2012 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2012 Audi A3 is simpler trim naming: the 2.0 TDI, 2.0T, and 2.0T Quattro continued as Premium trims. Otherwise, this is a carryover year with no significant mechanical, styling, safety, or technology updates.
About the 2012 Audi A3
2nd generation Audi A3 (8P, facelifted U.S. wagon era), late-cycle year and the second-to-last U.S. model year before the wagon ended after 2013.
Audi sold the 2012 A3 as a compact premium hatchback/wagon for buyers who wanted more cargo flexibility than a sedan without moving to a crossover. The brochure leans on athletic styling, a leather-lined cabin, five-passenger practicality, and a choice between gas performance, diesel efficiency, or quattro traction. Its main draw was simple: Audi design and road manners in a smaller, more versatile package than the A4.
The 2012 A3 is a compact upscale wagon offered in three distinct forms: an efficiency-focused diesel, a 200-hp turbo gas model, and a gas model with quattro all-wheel drive. All three have leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a folding rear seat that opens up as much as 39 cubic feet of cargo space.
What changed, by category
2012 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd DC & S Tronic | Auto 6-Spd DC & S Tronic | Auto 6-Spd DC & S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–30 mpg | 42 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 140 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 39 cu-ft | 39 cu-ft | 39 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Audi A3 compared with the 2011 model?
Only the trim names changed in a meaningful way. The 2.0 TDI, 2.0T, and 2.0T Quattro continued with Premium added to their names, while the engines, styling, safety equipment, and technology carried over.
Is the 2012 Audi A3 worth choosing over the 2011 model for major updates?
No, not for major product updates. The 2012 A3 is essentially the same vehicle as the 2011 model apart from its revised Premium trim names.
Does the 2012 Audi A3 have a diesel model?
Yes. The 2012 A3 2.0 TDI Premium has a 140-hp 2.0-liter diesel engine and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Which 2012 Audi A3 has all-wheel drive?
The 2.0T Quattro Premium has all-wheel drive. It pairs quattro with the 200-hp turbocharged gas engine and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic; the diesel is front-wheel drive.
Was 2012 the final year for this Audi A3 wagon?
No. The U.S.-market A3 wagon continued through the 2013 model year, making 2012 its second-to-last year.