You get alot more for your money with the VW, but the Audi does have good residuals.
It all comes down to the looks, cos under the skin the A3 and the Mk4 are more or less the same, have you looked for a Mk4 for the same money as the A3, you may find the Mk4 has a few more options, and less mileage. I've had both, a 99' 1.8T 150bhp A3 and now have a 180bhp Mk4 anniversary, and I'd have the Mk4 any day, well....i'd rather have my Mk2 back on the road, but thats another story!