Audi has become the standard bearer for filling niche gaps in its product line-up and the German marque has done it again, launching the Audi A3 saloon to rival the recently introduced Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Saloons are not as popular as hatchback bodystyles in the UK - however, Audi seems to think it will have a sales success with the all-new A3 saloon.
Performance
There is a terrific spread of engines on the A3 Saloon range. Some of the highlights include a 178bhp 1.8-litre petrol turbo and a 1.4 TFSI with an output of 138bhp and a maximum torque of 184lb/ft.
The 1.4-litre TFSI engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It will go from zero to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph. It certainly has enough shove to please most, although we’d advise you to work the gearbox to make the best of any overtaking opportunities.
Ride and Handling
The A3 saloon is another car that is well-balanced but it just doesn’t deliver when it comes to driver engagement like a BMW does.
Audi models, in general, handle very well. The A3 saloon is another car that is well-balanced but it just doesn’t deliver when it comes to driver engagement like a BMW does. It’s a shame as this is the only thing that the Audi falls down on. The steering is numb and could be better weighted but unless you are a driving enthusiast, you probably won’t even notice when driving the A3 saloon. Three suspension options are available – standard, sports and S line sports suspension. Models with Sport trim level have sports suspension as standard, which lowers the ride height by 15mm, but you have the option of de-selecting this kit and opting for the standard suspension for no extra cost. Our test car was fitted with the standard suspension and it handled our test routes with aplomb. Move up to the S line variant and you will also get the sports suspension as standard. However, if you don’t want it, you can deselect it at no-cost and revert back to standard suspension. There is also the option of the S line sports suspension lowering the car even further. You can match the car to suit your driving via the Audi’s drive select system. It allows you to tweak the steering between dynamic and comfort, auto or you can set the system to your own individual parameters.
Interior and Equipment
The Audi A3 saloon is primarily aimed at the Chinese and American markets but rivals the Mercedes-Benz CLA in the UK.
The A3 saloon we had on test came in standard trim with a decent level of equipment. Kit includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s drive select system (which adapts the dynamics of the car depending on your desired driving style), dual-zone climate control, sports seats with cloth upholstery, a three-spoke sports multi-function steering wheel, a colour information system and aluminium door sill trims. It’s never going to be as practical as a hatchback model; with the seats in place the loadspace stands at 425 litres - that’s quite a bit smaller than the boot in its rival, the Mercedes-Benz CLA. While the A3 saloon is not as flexible as a hatchback, there are plenty of cubby holes to store loose change and nik-naks in.
Cost
If you’re looking for an efficient, cost-effective A3, we’d definitely recommend the frugal 1.6-litre TDI version.
The 1.4-litre petrol engine has an average of 60.1mpg and emits 109g/km of CO2 emissions. In real-world driving you should return around 55mpg making this version of the A3 saloon reasonably frugal. However, the 1.6-litre diesel returns up to 74.3mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2, putting the model in VED band ‘A’. If you’re looking for an efficient, cost-effective A3, we’d definitely recommend the frugal 1.6-litre TDI version.
Our Verdict
The A3 Saloon is an acquired taste. Overall, we prefer the Audi A3 Sportback as it offers the extra practicality of a hatchback, but this saloon version may be perfect for company car drivers after a prestige saloon at a competitive price.