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Audi A3November 2008

Recommended.

Beautifully built and well styled, the new A3 may be costly but it provides a very enjoyable drive, much improved handling and superb engines, especially the 1.8 TFSI and 1.6 TDI.

89 variants from £17,180 to £33,105

Our rating:

4

User rating:

4_5
Audi A3
 
 

Fifth Gear Audi A3 review

 
 
1. Solid construction
2. Brilliantly-designed cabin
3. Likely to make the neighbours jealous

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Gutless base engine
2. Need to pay extra for aircon on cheaper versions
3. Nothing else
 
 

Audi has firmly established itself as a premium brand these days, and this is reflected in both the styling and the pricing. Financially it is positioned to compete with the BMW 1 series rather than the VW Golf on which it was originally based, meaning expectations are somewhat higher.

Thankfully the A3 doesn't disappoint. The minor revisions to its styling in 2008 have brought it into line with the A4 and A5 range with more sculpted front wings, bumper and updated headlamps. Inside, the A3 feels like any other Audi; stylish and well built. The dash is made up of soft-touch materials and the dials and controls feel substantial and make sense ergonomically. Hints of aluminium around the cabin add to the car's premium feel. However standard equipment levels are slightly lacking; mid-range SE trim receives Audi's driver information system, multi-function steering wheel, and front fog lamps. Part leather isn't available until upper-middle 'Sport' specification and extras can be a little pricey.

There's also a new range of engines, including the superb 1.6 TDI; Audi's eco-friendly engine which offers a combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of just 109g/km. Its performance isn't too compromised either as its 105bhp is enough to get from 0-62mph in just over 11 seconds. Other engines include a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel available in 140 and 170bhp versions, a 1.6-litre entry-level petrol unit, and 1.2 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units offering between 100 bhp and 200bhp. If it's raw performance you're after, the flagship S3 model offers a fine blend of power and practicality. With 265bhp on tap, the S3 is one of the fastest hot hatches available, scooting from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph (limited). Even better news is that it's now available as a five-door.

The other sporty element to the A3 range is the convertible, which comes with four full seats and the choice of five of the engines - the 1.2-, 1.8-, and 2.0-litre petrols and the 1.6- and 2.0litre diesels. The roof mechanism is quick, taking just nine seconds to get the cloth roof from up to the down position. The other trick the Audi has is the ability to remove the hood while the car is moving, up to about 18mph.

The A3 range provides a decent drive whether on the motorway or windy B-roads. The steering feels balanced, although lacks a little feel, which can be a disappointment. It certainly feels less engaging than some of the less expensive hatchbacks on the market. It's comfortable though; road and wind noise are minimal, and the car's ride is pleasantly supple, minimizing the larger bumps and potholes, whilst still maintaining a good degree of firmness.

Ultimately though the A3's pricing lets it down. The S3 is no better to drive than its more affordable cousin, the VW Golf GTi and dynamically the rest of the range doesn't match up to the likes of the Focus, Golf or BMW 1 series. The engine range is excellent however, and if you want a classy motorway cruiser then the A3's looks, build quality and interior will probably win you over.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

Sleek looks and a very high quality paint finish help the A3 to stand out. Styling tweaks have brought it into line with the A4 and A5, and the A3's interior looks classy.

HANDLING

Audi has transformed this A3's dynamics when compared to the insipid previous generation. However, there are still much better handling and much less expensive hatchbacks on the market. The sporty S3 is less engaging to drive than its Golf GTI cousin.

COMFORT

Compliant suspension and good noise insulation mean the A3 is a convincing motorway performer.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY

Fit and finish is excellent, from the ultra-tight shutlines of the doors to the tactile, well-designed cabin.

PERFORMANCE

The S3 is one of the fastest hatchbacks available offering 265bhp. However the new 2.0-litre common rail diesel is also decent, available in 140 or 170bhp form. The best of the rest is the 1.8 TFSI which feels much quicker than a 1.8 and offers brisk and refined performance.

ROOMINESS

Less spacious than its sister, the VW Golf, the A3 still offers occupants a decent amount of room. Five-door version is noticeably better.

STEREO / SAT NAV

Standard stereo system offers good quality - but the optional upgraded versions are brilliant. DVD satnav works well and looks great.

RUNNING COSTS

Audi's own mechanics are relatively expensive but long service intervals means you shouldn't have to see them too often. Engines have been improved to offer better fuel consumption and lower emissions. The A3 also has decent residuals so long term costs are good.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Attractive entry-level pricing disguises a slight lack of equipment on cheaper versions. Towards the top of the range the A3 can get very pricey and costly optional extras can up the price even further.

ENVIRONMENT

The latest 1.6 TDI gets below the magic 100 g/km mark and there are plenty of other A3 diesels below 120g/km. The petrol engines have also benefitted from improvements to efficiency and CO2 emissions.

This review has been tagged with: Audi | Audi A3

There are 89 variants of the A3

A3 variants Price (£) Fuel type Engine
size (cc) 		CO2 emission
(g/km)
1.6 5dr £17,180 1595 164
1.2 TFSI 5dr £17,295 1197 127
1.6 Technik 5dr £17,480 1595 164
1.2 TFSI SE 5dr £17,960 1197 127
1.2 TFSI S tronic 5dr £18,775 1197 123
1.4 TFSI 5dr £18,845 1390 134
1.2 TFSI Sport 5dr £19,185 1197 127
1.2 TFSI SE S tronic 5dr £19,440 1197 123
1.6 TDI 5dr £19,450 1598 109
1.4 TFSI SE 5dr £19,510 1390 134
1.6 TDI SE 5dr £20,115 1598 109
1.4 TFSI S tronic 5dr £20,325 1390 127
1.8 TFSI 5dr £20,625 1798 153
1.2 TFSI Sport S tronic 5dr £20,665 1197 123
1.4 TFSI Sport 5dr £20,735 1390 134
1.2 TFSI S line 5dr £20,770 1197 127
2.0 TDI (140ps) 5dr £20,800 1968 115
1.6 TDI S tronic 5dr £20,930 1598 112
1.4 TFSI SE S tronic 5dr £20,990 1390 127
1.2 TFSI 2dr £21,180 1197 132
1.8 TFSI SE 5dr £21,290 1798 153
1.8 TFSI Sport 5dr £21,290 1798 153
1.6 TDI Sport 5dr £21,340 1598 109
2.0 TDI SE (140ps) 5dr £21,465 1968 115
2.0 TDI Sport (140ps) 5dr £21,465 1968 115
1.6 TDI SE S tronic 5dr £21,595 1598 112
2.0 TDI 5dr £21,750 1968 123
2.0 TFSI 5dr £22,060 1984 168
1.8 TFSI S tronic 5dr £22,105 1798 149
1.4 TFSI Sport S tronic 5dr £22,215 1390 127
1.2 TFSI S line S tronic 5dr £22,250 1197 123
2.0 TDI (140ps) S tronic 5dr £22,280 1968 129
1.4 TFSI S line 5dr £22,320 1390 134
2.0 TDI SE 5dr £22,415 1968 123
2.0 TDI Sport 5dr £22,415 1968 123
1.6 TDI 2dr £22,635 1598 114
2.0 TFSI SE 5dr £22,725 1984 168
2.0 TFSI Sport 5dr £22,725 1984 168
1.8 TFSI SE S tronic 5dr £22,770 1798 149
1.8 TFSI Sport S tronic 5dr £22,770 1798 149
1.6 TDI Sport S tronic 5dr £22,820 1598 112
1.8 TFSI S line 5dr £22,875 1798 153
1.6 TDI S line 5dr £22,925 1598 109
2.0 TDI SE (140ps) S tronic 5dr £22,945 1968 129
2.0 TDI Sport (140ps) S tronic 5dr £22,945 1968 129
2.0 TDI S line (140ps) 5dr £23,050 1968 115
1.2 TFSI Sport 2dr £23,070 1197 132
2.0 TDI S tronic 5dr £23,230 1968 130
2.0 TDI quattro 5dr £23,295 1968 135
1.4 TFSI S line S tronic 5dr £23,800 1390 127
2.0 TDI SE S tronic 5dr £23,895 1968 130
2.0 TDI Sport S tronic 5dr £23,895 1968 130
2.0 TDI quattro SE 5dr £23,960 1968 135
2.0 TDI quattro Sport 5dr £23,960 1968 135
2.0 TDI S line 5dr £24,000 1968 123
1.8 TFSI 2dr £24,090 1798 156
2.0 TFSI Sport S tronic 5dr £24,205 1984 168
2.0 TFSI S line 5dr £24,310 1984 168
1.8 TFSI S line S tronic 5dr £24,355 1798 149
1.6 TDI S line S tronic 5dr £24,405 1598 112
2.0 TDI 2dr £24,440 1968 119
1.6 TDI Sport 2dr £24,525 1598 114
2.0 TDI S line (140ps) S tronic 5dr £24,530 1968 129
1.2 TFSI S line 2dr £24,655 1197 132
2.0 TDI S line S tronic 5dr £25,480 1968 130
2.0 TDI quattro S line 5dr £25,545 1968 135
1.8 TFSI S tronic 2dr £25,570 1798 154
2.0 TFSI 2dr £25,580 1984 169
2.0 TFSI quattro Sport S tronic 5dr £25,685 1984 176
2.0 TFSI S line S tronic 5dr £25,790 1984 168
2.0 TDI S tronic 2dr £25,920 1968 134
1.8 TFSI Sport 2dr £25,980 1798 156
1.6 TDI S line 2dr £26,110 1598 114
2.0 TDI Sport 2dr £26,330 1968 119
2.0 TFSI quattro S line S tronic 5dr £27,270 1984 176
1.8 TFSI Sport S tronic 2dr £27,460 1798 154
2.0 TFSI Sport 2dr £27,470 1984 169
1.8 TFSI S line 2dr £27,565 1798 156
2.0 TDI Sport S tronic 2dr £27,810 1968 134
2.0 TDI S line 2dr £27,915 1968 119
2.0 TFSI Sport S tronic 2dr £28,950 1984 171
1.8 TFSI S line S tronic 2dr £29,045 1798 154
2.0 TFSI S line 2dr £29,055 1984 169
2.0 TDI S line S tronic 2dr £29,395 1968 134
2.0 TFSI S line S tronic 2dr £30,535 1984 171
quattro 3dr £31,065 1984 198
quattro 5dr £31,625 1984 199
quattro S tronic 3dr £32,545 1984 193
quattro S tronic 5dr £33,105 1984 195
 

Average

4_5

User reviews (3)

Leave a review

Lasse
5

Lasse23 June 2011

The 2.0 tdi (140 bhp) combines excellent mpg and performance. Why does Audi not promote this model more? Emissions of 115 g co2/km and a 0-60 in 9,1s, top notch quality and more practical in the sportback version than the equivalent golf. The Golf is not that much cheaper either... I got mine, so should you!

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Tim Howard
4

Tim Howard26 July 2011

The Audi A3 offers much more than just another hatchback. It is an entry point to premium motoring. Whilst pricing may be higher than some of it's obvious rivals, the reliability, quality of build and marque result in much better residual values and therefore comparible or lower cost of ownership. My wife and I currently have three Audi's, an A4 2.0 TDi Cabriolet Sport, an A2 1.6 FSi Sport and an A3 2.0 TDi (170) S-LIne Black Edition. We previously owned a A3 1.6TDi S-Line. I can honestly say that the A3 has been the most pleasurable to drive, the 1.6TDi is no hot hatch but the engine produces enough power to move at a reasonable pace, with the added benefit of pulling in some excellent consumption figures. My wife's A & B Road commute saw average figures of around 55mpg. The engine was incredibly smooth and not one bit thrashy despite it's small size. The S line spec adds more visual styling to the exterior of the car with different front and rear bumpers/diffusers, side skirts, grill, beefed up suspension with a lower ride height and of course 18" alloy wheels. The S line suspension may result in a ride that is a little harsh for some buyers, though I have always found it well dampered and comfortable. It also has the benefit of excellent grip levels and very little body roll in corners allowing you to throw the car around without scrubbing off too much speed (which of course hurts the mpg figures itself!). The build quality is exceptional, with not a rattle or squeek having developed by the time we replaced the car at 14k miles. The equipment levels are very good at S-Line trim, though by no means class leading. Dual zone climate control, electric windows, electric heated mirrors, rear sun blind, arm rest, driver information system, half leather sports seats, CD player and a decent set of speakers are all standard. The A3 Black Edition arrives today so I cannot comment on that yet. I expect it to share many of the same strong points that the 1.6TDi possesed. Of course the fuel consumption won't be as impressive, but I hope that the performance of the 170PS 2.0TDi mated to the S tronic (DSG) gearbox will make up for that! I'll add my thoughts in a couple of weeks!

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Alan Cook
5

Alan Cook09 December 2011

Better than Top Gear as it is more about cars that are affordable to wider audience

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