Audi A3 Saloon | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 23 March, 2017

As compact saloons go, the Audi A3's proportions are close to perfect.

Overview

Overview

There wasn't a whole lot to improve with the A3 to be fair but Audi have still managed an impressive update, especially in terms of technology. If you're a gadget fan, you'll be hard pressed to find a more impressive cabin out there at the moment. Combined with its huge badge appeal and near perfect dimensions, its an obvious choice for A4 fans who like the idea of an Audi saloon, but don't quite need all that space. With a price difference of almost €6,000 between the entry level models, it's a fair bit kinder on the pocket too.

Interior Gallery

The saloon model is slightly longer than the hatchback versions – offering a little more legroom and an additional 45 litres of luggage space. You should fit two six footers in the back seats without much complaint, but a third body may cause some discomfort. The boot is larger in terms of litres but from a purely practical point of view a hatchback will provide more options.

The cabin is as wonderfully Audi as ever. The futuristic MMI interface still impresses every time it emerges from the dash and has been upgraded to mimic that of a smartphone, making it easier and slicker to use than ever before. For the first time it now comes with the option to add the Virtual Cockpit, previously only seen in their higher end models like the Q7, TT, and more recently, the A4. A first for the class, it transfers information from the MMI to a 12.3 inch TFT display behind the steering wheel

Prices for the saloon start at €29,810 (€31,750 for the diesel) in the Attraction trim. That will include the MMI touchscreen infotainment system complete with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 16 inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, and a leather multi-function steering wheel. The SE will add 17 inch wheels, an upgraded interior, the Audi smartphone interface, cruise control and parking sensors, making it well worth the €1,350 premium. An extra €3,300 on top of then will get you into an S-Line and the ultimate in Audi ownership with its upgraded styling and optional Sport suspension.

The A3 Saloon retains its full five star NCAP rating, and now has even more of the latest driver-assisting features available. These include advanced lane keep assist, predictive pedestrian protection, and traffic jam assist – which works in conjunction with the active cruise control to help keep you a safe distance from the car in front during rush hour.

Also new is the engine line-up, which now includes a new 3 cylinder option in the 1.0l TFSI petrol. With 115hp, it should be an attractive option to city drivers with its low running costs (fuel economy is 5.0l/100km and annual motor tax €190). The other petrol options are the 1.4 TFSI and the very tasty 310hp 2.0l used in the high-performance S3 model, which has also been tweaked in the facelift to improve performance and handling.The diesel choice is between a 1.6l (110hp) or 2.0 (150hp) TDI, which reduces fuel consumption to about 4.0l/100km or 70MPG. Although the automatic S-tronic and four wheel Quattro options will impact that figure significantly.

The A3 is as refined to drive as ever. The 2.0TDI 150 S-Tronic S Line we tested is a particularly nice example of that effortless blend of performance and comfort that the brand represents. The steering is sharp, the power uptake smooth, and there is plenty of it available too. Ours came without the S-Line Sport suspension (which you can opt out of at no extra cost) and the ride was all the better for it – taking the jar out of those B-roads, but not the fun out of their twists and turns.

Ihe A3 comes with a three-year warranty - two years unlimited mileage with cover in the third year up to 90,000km. So if buying new this should provide peace of mind for the first three years at least.

Resale values on most Audi's are very strong and the A3 saloon should prove no different. You should be relatively confident of getting a good deal on any Audi when it comes time to trade it in or move on to the next lucky owner.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives