Audi A3 Hatchback 1.8 TFSI SE 3dr Review

For This is a desirable small car, with strong performance. For not much more than the basic model, it has a few upgrades that help it to feel every inch the premium small hatchback.

Against Considering the price, you might expect a little more for your money. Do you really need a powerful petrol engine? The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI make more financial sense.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This A3 has a more limited appeal than others. The 1.4 TFSI is hardly slow and costs a lot less to own, while the 2.0 TDI will be a better choice for high-mileage drivers.

What Car? readers say

3.604651

Key facts

0–60mph: 7.6 secs
Top speed: 138 mph
Average mpg: 42.8
Tank range: 518 miles

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Features

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Size

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The full Audi A3 review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Only the most basic engine disappoints
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Competent, but steering is overly light
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
1.6 petrol is too noisy
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Expensive to buy, but holds its value well
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Classy cabin; should prove reliable
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Strong on both fronts
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Good driving position; dash tricky to read
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Good in the front; not so good in rear
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Disappointing given the high price

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The A3 shares many of its parts and engines with the cheaper VW Golf, which is a mixed blessing. It means crisp handling and some fine engines, but you’ve got to question where all your extra money is going, since neither brand performs particularly well in our reliability or satisfaction surveys.

The entry-level petrol and diesel models are comparatively cheap to buy and own, but the petrol is short of power and refinement. The 1.4 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI engines are a better bet: both supply plenty of overtaking punch but are clean and frugal.

Entry-level trim supplies the basics, but if you’re paying this much, you may as well upgrade to SE, which adds some the kind of niceties you expect at this level. Sport and S line models have lowered suspension that makes the ride firm, so make sure that you’re happy to trade sporty looks for comfort. Sportback five-door models give a little extra practicality over three-door cars, but neither is particularly spacious.