When I first booked the Audi A3 for a weekend trip around Barcelona and its surroundings, I didn’t expect such a versatile and satisfying experience. Honestly, I thought I was just renting a compact car with a luxury badge. However, from the very first turn of the key—or rather, the push of the start button—I realized this was more than a smart city car. It was a carefully engineered driving experience.
I chose to rent Audi A3 hatchback mostly for practical reasons. I needed something easy to park, quick in traffic, yet comfortable and premium enough to enjoy every moment behind the wheel. Little did I know that this car would end up being one of the most enjoyable rentals I’ve ever driven.
A compact that feels premium
From the outside, the Audi A3 is discreet yet elegant. The clean lines, aggressive front grille and LED headlamps give it a serious but refined character. It doesn’t scream for attention, but you notice it—especially in white, which was the color of the model I got.
Once I opened the door and sat inside, I was greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin. The materials felt soft and of high quality, and the layout was unmistakably Audi: minimalist, intuitive, and luxurious without being overdone. Even the 150 CV label on the spec sheet started to make more sense. I knew I had something lively at my command.
Driving through the heart of Barcelona
Driving in Barcelona can be stressful, especially if you’re not used to the rhythm of the city. Tight lanes, constant movement, sudden scooters, and very few parking spots. But with the Audi A3, I never felt overwhelmed. In fact, I felt in control. The steering was precise, and visibility was excellent.
Parking sensors, a responsive rear camera, and smooth automatic transmission made city driving feel like a breeze. I could slide into tight parking spots near El Born, sneak through traffic around Plaza Cataluña, and still look good doing it.
And because of its 224 km/h top speed and agile handling, merging onto highways like the B-10 or C-32 was never a problem. I didn’t push it to the limit, of course, but knowing the power was there made every manoeuvre more confident.
Weekend escape to the Costa Brava
One of the highlights of my trip was taking the car on a scenic drive to Tossa de Mar, along the winding roads of the Costa Brava. That’s when the A3 really shined. The 1960 cc engine gave me enough thrust to make overtakes smooth and enjoyable. The curves were handled effortlessly, thanks to the sharp suspension setup.
Although it’s a hatchback, the car stayed planted even on uneven roads. That level of handling, combined with comfort-focused seats and low cabin noise, made the ride more enjoyable than expected. I’ve rented larger sedans before that didn’t feel this composed.
At one point, I even switched to dynamic driving mode just for fun. The throttle became more responsive, and the gear changes were quicker. I could finally enjoy the engine’s potential a little more without compromising fuel efficiency.
Comfort inside and out
What surprised me most about the A3 was how comfortable it remained across different settings. Whether navigating tight streets or cruising down the highway, it felt equally at ease.
Inside, the dual-zone climate control maintained a perfect temperature despite the July heat. The infotainment system synced seamlessly with my phone. I used navigation, Spotify, and hands-free calls all weekend long without a single glitch.
In terms of space, it was more than enough. The rear seats were comfortable even for adults. And the boot—well, I managed to fit two suitcases, a backpack, and a camera bag without effort. For a hatchback, that’s pretty impressive.
This is why I always say: if you want a compact premium car that delivers real comfort, you should rent Audi A3 hatchback without a second thought.
Smart tech that stays in the background
One of the big selling points for me was the technology. Adaptive cruise control and lane assist worked flawlessly when I hit the AP-7 highway. But more than that, they never felt intrusive. Audi has mastered the art of giving you help without stealing control. That balance makes driving so much more relaxing.
Another small feature that made a big difference was the stop/start system. It worked seamlessly and helped keep fuel usage low while waiting at traffic lights. And speaking of fuel, I only needed to top up once for the entire weekend. Efficient and fun—that’s a rare combination.
Ideal for every type of trip
Looking back, I realized the A3 suits so many use cases. Business trip? You’ll look sharp and arrive relaxed. Romantic getaway? It adds class without being flashy. City exploration? You’ll never stress over finding a spot or making a tight turn.
Even better, the Audi A3 rental Barcelona price is incredibly competitive. It easily beats similarly priced models in comfort, style, and features.
I was even stopped by a couple in Sitges who asked about the car. They thought I owned it. When I told them I had rented it, they immediately wrote down the website of the rental company.
That says a lot.
Would I rent it again?
Without hesitation. It’s rare to find a car that balances practicality, luxury, and price so perfectly. I’ve driven more expensive models, sure, but few gave me this level of satisfaction in such a compact format.
The truth is, when you rent Audi A3 hatchback from us at ddluxurycar.com, you’re getting a top-tier experience from start to finish.
If you’re planning a weekend away or a business trip and want something refined but compact, this is the car to book. Trust me, it will surprise you.
