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First drive: Audi A3. Image by Audi.

First drive: Audi A3
Until the new S3 arrives, 180hp 1.8-litre TFSI model is the hottest Audi A3 on sale.

   



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| First Drive | Mallorca, Spain | Audi A3 |

Overall rating: 3 3 3 3 3

On paper this should be the most rewarding Audi A3 in the range - it's reasonably efficient and pretty quick to boot. However, reality fails to match its reputation and while this particular A3 is undoubtedly very competent (and likely to appeal to many) we can't help feeling that the smaller 1.4 TFSI model makes more sense.

Key Facts

Model tested: Audi A3 1.8 TFSI quattro S Tronic S line
Pricing: £26,560
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Golf
CO2 emissions: 130g/km
Combined economy: 42.0mpg
Top speed: 144mph
0-62mph: 7.0 seconds
Power: 180hp at 5,100rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,250rpm

In the Metal: 4 4 4 4 4

Subtle and evolutionary: two words best used to describe the new Audi A3. In actual fact Audi's compact hatchback looks better in the flesh than in pictures, but there's no denying it's uncannily similar to the model that came before. That's partly due to its dimensions, which remain almost unchanged (save for the wheelbase), and familiar Audi design details like the full-length grille and LED daytime running lights.

Thankfully the interior has come under closer scrutiny, and the A3's cabin is without doubt its trump card. Based on the same 'wing' design employed in the smaller Audi A1, it features some of the very best plastic and material choices we have ever experienced in a car - regardless of price tag. There's more room than ever before as well (especially in the rear thanks to the extended wheelbase) and another 60mm of headroom over its predecessor.

Driving it: 3 3 3 3 3

Gone are the days of mid-range turbocharged thrust; manufacturers are doing their level best to offer linear, efficient and incredibly smooth small capacity turbocharged petrol engines instead. This 1.8-litre unit may be the hottest version of the new Audi A3 yet, but if you're expecting excitement and drama then you should prepare yourself to be disappointed. Even the engine note can't liven things up, the four-cylinder unit remaining aurally flat and even slightly strained at the top of its rev range. There's certainly little reward for exploring the upper limits of its delivery.

It's the same story when it comes to the handling. Unsurprisingly, this quattro model has an abundance of grip - it even turns in sharply enough thanks the lightweight engine block and body materials. However, there's little feedback from the steering wheel, and while the body resists roll the chassis never truly comes alive beneath you. You can of course adjust the car's responses with Audi's Drive Select program, which alters the throttle, steering and transmission, but the changes are super subtle.

Curiously enough, all of the launch cars did without the sports suspension, this S line model included. That's no bad thing, as while the ride could never be described as cushioning on the optional 19-inch alloy wheels that our example rode on, it was acceptably comfortable on the test route in Mallorca. Still, thanks to the engine's impressive mid-range torque (280Nm available at 1,250rpm) it doesn't matter which one of the seven gears is engaged - useful acceleration is but a tap of the throttle away. Only the gearbox's occasional busy shift pattern, often dropping a cog when you aren't expecting it, hampers matters.

So while this A3 may not set pulses racing from behind the wheel, it was of course never designed to do so. In reality this car is aimed at those wanting a comfortable, stylish, secure, surefooted and acceptably warm premium hatchback - and the new A3 certainly ticks all of the boxes.

What you get for your Money: 4 4 4 4 4

There are three trims to choose from at the moment: SE, Sport and S line driven here. All A3s benefit from air conditioning, a central 5.8-inch colour screen that pops out from the dashboard and Bluetooth connectivity, while the S line receives a special body kit, sports seats, sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.

Prices for the entire range start at £19,205 for the 120hp 1.4-litre TFSI SE model and currently top out at £26,560 for the 180hp 1.8-litre TFSI as tested. Unsurprisingly, the prices have been closely benchmarked with the BMW 1 Series', which starts at £19,375.

Worth Noting

The 180hp 1.8 TFSI model is launching with the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox only - if you want a manual, which we also tried, you'll have to bide your time. We reckon it will be worth the wait though, as, good though this self-shifter is, the manual is more suited to the linear power delivery of this engine. It's also worth specifying quattro four-wheel drive, as this brings with it an extra 30Nm of torque, with a corresponding improvement in performance.

Summary

It might be the hottest version of the A3 so far, but one thing the A3 1.8 TFSI should not be regarded as is a hot hatch - for that we'll have to wait on the arrival of the pukka Audi S3 model. However, that's not to say this particular A3 should be overlooked; it still offers a quality interior, subtly sporty looks, impressive levels of grip and a decent turn of speed.


Graeme Lambert - 16 May 2012



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2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.



2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 

2012 Audi A3. Image by Audi.
 






 

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