See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Audi A3 TDI

Diesel, Hatchback

Price Range: $31,100 – $33,100
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 30/42/34
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,800
Air Pollution Score: 5
Greenhouse Gas Score: 7
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 48/Superior
Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick; N/A
Space: 89 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 5
Similar Used: 2011

Good to Know:

• The A3 TDI was named 2010 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
• Combined fuel economy for the diesel version is 33 percent higher than for the gasoline version.
• The look and feel of the A3’s interior ranks among the top premium small cars on the market, although the car’s back seat space is limited.
• Audi will launch a redesigned, third-generation A3 in fall 2012. By 2014, the A3 platform could include hybrid, plug-in hybrid and compressed natural gas variants.

What the Press Says:

• “It’s an upscale alternative to more mainstream hatchbacks, a cheaper alternative to a regular luxury wagon, and with the clean-burning diesel engine, an extremely fuel-efficient alternative to hybrids.” — Edmunds.com
• “This sharp, luxury-leaning sportback typifies the clean diesel breed with its low emissions and impressive fuel efficiency. … It’s fun, stylish and thrifty, requiring a fill-up so infrequently there’s a sort of joy experienced in regularly passing stations at a blur.” — Green Car Journal
• “Audi’s smallest offering in the United States doesn’t fall short on style, with a strong familial design in a compact package that’s built both sporty and practical.” — Road & Track
• “The 2012 Audi A3 is one of the more practical cars in the class, but still manages to be fun to drive.” — U.S. News and World Report
• “Overall, the Audi A3 TDI is a clean, performance-driven little car with style and practicality.” — HybridCars.com

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photo from Audi