Audi A3 1.9 TDI range

Audis Latest A3 Range Includes The Punchy 1.9-Litre Turbo Diesel. Steve Ghosley Takes A Look At The Models On Offer

The new Audi A3 has a formidable line up of models in its range, whether youre looking for the three-door or the five-door Sportback. Quite a few of them feature the 1.9-litre TDI turbo diesel engine brought over from the previous model, so its worth catching up on what this unit offers. The second generation A3 has gone a long way to restore Audis image as the up-market Volkswagen that many of its buyers perceive the company to be.

By sharing the same dynamic platform as the latest VW Golf, the A3 doesnt only look the part but can also deliver a sparkling driving experience to match its less exalted cousin. The 1.9-litre TDI powerplant we look at here represents the entry-level engine for the diesel range.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

Audi have made great strides concerning the refinement of the TDI engine and the effects are obvious as soon as you turn the key. The TDI system was once derided as being far less effective than the new wave of common rail diesel engines that have become popular and in terms of refinement, this system was starting to look and feel a bit dated. No longer: the difference is now virtually negligible. The 1.9-litre TDI engine is also Euro IV-compliant which means that company users dont get stung for the usual three per cent taxation surcharge and the rest of us can drive around with a warmly sanctimonious air, knowing that were doing our bit for the environment. The emissions figure of 138km is among the class best.

The 1.9-litre TDI is fitted with a five-speed manual as standard with no automatic box being offered on any of the three trim levels on either the three-door or five-door models. The current A3 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor but the most obvious change is the increase in wheelbase. The styling is largely evolutionary, remaining obviously an A3 with the Audi trademark single frame grille now featuring, only looking a little stretched.

The additional 65mm in wheelbase has rectified one of the old A3s faults, namely that rear seat accommodation was a bit pinched. The extra 30mm of width also helps a little with shoulder room.

"Audi have made great strides concerning the refinement of the TDI engine and the effects are obvious as soon as you turn the key"

The three-door version and the five-door Sportback are offered in three levels of trim. The three-door base-level 1.9-litre TDI kicks off at £16,725 and both the SE and Sport equivalents start at £18,725. The base-level five-door Sportback weighs in at £17,225 with both the SE and Sport costing £19,225.

Standard safety equipment includes window airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, a part-electric power steering system and anti-whiplash head restraints. The cabin has been restyled in this MK2 model to offer a little more design flair, Audi realising that high quality alone isnt enough to lure buyers into showrooms. There has to be some style on display too. The fascia struts ape the interior design of the TT, as do the round air vents and chrome-rimmed dials.

Its still not what youd call revolutionary, but its beautifully executed. The SE trim model gets an up rated radio, cruise control, electronic climate control, automatic dipping rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers, illuminated vanity mirrors and a leather type steering wheel. The Sport version comes equipped with a drivers information system instead of the cruise control of the SE model, aluminium sill strips, gloss finished inlays in the interior cabin, fog lights, sports suspension and a sunblind over the rear parcel shelf. Generally speaking, equipment levels are high throughout the A3 range with even the entry-level models getting a Thatcham category 1 alarm and immobiliser, rear window wash/wipe, electric windows and door mirrors.

Although it lacks the compactness of the three-door car, the five-door Sportback is a smart looking car, certainly a good deal easier on the eye than the rather challenging BMW 1 Series. An 83mm increase in body length and extra wide opening rear doors adds up to easy accessibility and far better rear knee and head room than its three-door counterpart. Space up front is equally good, the transverse engine and front-wheel drive transmission minimising intrusion into the passenger cell. Given that the current generation A3 is 65mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor, its obvious that rear seat passengers will be a whole lot happier in the Sportback than the old A3 five-door.

The luggage compartment also grows by 20 litres giving a total of 1,120 litres of space with the rear seat folded flat. As you would expect from a diesel, this A3 offers plenty of power in the low rev range. It hits 60mph in 11.4 seconds and tops 117mph, which isnt supersonic but certainly respectable.

Driving manners across the range have been improved with even the humblest versions riding on multi-link rear suspension. The Audi A3 TDI 1.9-litre may have an engine carried over from the previous model but that is no drawback. Indeed, the mechanical improvements that Audi have made to this unit have made it indistinguishable from more technically advanced powerplants.

Consequently, the A3 1.9-litre TDI represents a shrewd choice for those wishing to switch to diesel power in an up-market hatchback.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Audi A3 1.9-litre TDI range
PRICES: £16,725-£19,225 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 138/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.4s / Max Speed 117mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 40.9 (extra urban) 64.2 (combined) 53.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, BAS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4203/1765/1421mm