Audi A3 Saloon
New A3 range expands to include a four-door rival for the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé On sale July Price from £26,870
IT’S A SIMPLE formula, really.take one family hatchback, give it a swoopier roo ine and an extended tail and voila: you have a stylish new executive car.
In this instance, the result is the Audi A3 Saloon, which is based on the recently launched A3 Sportback and a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé and Mercedes-benz A-class Saloon.
The new, second-generation A3 Saloon is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in an extra 2cm of head room in the front and more elbow room. However, boot space remains unchanged, at 425 litres – virtually identical to the A-class Saloon’s.
On the outside, you get digital daytime running lights, made up of 15 LEDS, while inside, the dashboard is a carbon copy of what we’ve already seen in the A3 Sportback.this means a culling of many physical buttons, as well as the old car’s rotary-controlled infotainment system. In its place comes a 10.1in touchscreen, which is one of the best systems of its kind but still a step backwards for ease of use.you also get a 10.25in digital instrument panel, which allows you to put a wide range of information directly in front of you. Other standard kit includes a wi- hotspot and a voice control system; Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also be available soon after launch.
The standout engine option is a 148bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol in the 35 TFSI model. When paired with Audi’s seven-speed automatic gearbox, it comes with mild hybrid technology to improve ef ciency compared with the old car. In that guise, of cial fuel economy and CO2 emissions are virtually identical to those of the six-speed manual.
The only other option at launch is a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel auto (badged 35 TDI). But later there will be a 114bhp 2.0-litre diesel (30 TDI), a 108bhp 1.0-litre petrol (30 TFSI) and, farther down the line, two plug-in hybrids.
In addition to the standard suspension, there’s a rmer setup for the sportier-looking S line models.
First UK deliveries are expected in July, with prices starting at £26,870 for the 35 TFSI manual in entry-level Sport trim and topping out at £32,220 for the 35 TDI S line S tronic.
These prices mean the A3 Saloon carries a premium of only a few hundred pounds over the equivalent A3 Sportback.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
RIVALS Entertaining to drive, with a beautifully built interior.