Audi’s smallest automobile is likely to be straightforward to miss in a world of outsized SUVs and high-performance EVs however there’s nonetheless lots to love in regards to the A3, particularly for these looking for one thing compact, environment friendly, and genuinely premium-feeling.
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The A3 was first launched in 1996, and in 2020, it entered its fourth era with a extra trendy and mature look. It has not been promoting in the identical numbers because the third-gen mannequin, however it nonetheless serves an necessary function because the entry-level mannequin in Audi’s vary.
Final yr it underwent a facelift, bringing with it a barely extra hanging look and up to date lights. Sadly, this replace introduced with it a major worth hike, which means in Australia the bottom Sportback mannequin now begins at AU$54,800 (~$35,400), up AU$4,200 ($2,700) from final yr, which itself was already fairly a hefty chunk of change for a hatch of this measurement.
Up till not too long ago, I’d by no means had an opportunity to drive the fourth-gen A3, however I not too long ago spent per week dwelling with the bottom A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic, which proved to be a wonderful day by day. Nevertheless, the worth could also be onerous to justify for some.
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Pictures Brad Anderson/Carscoops
What’s New For 2025?
In updating the A3 for the 2025 mannequin yr, Audi has launched a wider Singleframe black grille and redesigned the decrease lip spoiler. There are additionally newly-shaped air intakes, however on the mannequin we examined, they’re utterly non-functional and coated in low cost black plastic.
A brand new set of LED headlights and taillights has additionally been launched for 2025. Whereas the 35 TFSI S tronic we examined sits on the base of the native vary, it seems to be certifiably sporty. Nevertheless, there’s nothing significantly sporty in regards to the powertrain.
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Driving the automobile is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 148 hp (110 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. This engine is mated as much as a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending energy solely via the entrance wheels. Aussie buyers can order the 35 TFSI in each Sportback and Sedan guises, each packing the identical powertrain.
Curiously, there’s additionally a mild-hybrid system that’s been integrated, which provides 12 hp (9 kW) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm). Given the A3’s modest efficiency figures, it comes as no shock that it’s not significantly spritely, requiring 8.1 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph).
Only a single trim degree of the A3 Sportback and Sedan is out there within the native market, though each fashions could be configured with the Consolation package deal and the Fashion package deal. The primary of those provides an electrical tailgate whereas the Fashion pack consists of 18-inch Audi Sport wheels, black exterior styling, privateness glass, black wing mirrors, and configurable ambient lighting. Our tester featured each, bringing its complete worth as much as $58,810 (~$38,000) earlier than relevant on-road prices and expenses.
Pictures Brad Anderson/Carscoops
A Sporty And Spacious Inside
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The cabin is a superb place to spend time. I’m an enormous fan of the structure of this era of Audi, preferring it over the marginally odd cabin designs of brand-new Audi fashions, just like the A6 e-tron.
The steering wheel is completely sized and surprisingly sporty. Sitting behind it’s Audi’s very good 12.3-inch digital cockpit plus. Whereas this primary system is comparatively outdated, and the software program is considerably primary, it stays one of many higher digital gauge clusters in the marketplace.
Positioned within the middle of the sprint is a ten.1-inch infotainment show utilizing Audi’s acquainted software program. Angular air vents have then been integrated into the sprint, which itself is sort of angular, properly complementing the outside design.
Pictures Audi Australia
However, some components of the cabin aren’t fairly so good. For starters, there’s far an excessive amount of high-gloss piano black plastic across the digital shifter and the Begin/Cease button. Moreover, there’s a notable lack of soft-touch surfaces on the sprint and door panels, and an abundance of bland black plastic as a substitute.
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Luckily, the seats are nice. Our tester’s seats have been clad in a luxurious fabric and leatherette upholstery and have been exceptionally snug, even over lengthy journeys. In addition they supply good bolstering ought to house owners need to have interaction in some sporty driving, moderately than merely utilizing the A3 as a automobile to get from level A to level B.
The four-way electrical lumbar help can also be helpful. Nevertheless, an absence of electrical adjustment for the entrance passenger seat, although not an enormous deal, is a wierd cost-saving measure, significantly since each entrance seats are heated.
Pictures Audi Australia
Each wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, as are DAB+ digital radio and a small wi-fi telephone charger. The A3 35 TFSI additionally comes customary with a strong 10-speaker audio system.
Relating to ferrying round passengers, the A3 does the job properly sufficient. Rear house is strong and a few adults can match comforably. There aren’t any controls to regulate the fan pace within the rear, however there’s a scroll wheel to tweak the temperature, which is good.
Cargo house is sweet. With the rear seats in place, the A3 Sportback provides up 380 liters (13.4 cubic ft) of carrying capability and 1,200 liters (42.3 cubic ft) with the seats folded down. A cargo web on the ground is a welcome inclusion.
What’s It Like To Drive?
Quickly after sliding into the A3’s seat and setting off, it turned instantly clear that it feels sportier than the equal VW Golf with which it shares its MQB structure.
Thoughts you, it’s not quick. As talked about, it takes over 8 seconds to hit 62 mph. Nevertheless, the direct and well-weighted steering provides the 35TFSI a sporty edge. Admittedly, house owners will drive their vehicles in city settings more often than not, however for these desirous to enterprise out to a mountain street, there’s loads of enjoyable available.
The automobile we examined was fitted with Nexen tires, and whereas they aren’t essentially the most premium providing, they offered an excellent mixture of grip and luxury with out an intrusive quantity of noise.
Audi’s engineers must be counseled for doing a fantastic job with the suspension setup of the 35 TFSI, too. It stays poised and unsettled over bumps, making certain the Sportback is well-suited to on a regular basis driving duties.
Pictures Audi Australia
A pair of paddle shifters behind the wheel means that you can shift via the gears, however the seven-speed ‘field isn’t the quickest in the marketplace. It’s typically greatest when left to its personal gadgets, easily altering via the gears as you construct pace. As you’d think about, the turbo three-pot isn’t characterful, nor does it sound significantly good at greater revs. Furthermore, in moist situations, there’s an disagreeable quantity of wheel hop via the entrance tires for those who’re a bit of too grasping with the throttle.
Effectivity is the powertrain’s robust swimsuit. Audi says the 1.5-liter turbo sips 5.3 l/100 km (44.3 US mpg) over the mixed cycle. I managed to return 5.8 l/100 km (40.5 US mpg) throughout my time with the automobile, which included a mixture of freeway and suburban driving. Aiding within the effectivity is the truth that the engine will deactivate two cylinders in leisurely driving. There’s additionally regenerative braking, permitting the automobile to recuperate as a lot as 12 kW.
Pictures Audi Australia
Verdict
The newest A3 is a strong all-rounder. In base kind, it might not be significantly inspiring, however it ticks the entire necessary bins for these out there for a premium hatchback with the Ingolsdadt-based model’s cache.
Audi’s crew has carried out a fantastic job of completely strolling the road between heat hatch and comfy cruiser, constructing a automobile that’s environment friendly when it must be, however could be surprisingly pleasing to drive alongside a twisty street. As an entire, it serves as an ideal entry into the model’s expansive household of fashions. Nevertheless, price-conscious hatchback and sedan patrons would possibly need to look elsewhere – as they most likely ought to, as a result of the likes of Audi don’t spotlight worth for cash being one among their strongest promoting factors anyway.
