We review the Audi A3 Saloon from price to economy and all its features
AUDI are putting the boot into the compact premium market with the new A3 saloon, and they are ready to kick off a brotherly war
AUDI are putting the boot into the compact premium market.
And, just like the headline hogging battles of Liam and Noel Gallagher and the hardnut Mitchells of EastEnders, they are ready to kick off a brotherly war.
The Audi A3 Saloon is the latest member of the A3 family, following the three-door hatch and the five-door Sportback.
It’s also the first time a saloon model has been offered as part of the A3 range, and when the convertible arrives, which was revealed in Frankfurt last week — it will use the same platform.
This is not a market that has ever been successful in Europe — only in North America and China do booted small execs excel in sales. However, Mercedes have already attempted to fill this niche with the CLA.
The A3 Saloon will take on the CLA head-to-head — but it’s so impressive it also immediately becomes a big rival of its older and slightly bigger brother A4.
In fact, the A3 has started to look a bit dull in the increasingly dynamic Audi portfolio. Not any more — this saloon has far more zip about it thanks to the dramatic Tornado line body crease down on each side.
The compact profile is very well proportioned and the sharp rear lights also give it a more futuristic presence than almost every other Audi. It’s a far more understated design than the Merc CLA as well.
The interior is pretty much unsurpassed at this price — the design and use of materials is so good that you could be easily think you were driving an exec king A6.
The saloon has the same wheelbase as the A3 Sportback so there’s enough room in the back seats to fit even tall adults — although there is 11mm less headroom than in the Sportback.
The more practical saloon body frees up some extra room in the boot, so it can now store 425 litres of luggage rather than 380 litres. It’s still 55 litres smaller than an Audi A4, though, and at 25cm shorter than its bigger brother, there’s also a bit less legroom.
There’s little difference between how the Audi A3 Saloon drives compared to its hatchback brothers and cousins. The standard 17in alloys fitted to my Sport test car delivered comfort motorway speeds as much as is in town.
Only the largest bumps and potholes meant a pain in my backside — it has the same road manners and outstanding refinement as with other models based on the same platform, including the new Seat Leon and Volkswagen Golf.
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At launch, the most efficient engine on offer in the A3 Saloon line-up is a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, which claims 67mpg and 108g/km.
However the cleverest model is the138bhp 1.4 TFSI petrol engine. Acceleration is rapid and eager with 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds — and when you keep pedal to the metal, the turbos kick in to make this a fun drive.
This engine also has an impressive extra trick up its sleeve. Underlining its premium prowess, the A3 Saloon borrows technology from the twin-turbo 4litre V8 in the Bentley Continental GT and Audi S6, and can shut down half its cylinders when plodding about town.
You hardly notice the engine’s technology deciding this when you’re driving, but it pays off big time in terms of fuel economy and emissions. Despite the punchy performance, the A3 Saloon can still deliver 60mpg and 109g/km of CO2. That means this engine makes much more sense than a diesel if you don’t do many miles.
If you want a bit more OMG than MPG, there are no quattro variants on sale yet but they’ll eventually be introduced along with an S3 version, featuring 296bhp for a 0-62mph time of around five seconds.
The A3 Saloon is only available in high-end Sport and S line trims which means it’s not cheap, but it does mean the car comes well equipped. Sport includes alloys, climate control, and sports seats, while S line has part-leather upholstery and all sorts of sporty styling upgrades.
It’s on sale now and prices start at £24,275 for the 2litre diesel. The clever 1.4litre TFS begins at £24,305.
That means the Saloon undercuts the A4 Saloon equivalent by around £2k. That’s a lot of money saved if you are willing to put up with a little less legroom and boot space.
That sort of equation is sure to swing lots of buyers to the A3. As Noel Gallagher once (almost) sang, that may have the big brother A4 looking back in anger.
And as Oasis proved, sibling rivalry can produce hit after hit. Audis saloon brothers look set to do the same.
What to look out for when buying a used Audi A3 Mk 2 (2003-2012)
Like all Audis, the A3 is generally tough and reliable.
This generation of A3 has been the subject of five recalls between March 2005 and December 2011, for such ailments as fuel-pump leaks, flywheel failure, airbag faults and DSG transmission problems. Make sure that all of these issues have been fixed before signing on the dotted line.
Many A3s have suffered overheated engines due to leaky radiators, so check the underside of the oil filler cap for frothy, beige slime, which usually indicates cylinder-head gasket leakage.
Build quality on Mk3 models (2012-) is excellent but some owners have complained about niggling electrical issues and clutch burnout, so check these carefully when buying. Some also find Audi’s dealerships less than helpful, while faults and servicing can be expensive. There have been no recalls to date.