The Audi A3 made its debut in the compact range as a three-door saloon in 1996. The 2008 Audi A3 is the manufacturer's least expensive car and offers excellent safety. This four-door versatile luxury hatchback/wagon can seat five passengers.

The 2008 Audi A3 is offered in two trim levels: 2.0T Quattro and 3.2 Quattro. The 2.0T Quattro is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque and is teamed to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The 3.2 Quattro is equipped with a 3.2-liter 250-hp V-6 engine that's mated to an S tronic transmission. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive 2.0T is estimated at 22/29 mpg (city/highway), while the all-wheel-drive 3.2 Quattro delivers 18/25 mpg (city/highway).

There are no major changes for the 2008 Audi A3 model. The styling of this small and smart car is typically German with straightforward gauges and controls. It is equipped with a well-crafted cabin of superior build quality and solid materials. The steering wheel with its built-in S tronic shift paddles matches with the leather-topped shift knob and eases handling of the vehicle.

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the 2008 Audi A3 earned ratings of "Good" (the highest possible) in the frontal-offset and side-impact tests. Standard safety technologies include front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Seat-mounted side airbags for rear passengers are optional.