Audi A3

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Rating Summary 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 2.0 FSI.

Review

Closely related to the VW Golf under its sleek bodywork, the A3 is nevertheless worthy of serious consideration in its own right thanks to refined road manners, strong design and very good residuals.
Despite relatively compact exterior dimensions the A3 delivers a reasonable amount of space inside its well-finished cabin - certainly for front-seat occupants. A comfortable driving position makes it an excellent place to spend time, although more basic versions have to make do without much in the way of equipment. The five-door "Sportback" version features a higher roofline, making for more rear seat headroom.
Cruising refinement is brilliant thanks to a well-insulated cabin and a well-damped ride, but the A3 still tackles twisty roads with a reasonable dose of enthusiasm - gripping well and responding keenly to steering inputs. There is a good range of engines from which to choose, although the base 1.6 petrol is gutless out of town. Direct injection "FSI" 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol motors are far better - although it?s the brisk and surprisingly frugal 2.0 litre turbo FSI motor that will appeal most strongly to enthusiasts. Although undoubtedly fast it's hard to work up much excitement over the soulless range-topping 3.2 litre V6, even in conjunction with the clever DSG "twin clutch" gearbox.
Diesel choice is between a basic 1.9 litre engine with 105 bhp and a considerably more potent 2.0 litre, 140 bhp unit. Although the smaller engine has a slight edge on economy, we reckon that the better performance and refinement of the 2.0 TDI unit justifies the extra cost.

Breakdown

Styling Sleek looks and a very high quality paint finish help the A3 to stand out - only issue is the slightly

Handling Audi have transformed this A3's dynamics when compared to the insipid previous generation version. Good to drive on everything from motorways to

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 Basic engines lack performance compared to mainstream rivals.

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

Running costs Audi's own mechanics are relatively expensive but long service intervals means you shouldn't have to see them too often. Engines, with the exception of the 3.2 V6, are impressively frugal - and depreciation is under very tight control.

Value for money Attractive entry-level pricing disguises a sometimes stingy lack of equipment on cheaper versions. Gets very pricey towards the top of the range.

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

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