A3 buyer’s guide
FROM £7,000 Premium small car is pricey, but it’s a sound choice
How to get your hands on Mk3 premium hatch for £7k
UNTIL Audi launched the original A3 in 1996, nobody had managed to succeed with a posh small car. But far from the model bombing, the brand couldn’t make them fast enough, with waiting lists growing quickly.
Since the arrival of the MINI, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-class and others, the A3 has had a tougher time. Audi has risen to the challenge by developing the car so it’s even more desirable, with an array of safety and luxury tech, excellent powertrains and build quality that’s still superior enough to give most rivals a run for their money.
The brand has been forced to rethink its pricing, but the latest A3 is still not cheap; here’s how to buy the right one.
History
THE three-door A3 Mk3 appeared in September 2012, with 120bhp 1.4 TFSI and 178bhp 1.8 TFSI petrol engines or a 148bhp 2.0 TDI diesel, the latter with front
or four-wheel drive; a 1.6 TDI followed. By March 2013 there was a five-door Sportback, offering more legroom.
A 104bhp 1.2 TFSI engine came in spring 2013, as did a 60mpg cylinder-on-demand (COD) 1.4 TFSI that could run on two cylinders when cruising. A 181bhp 2.0 TDI diesel appeared, and in May 2015 a 1.6 TDI Ultra model was introduced, rated at 89g/km and 83mpg.
A facelift in spring 2016 brought the option of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instruments, improved connectivity, 1.0 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI engines, new colours, and xenon or LED headlights as standard.
Which one?
WE wouldn’t steer you away from any of the engines or transmissions; even the 1.0 TFSI is perky. But the three-door version is cramped in the rear seats and the boot is quite small, so we’d go for the more practical five-door Sportback.
Entry-level cars feature 16-inch alloys, a 5.8-inch display, eight-speaker hi-fi,
Bluetooth, Isofix, remote central locking and electrically adjustable mirrors. Also included are heated windscreen washer jets, a multifunction steering wheel, electric front windows (with rear as well on the Sportback), plus air-con.
Sport brings 17-inch wheels, sports seats and suspension lowered by 15mm, along with dual-zone climate control. S line cars feature 18-inch alloys, partleather trim, xenon headlights, plus sportier design details inside and out.
Alternatives
THE Volkswagen Golf shares much with the Audi and it’s just as likeable for the same reasons, although only the more powerful editions get four-wheel drive.
Another tough rival is the Mercedes A-class Mk3, which comes with some hi-tech kit, excellent build quality and five-door practicality for all models.
The BMW 1 Series is perhaps the A3’s biggest adversary because it’s so good to drive, has excellent build quality and
some very efficient engines. It feels sportier due to its low-slung seating position; there’s also a choice of three or five-door bodystyles.
Don’t overlook the Mazda 3, which is stylish, fun to drive, nicely built and well equipped. You get more for your money compared with the Audi, too.
Verdict
IT is easy to see why the A3 has been such a hit for the German firm. As well as being well built, easy to drive and safe, it offers something for everyone.
Buyers can choose between three or five-door hatchbacks, a convertible, an array of excellent petrol and diesel engines, plus some superb manual and automatic transmissions, too; there are even four-wheel-drive options.
It’s no wonder the Audi was named World Car of the Year in 2014; it was hot property then and still is now. As a result there are few bargains to be had, but the A3 is worth the premium.