The new Audi A3

TEST DRIVE: Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sport 3dr.

The Audi A3 has always been the default choice for those people who wanted a premium hatchback and a Golf just wouldn't do.
Over the years some other manufacturers like BMW, Volvo and lately Mercedes have decided to use the same niche in the market to give the A3 a bit of hard time. BMW with the 1series, Volvo with the V40 and Mercedes with the re-invented A-Class hatchback.

Exterior: None of the above competitors can quite match the class and balance found in the lines of the new A3. The profile is similar to the previous generation yet the crease which runs from the headlight to the rear light cluster is very sculpted and a lower flank gives the car a sporty look. The halogen headlights can be specified with xenons or full led lights. The car we drove had the xenon option which added a modern touch. The rear lights are now much wider and they give the new A3 a much slender look compared to the previous generations.

Interior: There is something about Audi's interiors that no other car maker can match, it's called "proportion". The dashboard has a good proportion of buttons and their sizes are quite similar. The interior has been de-cluttered from the unnecessary switches, even the cd player slot has been moved inside the glovebox. The dashboard is dominated by a high set screen which pops out when the ignition is switched on. All screen functions are controlled via a rotating knob in the centre console. The instruments are crystal clear with vertical needles at rest. The display of the dual-zone climate control is worth of a Bentley's interior. 

Driving: Our test car was a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with 122 bhp. It's one of the smallest engines but it never felt underpowered or thrashy. The 6th gear kept the engine very quiet even at motorway speeds. The suspensions of our "Sport" trim were firm but never uncomfortable and can be swapped for a softer "SE" trim setup at no extra cost. Our car was specified with a "drive select" button which alters the car's behaviour in 5 different driving modes. The steering increased its weight at higher speeds while at town speeds was a bit numb but never vague.

Prices: The new A3 prices start at £19,205 for the 3 door version. The Mercedes A-Class and Volvo V40 are more expensive. The BMW 1 Series is cheaper and its rear wheel drive is more engaging yet basic versions have a drab interior and its exterior is not something to brag about. I would perhaps expect a bit of more standard kit on our "Sport" trim such as the dusk and rain sensors, interior vanity mirrors or hold assist.

Verdict: The new Audi A3 certainly deserves the top spot for the premium hatchback. It's also 80kg lighter on average than the old A3 making it more fuel efficient and therefore cheaper to run than the BMW 1 Series. It's very elegant without being boring like the Volvo V40. The Mercedes A-Class is the only real threat to the new A3 but the Audi is a more rounded car and surely gets our vote. MG