Audi A3 hatchback (2012 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

At first glance the Audi A3 doesn’t appear to have changed much for 2012, but place the old and new models side-by-side and the differences stand out. Everything about the newcomer is taut and precise, from the crease along each side, to the ornate headlamps. The A3 hasn’t grown too much, but its wheels have been pushed to the front and back of the car, improving interior space and handling. This will still be the classiest hatchback in the car park, even next to the BMW 1 Series and Lexus CT200h.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

If you could pick three words to sum up the A3’s interior, they would be “quality, simplicity and technology”. Materials are soft to the touch, but solid in their construction, and everything is laid out just as you’d expect. Every A3 has a central screen and an MMI controller between the front seats, allowing menu-driven access to all major functions. The on-screen graphics are pin sharp and smooth, powered by an advanced processor, similar to those fitted in smart phones and tablet computers. These menus allow the ‘wing’ dashboard to be remarkably free from clutter. The four circular air vents are a new design and can diffuse air or channel it into a jet with a push or pull of the central control. Its closest competitor for style and comfort is the Volvo V40, which also has a lovely cabin ambience, but feels more cluttered.

Our rating: 5

3. Practicality

The A3 is only available as a three-door hatchback at launch, but will be followed by a five-door Sportback version. Luggage capacity is 365 litres to the back seats, or 1,100 litres with them folded flat and there’s a cargo floor which can be installed at two heights. Practical options include a load-through hatch in the rear seats and a storage package which adds nets to the front seat backrests, central console and boot compartment. The V40, 1 Series and CT200h have 335, 360 and 375-litre luggage compartments.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

Audi has gone to great lengths in its manufacturing processes to make the A3 as light as possible, and the result is a model which weighs 1,175kg in its lightest guise – 205kg less than the entry-level Volvo V40 and 235kg less than the Lexus CT200h. That’s the same as carrying two or three less people in the car. And it can be felt, the car feeling quick to change direction, with light and accurate steering. Standard, Sport and S line suspension is available, depending on which trim level you go for, and each step increases the stiffness of the car to improve road holding. Audi will also allow Sport and S line buyers to delete the firmer suspension in favour of a softer setting, if they so wish. We’d recommend it, as even the standard suspension offers lots of grip, but its more relaxed nature suits the A3 well. Push hard and the A3 feels unflappable, but won’t appeal to driving enthusiasts as much as the rear-wheel drive 1 Series, which has a sportier feel through the steering wheel.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

Just three engines are available at launch, with power between 120 and 178bhp. There’s a 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TFSI petrol, and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel, all with turbocharging. The diesel is likely to be by far the most popular model in the UK, but we’d urge you to try the petrol models, especially if you drive mostly on shorter trips. They are both smooth and quiet, with plenty of urge when needed. The diesel feels quick enough too, with enough in-gear acceleration to feel sprightly.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol models manage 54.3 and 50.4mpg and emit 120 and 130g/km of CO2 respectively – as good as many current diesel models. The 2.0-litre TDI is even better, obtaining 68.9mpg and emitting just 106g/km of CO2. So not only will it be cheap to run during your ownership, but the A3 should also hold its price well, as retained value after three years is expected to be better than most competitors.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

Audi’s engineers appear to have an obsessive attention to detail, and the build quality of the latest A3 certainly seems top notch. The engines and gearboxes are evolutions of existing products too, so we’d be highly surprised if many faults were to come about.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Audi A3 has been awarded a five-star score by Euro NCAP, the official safety gurus. It was given a particularly impressive 95 per cent rating in the adult occupant protection category, 87 per cent for child occupants, 74 per cent for pedestrian safety and 86 per cent for its level of active safety equipment. That includes anti-lock brakes and electronic skid prevention.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Trim levels are called SE, Sport and S line, with all offering high levels of standard equipment. SE has Bluetooth and a 5.8-inch colour pop-up display as standard. It’s controlled by an MMI joystick, and kit also includes stop and start, 16-inch alloys, front fog lights, air-con, centre armrest and a leather steering wheel. Sport makes the wheels an inch larger and adds lowered suspension, Audi Drive Select, colour trip computer, sports seats, dual-zone air-con and interior and exterior metal trim detailing. The sporting S line model has 18-inch alloys, cloth and leather upholstery, body kit, Xenon headlights and a sports steering wheel.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

Because you want a compact car, but appreciate the finer things in life. This is the ultimate hatchback for gadget and design lovers, thanks to its cutting edge technology.

Our rating: 4