The Audi A3 is now in its third and by far its best generation. Built upon the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform, the new lightweight construction brings with it renewed agility, refinement and efficiency to the A3 premium hatchback.
To the average road user, the new A3 may not look strikingly different to that of the second generation, but rest assured that it is all-new, both inside and out, including the engine line-up. The exterior dimensions remain unchanged (4 237 mm long, 1 777 mm wide and 1 421 mm tall), save for the wheelbase that has grown by 23 mm to 2 601 mm. In front, Audi’s signature hexagonal radiator grille takes pride of place, with narrower headlight units that are available with combination xenon and LED daytime running lights. A sharper crease runs the length of the vehicle and meets with larger rear lights.
A low bonnet, prominent shoulders and sharply inclined C-pillars further define the latest A3, which by all accounts is as neat as a pin, but not very imaginative when compared to rivals like the 1 Series and upcoming A-Class. Having said that, the evolutionary approach to styling seems to have become a trend among the recent Audi models and is unlikely to harm the A3’s sales.
Inside, it’s great to see the A3 sporting an entirely new interior, which draws inspirations from that of the smaller A1. More polished, modern and tech-savvy, thanks to the updated MMI interface and colour LCD screen, the A3’s interior is streets ahead of its predecessor. An optional sat-nav system introduces MMI Touch, which offers handwriting recognition for the infotainment system, although many may find the traditional rotary control more intuitive. The LCD screen, standard on all models, also retracts into the dashboard when not in use, which is preferable to the fixed item found in its BMW rival.
The interior quality is beyond expectation, which is saying a lot considering Audi have set a very high standard in the past. On all trim levels, (S, SE and S Line), the attention to detail when it comes to the fitment of trim strips, stitching, high quality and soft-touch plastics, as well as the finished of edges of components, is simply superb. Front passenger space remains adequate, but rear leg and headroom will run out quickly for those approaching 6 ft. Fortunately the five-door A3 Sportback will be with us in May 2013, which Audi expects will continue to be the most popular body style in the range.
A bugbear for many with the previous A3 was the ride quality, which was largely viewed as a little too hard. With the new generation car, Audi have managed to achieve a commendable balance between ride comfort and handling composure. Driven over some of the Western Cape’s best mountain passes, the A3 could be pushed harder than expected before Audi’s trademark understeer reared its head. This is thanks to the slightly longer wheelbase and reduction in weight (up to 80 kg depending on the model and specification), which has involved swapping steel for aluminium construction at the front end.
At the same time, body roll was within acceptable levels and, on bumpier B-roads, the car required little effort to maintain its line, never letting any surprise bumps or knocks through to the cabin. The overall ride quality is excellent and bodes well for the many new models that will spring from the MQB platform in due course. The SE and S Line package adds Audi Drive Select, which adjusts the engine, transmission, steering dampers, from comfort through to sport, as well as offering the choice of individual settings of each.
Audi claim their new engine line-up is 12% more efficient on average versus the previous model. All engines feature direct injection, turbocharging and automatic engine stop/start. In addition, an optional 7-speed S tronic transmission helps to reduce emissions and improve economy even further. Engine choices in the petrol line-up include a 77 kW 1.2-litre T FSI (available from Feb 2013), 90 kW 1.4-litre T FSI and 132 kW 1.8-litre T FSI. The latter replaces the 2.0T FSI and is available in both front-wheel drive or Quattro permanent all-wheel drive with 6-speed S tronic transmission. On the diesel front, a 1.6-litre TDI offers 77 kW and a larger capacity 2.0-litre TDI offers 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque.
We sampled the 1.4T FSI and 1.8T FSI engines at launch, with the 1.4-litre proving the pick of the two. A willing character paired with a well sorted manual transmission, make accessing the engine’s 90 kW and 200 Nm (between 1 500 – 4 000 r/min) a honestly enjoyable affair. We didn’t get much chance to put the Quattro model through its paces, but the permanent all-wheel drive in the 132 kW 1.8T FSI seems a little unnecessary and is likely to make more sense in the more powerful S3, which is expected to arrive in March 2013.
First impressions suggest the new Audi A3 has regained its top spot in the premium hatchback class, primarily by virtue of its new interior and ride quality. Premium has never meant cheap, but with the latest line-up of fuel efficient engines and associated technologies, it’s likely that the new A3 has also never been cheaper to run.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Audi A3 1.2T FSI S | R267 000 |
| Audi A3 1.4T FSI S | R274 500 |
| Audi A3 1.4T FSI S tronic S | R291 500 |
| Audi A3 1.6 TDI S tronic S | R302 500 |
| Audi A3 1.8T FSI SE | R305 000 |
| Audi A3 1.8T FSI S tronic SE | R322 000 |
| Audi A3 1.8T FSI S tronic Quattro | R351 500 |
All models feature a 1-year/Unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
