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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
8/10
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The Golf-based hatch has been around a while now but it still looks fantastic. It’s not a particularly bold or adventurous design - it simply has its dimensions and proportions spot on and is topped off with simple, yet aggressive and effective, detailing.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
8/10
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A 125hp 1.4 Turbo has replaced the 115hp 1.6 and a 160hp 1.8 Turbo has displaced the 150bhp 2.0. Entry-level 102hp 1.6 soldiers on but is best avoided, as is the 105hp 1.9 TDi, 230hp 3.2 V6 and 265hp 2.0 Turbo in the S3. Opt for the 1.4 or 1.8 Turbos or a 2.0TDi (140 or 170bhp).
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Performance
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Score:
8/10
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The 1.6 & 1.9 TDi feel slow. The 1.8T is 1.1secs quicker to 100km/h than the 2.0 FSi while the 1.4T knocks 1.3 seconds off 1.6 FSi 0-100km/h time. The 2.0 TDi 140bhp feels quick but the 170bhp is a real-world rocket. The 2.0T and V6 are fast but the S3 is a proper flier (0-100km/h in just 5.7secs).
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
7/10
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The Audi A3 takes things a little more seriously than the Golf on which it’s based, riding smoothly (if firmly) and handling confidently. As power increases, so do the fun levels, culminating in the fun 2.0T and 2.0 TDi models. The S3 is a disappointment - too much grip and not enough feel.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
8/10
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The A3’s dashboard might be sobre and austere but it is supremely easy to use, with near-perfect ergonomics and a driving position that can be tailored to suit everyone. Upmarket models are a little less depressing inside although even the top S3 models feels sparse.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
5/10
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The A3 is superbly comfortable in the front, but rear space is quite disappointing. The low roofline eats into headroom and legroom isn’t exactly overflowing either. The boot is big and the seats split and fold, but the back isn’t a place for adults at all, especially in three-door form.
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Safety
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Score:
7/10
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Even base models are fitted with front, side and curtain airbags, traction control, anti-whiplash headrests and three 3-point seatbelts and headrests in the rear. Its 4-Star NCAP rating is disappointing, however and ESP remains optional on most models.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
4/10
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The A3 costs about ten grand more than the equivalent Golf, which is tough to justify given how similar they are. The Golf is more spacious too, making the A3 seem all the more silly. Residual values will be strong and running costs won’t be too bad, but how badly do you want that badge?
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
7/10 |
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Audi plastics have an upmarket feel, but the A3 is let down by some boring parts-bin switchgear and occasional flimsiness. It feels more VW than BMW-rival. Refinement is excellent, though, as long as you avoid the sport suspension, and the turbo engines are smooth and hushed too.
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Equipment
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Score:
5/10
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Attraction A3s have e/windows and mirrors, remote locks, 16” steel wheels & a CD player. Ambiente models add 16” alloys, armrests, cruise control, leather steering and auto wipers & lights. Ambition adds 17” alloys and sports suspension, seats and steering to Attraction spec. A/C is a €2K option.
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Bad
Cramped
expensive
quality.
Good
Handsome
fun to drive
ergonomics.
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