Audi adds the wow factor

Ted Welford puts Audi’s updated bestselling model through its paces

With the new VW Golf bursting onto the scene at the end of 2019, the arrival of similarly-sized models from its sister brands was inevitable. We’ve already seen Skoda and Seat’s offerings, and now it’s time for the most premium of the lot to show its face - the Audi A3. There are no big surprises here, but no revolution is needed - this is Audi’s bestseller in the UK, after all. The last A3 was widely considered as one of the best cars in its class, though it was really starting to show its age. So can this new car amend that?

WHAT’S NEW?

On styling alone, you might think this is a facelift, rather than the all-new fourthgeneration model. But with its larger front grille and fancy

LED lights, it’s certainly helped to improve the looks. The main differences, though, lie in the cabin. Gone is the easy-to-use but old-fashioned feeling pop-up media screen, and in place is a glossy new 10.1-inch touchscreen and digital dials - both of which feature on every new A3. The engine line-up has also had a rejig, with the 1.6-litre diesel unit being ditched in favour of a new 2.0-litre powerplant. Select engines also benefit from new 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which helps to drive down emissions and reduce fuel consumption.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Behind the wheel, it’s pretty much business as usual, with refinement and comfort being two areas where this compact Audi excels. These traits lend themselves hand-in-hand with this higher output 2.0-litre diesel unit, and makes this hatchback an excellent car to spend time in on the motorway. The steering is linear and direct.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Apart from the new 10.1-inch touchscreen, perhaps the best thing about this A3 is the quality. Historically, that’s why you’d pay more for this hatch to have an Audi badge on the front, rather than a Volkswagen logo, and with high-grade materials being used throughout, the A3 feels far more upmarket than the new Golf.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Initially, three trims are on offer - Technik, Sport and sportier S line. Standard kit is impressive and includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors and cruise control. With the A3 range starting from £24,900, it makes the Audi marginally more expensive than its closest rivals - the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.

THE VERDICT

This A3 successfully continues where the last model left off adding additional technology to the interior, and improving the way it drives. With its classy styling and upmarket cabin, it’s a model that is likely to continue being Audi’s best-selling car on these shores. The interior of the A-Class might offer more, and the 1 Series remains more fun to drive, but as an all-round package, the A3 could have both of those two cars beaten.