Audi A3 3-Door Range
Corporate identity is big business when it comes to designing cars. Manufacturers wax lyrical about family faces and brand design language, desperately striving to identify their product in a teeming market. Audi have realised this and their models have, for some time, replicated each other to a certain degree in look and feel. This design language evolves over time and the current look hinges around a boldly defined front grille.
The current A3 three-door wears this front end, dubbed the beard by some, giving it real gravitas.
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0 TDI engine at prices from around £17,000. Petrol buyers get a 102bhp 1.6 at the foot of the range at prices from around £15,540, but most opt for one of the turbocharged TFSI engines: either the 125bhp 1.4, the 160bhp 1.8 or the 200bhp 2.0-litre unit.
These are powerplants which sit below the 250bhp V6 3.2-litre FSI variant. The 3.2 is fitted with quattro all-wheel drive transmission as standard, something that is also offered as an option on the 2.
0T FSI and the 2.0-litre 170 diesels. Interestingly, the S3 uses a version of the 2.0-litre Turbo engine which is significantly lighter than the V6 but in this instance, its tuned to achieve 263bhp and heart-stopping performance.
"A great small car that feels like the concentrated goodness of a great big one"
All these engines, bar that of the S3, also come fitted to A3 Sportback models, basically 5-door versions of the 3-door line-up were looking at here but positioned by Audi slightly more towards the lifestyle end of the premium compact market. At an extra cost, model-for-model, of around £500, its probably worth seriously considering the Sportback option, even if you dont really need the extra doors. There have been specification changes too. Standard versions have been upgraded to include a Chorus radio with single CD player, SE models move up from a 16-inch alloy wheel to a new 17-inch 16-spoke design and Sport specification now includes a change to a 17-inch 5-spoke wheel.
Many A3 buyers upgrade their cars to Sport and S line specifications, trim levels tweaked in recent times by the UK importers to include an upgraded sports suspension kit with modified spring and damper settings designed to improve ride comfort without compromising on agility. For around £1,500 over the cost of a Sport-trimmed model, the S line variants now include full leather trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, S line badging, a more aggressive front and rear bumper design and a roof spoiler. Inside, theres leather trim for the steering wheel plus leather sports seating. Its also worth mentioning that the ESP stability control system has also been updated across the whole range, now featuring a function that increases or decreases steering weight to help a counter steering response in the event of a skid.
The ESP can also be programmed with Audi hill hold assist, an optional function that prevents the vehicle rolling backwards on a slope. On the road, the 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel I tried offers the sort of performance youd expect from Audi. It hits 60mph in 9.
2 seconds and tops 130mph, which makes it only marginally slower than the non-turbo 2.0-litre FSI. With 60% more torque, however, theres no doubt which of the two cars will feel the stronger when accelerating up a motorway on-ramp. Its pull matches the 3.
2-litre V6 model, a car which makes 60mph in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 153mph. Driving manners across the range have been improved in recent times, with even the humblest versions riding on multi-link rear suspension. Where Audi really pulls clear of the opposition is in the availability of its revolutionary dynamic shift S Tronic gearbox on the most powerful petrol and diesel models.
First seen in the TT 3.2 V6 coupe, this system is based around a sequential manual gearbox but utilizes an ingenious twin clutch system to ensure creamy smoothness. Engage first gear and the gearbox will pre-engage second gear in advance, the second clutch engaging as soon as you flick up to slot instantly into second gear. This means a seamless flow of power.
The electronics predict what gear youre about to engage, depending on whether youre accelerating or braking and the result is astonishing, making every other gearbox look distinctly clunky. The other option is to slip it into D and drive it like a normal automatic. Even in this mode its butter smooth and makes other attempts at sequential manual systems such as Ferraris F1, BMWs SMG and Alfa Romeos Selespeed appear distinctly clunky and yester-tech. 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 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 A3 three-door has always been a great small car that feels like the concentrated goodness of a great big car. Nothings changed. Youll still want one as soon as your strides hits the seat.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Audi A3 3-door range
PRICES: £15,540-£26,830 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 9-18
CO2 EMISSIONS: 119-240g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.2] 0-60mph 6.7s / Max Speed 153mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 FSI] (urban) 25.2mpg / (extra urban) 48.7mpg / (combined) 36.2mpg
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
