Audi A3 35 TFSI S Line 5dr Review

Category: Family car

Section: Version review

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Audi A3 front cornering
  • Audi A3 front cornering
  • Audi A3 rear cornering
  • Audi A3 interior dashboard
  • Audi A3 interior back seats
  • Audi A3 interior infotainment
  • Audi A3 right tracking
  • Audi A3 rear cornering
  • Audi A3 left static boot open
  • Audi A3 interior rear seats
  • Audi A3 interior driver display
  • Audi A3 interior detail
  • Audi A3 interior detail
  • Audi A3 boot open
  • Audi A3 front cornering
  • Audi A3 rear cornering
  • Audi A3 interior dashboard
  • Audi A3 interior back seats
  • Audi A3 interior infotainment
  • Audi A3 right tracking
  • Audi A3 rear cornering
  • Audi A3 left static boot open
  • Audi A3 interior rear seats
  • Audi A3 interior driver display
  • Audi A3 interior detail
  • Audi A3 interior detail
  • Audi A3 boot open
RRP £31,475What Car? Target Price£29,797
Fuel type:
petrol
Gearbox:
manual
Doors:
5 doors

The A3 isn't as well finished inside or as polished overall as the previous model, but it's still comfortable, enjoyable to drive, and is spacious enough inside for most. We recommend the 40 TFSIe for its electric range, low company car tax and performance. It’s one of the best plug-ins out there and a fine car in its own right.

S line trim is focused on sporty looks; you get even larger wheels (18in), a bodykit, LED headlights, privacy glass, dynamic indicators and sports seats. You also get stiffer sports suspension as standard, although luckily you can revert to regular suspension for no extra charge for a smoother ride.

The 1.5-litre 148bhp 35 TFSI petrol is our pick of the regular petrol- and diesel-only engines. It’s cheaper than the 35 TDI and 40 TFSIe but still gutsy throughout the rev range, pulling handsomely from around 2000rpm and spinning freely all the way to the engine's red line. In our testing it hit the magic 0-60mph time in a creditable 8.0sec (with a manual gearbox), and feels livelier than a BMW 118i. It also managed a test average of 42.5mpg.


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Key information

Doors5
Seats5
0-62 MPH8.7 seconds
Fuel TypePetrol
GearboxMANUAL

Available colours

MPGOfficial overall fuel economy figure

47.1

Boot CapacityHow much space is there?

380

litres

EmissionsOfficial emissions rating

136

g/km