Audi A3

Expert Rating:

Introduction

The smallest engine in the Audi A3 is still not exactly cheap, but it's certainly where buyers should start their search if they want this premium-badged small hatch.

What are its rivals?

There are three key rivals to the Audi A3, and all of them have German genes. The first, and foremost, is the BMW 1 Series that matches the A3 on price, equipment and size in almost every way. The BMW differs from the A3 by using rear-wheel drive to the Audi's front- or four-wheel drive. This underpins BMW's belief in handling being of paramount importance on its customers' wish-lists, though not everyone is a fan of the 1 Series' looks. Also direct from Germany is the Mercedes-Benz CLC. It's not as handsome as Merc's ever-popular C-Class saloon, but the CLC hatch has a roomy cabin for four and a broad spread of engines. However, it's not as nimble to drive as the A3 is and not even in the same ball park as the BMW. Our other contender is built in the UK, but has German parentage: it's the MINI. Starting prices are much lower than the A3's, but a reasonably well equipped MINI Cooper or S model is on a price par with many an A3 and the two cars are likely to tempt very similar buyers.

How does it drive?

The current A3 is starting to grow fangs it feels so long in the tooth next to many rivals. Where a BMW 1 Series flows down twisty roads when pushed hard, the A3 is happier at a more sedate pace. There's plenty of grip and in the 1.4 T SE three-door model we tested it gave a decent, if uninspiring, account of itself on all types of road. It's just that the A3 doesn't excite the enthusiasm of its driver in the way a small, good-looking hatch should. It rides the bumps with calm efficiency, but yet again it's more competent than complete.

There's a little wind and road noise at higher speeds in the A3, but the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine is hushed and refined. We liked the six-speed manual gearbox thanks to its slick and accurate shift, but the steering feels too light in the driver's hands unless sitting on the motorway or parking. Still, the driving position is comfortable and there's plenty of space inside the A3, along with a decent boot.

What's impressive?

Audi's 123bhp 1.4-litre turbo motor is the star of this particular show. The 9.4-second 0-62mph time and 126mph top speed may not sound that impressive when stacked up next to the average hot hatch, but this engine does a great job. The key is 148lb.ft of shove generously distributed between 1,500- and 4,000rpm, which is exactly the rev band drivers spend most of their time in. It makes overtaking quick and safe and it also overcomes some of the A3's dowdy driving manners by providing some much needed zest. With 49.6mpg combined economy and 132g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, the 1.4 T engine in the A3 is easy on the wallet too.

What's not?

You'd think with the SE tag and a price of £17,515 for the three-door version of the A3 1.4 T it would come dripping with equipment. Well, it doesn't. Electric windows, air conditioning, CD stereo and alloy wheels are about your lot. For this kind of cash, most mainstream rivals serve up climate control, rear parking sensors and more. All of these goodies remain firmly on the A3's options list.

Should I buy one?

The 1.4 T engine is the pick of the range for the Audi A3, offering reasonable pace coupled to good economy and emissions. It's a feisty little engine that boxes above its weight and we found it made an ordinary car a little more exciting. However, the A3 cannot hold a candle to the BMW 1 Series or MINI and nor can it match the value for money offered by many cheaper mainstream alternatives, even if the Audi badge will help when it comes to used values. A great wee engine in an average car.

Alisdair Suttie