Audi A3 Review: The 1.4T FSI - Full Review

Audi A3 Review: The 1.4T FSI

Overview

It’s hard to believe that the Audi A3 was only launched into the South African market in 1996, it feels like a car that’s been with us for much much longer, and judging by the sheer number you see on the road, it's clear to see that the Audi A3 has played a crucial part in the Audi range of cars.

Performance

Equipped with a whole new range of engines this third generation A3 provides performance by using ultra efficient technologies such as direct injection, turbo charging, innovative thermal management, and a start-stop system.

The model we had on test was the 1.4T FSI, producing 90kW. In a small car packed with efficiency technology we managed to achieve the claimed 5.2 liters per 100km, all without sluggishness or bad performance.

The Audi A3 is a nippy little car, and 90kW is more than enough, although there is a 1.8T FSI model producing 132kW if you’re looking for something more sporty.

Economy

Economy across the entire range is improved by as much as 12% on the previous generation. In the 1.6 TDI a claimed economy figure of 4.4 liters per 100km is achievable.

Audi has managed to achieve the economy without losing performance by substituting displacement for forced induction. The combination of turbocharges and super chargers on smaller engines has given Audi the ability to save fuel while delivering a sport drive.

Tech

Audi have spared no expense on the technology they equip their cars with. The technology you’ll find in a Audi A3 is not too far from what you’ll find in Audi’s flagship A8 models.

Standard on the Audi A3 is an interior LED lighting package creating a great ambiance inside the car. You’ll also find a four spoke, leather covered multifunctional steering wheel, allowing you basic control of the radio and other systems without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Most impressive on the Audi A3 is the standard MMI interface screen that rises from the dashboard when the car it started. Technology like that we’re only used to seeing in higher segment cars.

Comfort

In the premium A segment there are few cars that can compete with the Audi A3 for comfort. The ride is soft and soaks up the road thanks to Audi’s sophisticated chassis and suspension. The steering is fully electronic, making it light and accurate, and super easy to drive daily in traffic or around town.

If you opt for the manual version the light clutch makes changing gears easy. In the S-Tronic version you can hardly notice gear changes thanks to the highly advanced dual clutch system Audi use.

Practicality

The new Audi A3 is bigger than the previous generation. At 4.24 meters long, 1.78 meters wide and 1.42 meters high it’s roughly 5% bigger than its forerunner.

Thanks to the extra space it’s possible to get 2 adults or 3 children in the back of the Audi A3 without any drama.

Luggage capacity is a whopping 365 liters, making the car very practical as a daily driver and family hatch back.

Conclusion

It’s not surprising to see how many A3’s there are on the road. The A3 is a well rounded hatchback providing good value for money and more than enough luxury and performance.

While it’s considerably different to the Golf, it’s a good alternative for a more discerning buyer.