Better value than ever. Lighter than before despite extra equipment
Audi created the premium hatchback sector and its A3 is still the best, although new A-Class must be a worry
For: Finely evolved styling protects residual values. Luxury class levels of quality fit and finish. Dynamics better than ever
Against: I spent a long time trying to think of something
While some may complain that the A3 is a VW Golf under the skin, the exterior and interior bear no resemblance and even though the Golf interior is very high quality, that of the A3 is even better with more premium details.
Enthusiasts would say that the BMW 1 Series has better dynamics thanks to rear wheel drive but BMW is about to move to front-wheel drive for its smaller models and will finally accept the concept of platform sharing, future Minis being the same underneath as future small BMWs.
The majority of drivers of these cars would not notice the difference between front and rear wheel drive. Certainly, front-wheel drive is generally safer for anybody but racing drivers, and gives better grip in poor conditions and greater stability in cross winds.
The new A3 Sportback is available initially in 20 versions with two petrol engines; 1.4, 122 PS and 1.8, 180 PS and two diesel; 1.6, 105 PS and 2.0, 150 PS. All versions are available with either 6-spead manual or 6 or 7-speed autos except for the 1.8 which is only available with a 7-speed auto box. Prices range from £19,825 for a 1.4 SE to £27,180 for a 1.8 S line. Anyone who suggests that these prices are high need only look at whole life running costs. According to trade guide CAP, an Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 costs 31.39 p per mile to run against a whopping 39.46 for a Vauxhall Astra 1.6i; over 3 years and 60,000 miles that represents an extra £4,842! You could do the same comparison with Ford, Citroën, Peugeot or Renault with similar results.
There are three levels of trim starting with the SE which has 16” alloy wheels, and radio with electrically folding colour screen, Bluetooth, voice control system, air conditioning, leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, all electric windows, driver information system.
The Sport adds 17” alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, sports seats and sports suspension. The S line also offers 18” alloy wheels, S line body styling, cloth/leather upholstery, xenon headlights, and storage and luggage packs.
The latest A3 handles beautifully with responsive steering and instant turn-in, excellent handling and road holding and nicely weighted brakes, not always a feature of Audis.
The car is remarkably refined, the only disadvantage of which is that you are very often travelling 20 mph faster than realised.
©Robert Couldwell. March 2013
For publication on WintonsWorld
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