The Nimble Audi A3USED-CARS

The Audi A3 hatchback is one of the smarter looking

medium family hatchbacks and it attracts well-heeled

buyers or company car drivers that don't want to draw too

much attention to themselves.

Most people will buy an A3 based mainly on the badge

and, as a medium hatchback with excellent engines and

sensible running costs (thanks to its strong residual

values), it certainly ticks plenty of boxes.

This latest model is not only larger than the previous

version (12mm wider and the wheelbase is up 23mm), but

it also weighs 80kg less. Boot space has grown from 350

to 365 litres. The A3 design is understated, but it’s in line

with newer models like the Audi A6 and Audi A4.

Wide Range of Economical Engines

The A3 hatchback is offered with four petrol engines and

two diesels. Petrol units range from 1.2 to 1.8 litres, with

the latter coming with the option of Quattro four-wheel

drive.

A recent addition to the range is a 1.4 TSI unit with

Cylinder on Demand technology. This system ( this raises

the price) automatically shuts down two of the four

cylinders when coasting or on light throttle inputs – the

result is diesel-like fuel economy of 60.1mpg and CO2

emissions of 109g/km.

Diesel engine options, popular among company car

drivers, are 1.6 and 2.0 TDI units offering 103bhp and

148bhp respectively. CO2 emissions are from 99g/km.

Equipment Levels

Entry-level models are

badged SE and come with

air conditioning, DAB radio

with the Audi Music

Interface, voice control and

16-inch alloy wheels. Sport

models bring 17-inch

alloys, aluminium interior

trim, the Audi Drive Select

system which alters the

ride characteristics, and a

sports chassis lowered by

15mm. Top spec S line

models gain 18-inch

wheels, part-leather interior

and xenon headlights with

LED running lights.

IN SUMMARY

The Audi A3 is a desirable, premium-

badged alternative to the VW Golf

From its gorgeous interior to its sporty

drive, the A3 has a character all of its own.

There’s plenty of space in the front of the

A3, and headroom is good throughout.

However, six-footers will wish the three-

door version of the car had a bit more rear

knee room.

This is exactly what you get with the

Sportback model, along with two extra

doors, so it’s a far more practical choice.

Whichever version of the A3 you choose,

the boot is big enough to take a fold-up

baby buggy or the weekly food shop. Plus

there’s a false boot floor that lets you

divide the space in two and raise the load

level so that you’re less likely to strain your

back when lifting in heavy items.