Used Audi A3 for sale near Chelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,600
Average Price: Around £17,200

Audi A3 Mk4 (2020-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of luxury and safety kit	Expensive for a car of this size
Very good to drive	Not as well finished as some rivals
Practical enough for a small family	There's a firm edge to the ride

Quick Summary

The Audi A3 Mk4 (2020-present) is a premium five-door hatchback that maintains Audi's competitive position in the prestige compact car segment. With a 380-litre boot expanding to 1,200 litres with rear seats folded, it offers excellent practicality for a small family. The car features a comprehensive standard specification including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital display, satnav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and extensive safety equipment. A 2024 facelift added styling refinements and enhanced technology, keeping the A3 fresh against increasingly competitive rivals from BMW and Mercedes.

The A3 delivers engaging driving dynamics with responsive steering, strong grip, and tight body control, though the ride has a firm edge. Turbocharged petrol engines achieve around 50mpg, whilst diesel variants exceed 60mpg. Running costs align with rivals, though the A3 carries a premium price tag. Insurance groupings range from 20 to 29, with most models subject to £150 annual VED. Despite slightly compromised build quality compared to predecessors, the A3 remains a desirable, comfortable, and well-equipped choice that justifies its cost through style, technology, and practicality.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium, well-equipped hatchback with strong driving dynamics, excellent technology, and practical space for small families.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those prioritising maximum interior space, or drivers seeking the most robust build quality in the segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the A3 if: You're seeking a premium, well-equipped hatchback with strong driving dynamics, excellent technology, and practical space for small families.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious, prioritise maximum interior space, or require the most robust build quality in the segment.

Competitive Position: The Audi A3 Mk4 remains a highly competitive premium hatchback, matching the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class in overall appeal and capability. Whilst the previous generation held a clear advantage, the latest rivals have significantly improved, narrowing the gap considerably. The A3 excels with comprehensive standard equipment, engaging driving dynamics, and strong user satisfaction ratings. However, it commands a premium price and offers slightly less robust build quality than some competitors. For buyers valuing style, technology, and driving enjoyment over maximum practicality or value, the A3 represents an excellent choice that justifies its cost through its premium positioning and well-rounded capabilities.

Read our full Audi A3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.