Very good. On first acquaintance it’s actually the clean lines and simple ergonomics of the interior that most impress. Undoubtedly the high spec of our test car, which came with the full navigation system and leather interior amongst other optional extras, played a part in the premium sensation. But even the basic architecture oozes high-class appeal. The seats could be a bit more supportive, but otherwise the A3 is easy to get comfortable in, intuitive to use and feels appropriately solid in every respect.
Those concerned about rear passenger space will undoubtedly want to wait for the five-door model that arrives later this year. This three-door model is perfectly adequate (if unexceptional) in terms of its rear accommodation and usefully-shaped 365 litre boot.
The dynamics have improved, too, even if the A3 remains a slightly sterile drive. The ride in particular is much more pliant at low speeds. It’s a little unsettled over bigger vertical intrusions at higher speeds, but even over off-camber roads and with cornering forces involved, the A3 remains planted but forgiving. On this early evidence, deleting the sports suspension is a good move. Body control is a little soft by typical Audi standards, but it’s never even remotely unsettling and undoubtedly it’s a very fair trade for the good ride comfort.
The A3 still handles well. Both SE and S line (which will account for the majority of sales) get 'Audi select' as standard, which brings with it a variable steering and gearbox setting. Select dynamic and the steering weights up substantially, and with the S tronic 'box in 'sport' the A3 2.0 TDI sings along in a stable, grippy and flowing fashion. It’s not hugely involving, but it is a pleasant and predictable thing to drive quickly, and the venerable 2.0 TDI provides a decent mid-range swell on which you can make rapid progress without difficulty.
The new A3 generally feels more light-footed than its predecessor – potentially due to the weight that has been saved by the use of aluminium. The A3 remains pretty much the same size but for a marginally longer wheelbase.
Stick in auto, and the steering is too often on the light and disconnected side, and the gearbox can be caught out, too, feeling a touch lethargic generally, and dim-witted in its down-changes under more vigorous use. Still, in unhurried driving the A3 2.0 TDI is notable for its refinement. Engine noise is very audible under throttle, but otherwise it’s well suppressed by big diesel standards.
Overall, though, we’d avoid the automatic in favour of the sweet-shifting manual, not only for the savings made on purchase price, but also because it’s a more pleasant drive and a cleaner car – a very impressive 68.9mpg and 106g/km next to the 62.7mpg and 119g/km that the auto' manages.
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Fidji
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Given the decrease in weight, I expected better performance and economy figures.
vinylnutter
Given that the car achieves
Given that the car achieves almost 70mpg combined as a manual i think your expectations were unrealistic. The BMW 118D is about 7mpg off and slower too as a manual anyway.
W124
A3
By God that IS dull.
Bring back steel wheels.
sars
A3
Evolution not revolution, I like it and would choose it over a 1 series if I was after a car in that sector
Clacks
A3
Nice to see that as it's costing them less to produce, they're selling it for a lower price.........................................no wait.......
Beastie_Boy
A3
Yes, it all looks very clever, light and frugal but it has left me cold.
I'm sure they will sell loads of them (to women, mostly) but I hope some of the owners of the existing model spread their wings to check out the new Mercedes A class or Volvo V40.
They may not necessarily be better cars, but they certainly look it.
Ioanides
Interior design
How BMW-ish of them to go for this minimalist design. Form follows function. Almost as good as the original.
speckyclay
Pricing
Seems reasonably priced against the Golf, considering the equipment. Still rather dull though.
Audi_A5
MMI Display
The interior looks classy, but I'm not a fan of the MMI display which looks like it has been stuck onto the dashboard as an afterthought (and would it get in the way of an aftermarket SatNav, I wonder?).
Still, BMW and Mercedes appear to be going down the same route in terms of dashboard design, so I am not singling out Audi especially.
JezyG
I would of liked to have known
I would of liked to have known a little about this "new" engine and why it is better. The car is very similar even the alloys look the same as those on the current A3 sport. A cheaper platform has not lead to a cheaper car though! Is that because VAG has now got a wider profit margin per unit?
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