerGuide also lists anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system as standard safety gear on the Audi A3; 2008 brings the option of side airbags, according to Edmunds.

Conclusion

The 2008 Audi A3 nudges out the competition thanks to a host of standard safety features.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good rating in front and side testsIIHSNot testedNHTSAA wealth of safety technologies is standard on the A3Edmunds Audi's trademark attention to safety is evident in the 2008 Audi A3, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com applaud the German carmaker's efforts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls the 2008 Audi A3 a Top Safety Pick, basing this prestigious title on the A3 Audi's "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control." According to the IIHS, the 2008 Audi A3 crash tests edge out the Volkswagen Jetta, which received a grade of Marginal in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests. The more expensive BMW 3-Series also fell short, garnering an Average score in rear crash tests and Good in front and side tests. Reviewers' eyes grew wide over the long list of standard safety features available on the 2008 A3 Audi. Kelley Blue Book relays the highlights: "electronic stability program (ESP), front seats with active head restraints, remote keyless locking, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the Sideguard airbag system." ConsumerGuide also lists anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system as standard safety gear on the Audi A3; 2008 brings the option of side airbags, according to Edmunds. ConclusionThe 2008 Audi A3 nudges out the competition thanks to a host of standard safety features. 2008 AUDI A3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "four-door versatility wrapped in a sleek package." Car and Driver: "Seductively styled inside and out" ForbesAuto: "a sporty, small wagon that doesn't sacrifice luxury or performance" ConsumerGuide: "less space than a small ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're in the market for a wagonlike vehicle with sporting pretensions and can spend $30,000, there are some interesting choices outside of the 2008 Audi A3. A traditional wagon such as the BMW 3-Series or the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen might not have all-wheel drive, but each has more cargo room than the more compact Audi A3--and in the Jetta's case, a coming diesel option. Look to Japan and the Infiniti EX has all-wheel drive as an option, but the base car is a rear-driver spun from the hot-handling G35 sedan, one of our favorite luxury sport sedans.

Next Steps:

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See the Audi A3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  Truck trader #1, Posted: 2/12/2009

    Audi 2009

    A friend of mine bought a new A3 in early 2008, and had serious engine problems with it. After asking around he heard many similar stories about the A3, which I found both unusual and quite disturbing! - Anyone else heard of problems? Is this 2009 model any different?

  2. By N Vespertino #2, Posted: 7/25/2009

    I bought a new 2008 a3 (2.0 T S-tronic)in December 2007. It now has over 28,000 miles. Absolutely no engine problems.

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