2010 Audi A3 — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2010 Audi A3 is an estate/wagon powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo diesel engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Audi A3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Estate/Wagon |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 89 cu ft (2,520 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 20 cu ft (566 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 198 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,000 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2010 Audi A3, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 32 mpg (US), or 29 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/28) | 230 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 198 | $3,000 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/30) | 230 | $3,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 20 cubic feet (about 566 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2010 Audi A3
Running Costs: 2010 Audi A3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2010 Audi A3 at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2010 Audi A3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Audi A3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (2), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 18V082000, reported 30 January 2018. Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 16V079000, reported 10 February 2016. Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fuel system — campaign 11V490000, reported 3 October 2011. Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Fuel system — campaign 09V377000, reported 30 September 2009. Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Audi A3. The most-reported areas are Air bags (13), Fuel system (13), Power train (11). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is well above the median of 20 complaints across the 15 Audi A3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2010 Audi A3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 13 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns · 13 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 11 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (4 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Audi A3 compare to similar estate/wagons? For context, estate/wagons in our database average around 34 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 38 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 198 g/km CO₂ figure is 5 g/km lower than the 203 g/km average for estate/wagons on this site. This comparison is based on 194 estate/wagons in our dataset.
Audi models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2010 Audi A3's 38 mpg is 11 mpg above that make average. Its 198 g/km CO₂ figure is 53 g/km lower than the 251 g/km Audi average.
Of the 15 Audi A3 model years we cover, the 2010 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Audi A3 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2010 Audi A3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 Audi A3 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo diesel engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Audi A3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2010 Audi A3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2010 Audi A3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Audi A3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (2), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2010 Audi A3?
Among the 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (13 complaints), Fuel system (13 complaints), Power train (11 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2010 Audi A3 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 20 cubic feet (about 566 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Audi A3's fuel economy good for an estate/wagon?
Yes — it returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 34 mpg among the estate/wagons we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.