To The Power of Three For The New Audi A3

With this improved version of its third generation A3, Audi has subtly developed a winning formula. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

This improved MK3 model A3 shows Audi at its slick, intelligent best. Its styling might still be low key and the engineering eminently sensible, but there's now a polish to this vehicle that escapes virtually all of its rivals. Efficiency and economy are excellent by class standards, especially when it comes to a much improved range of petrol engines. And some of the high-tech options available are extremely tempting.

Background

Audi's A3 has always been a car marked out by its quiet confidence. You don't buy one if you're an attention seeker or want to show off quite how much money you've spent. Instead, it's a premium compact hatch that blends in with real panache. Owners like that and so do we.

As for this improved version, well it's essentially a refinement of the 2012 original design. Audi's latest Virtual Cockpit makes an appearance as a desirable option and Ingolstadt's latest know-how when it comes to media connectivity is paraded in the redesigned MMI infotainment system. More significantly perhaps, a frugal 1.0 TFSI petrol engine now props up the range - and there's an improved 2.0 TFSI petrol unit too. Evolution then, not revolution.

Driving Experience

Lots of changes have been made on the petrol engine front, the range now beginning with a downsized 115PS 1.0-litre TFSI unit. Next up is the more family 1.4 TFSI COD engine with the efficiency of its clever 'Cylinder-on-Demand' technology. If you want more power, then the next step is a 2.0 TFSI unit - this a new engine featuring 190PS and an innovative new combustion process. It can be ordered with a freshly developed 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox and there's the option of quattro 4WD.

The diesel line-up is more familiar from before, things kicking off with the usual 1.6-litre TDI powerplant developing 110PS and offered with either manual or S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Above that sits the consistently popular 2.0-litre TDI unit. Top diesels also get the quattro option. As before, lowered firmer 'Sport' or 'S line Sport' suspension set-ups are available and buyers can specify a progressive steering system for sharper turn-in. The Sportback e-tron petrol/electric Plug-in hybrid variant continues on for those with an eye on their tax status.

Design and Build

Exterior changes to the A3 are slight but the front looks a little more purposeful, courtesy of sharper lines for the familiar and now broader Singleframe grille. The headlights are flatter, with distinctive outer contours and can now be ordered in Matrix LED form, so they are significantly brighter and constantly adapt themselves to avoid dazzling other road users, plus of course they never need to be dipped. Equally subtle changes at the rear aim to accentuate the width of this car - with the horizontal illuminated graphics of the rear lights and the separation edge above the redesigned diffuser.

Inside, the 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument display used in the TT and other pricier Audis is now available in this one as an option. This displays the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen. Otherwise, everything is pretty much as before, with classy materials and strong build quality. The hatch most will want with three or five doors has a 365-litre boot - and there's still the option of saloon or Cabriolet bodystyles if you want them.

Market and Model

Pricing is much as before, which means that it sits mainly in the £18,000 to £30,000 bracket expected for premium compact hatches. As usual, there's the option of both three and five-door hatches, plus saloon and cabriolet bodystyles. The key option with this improved model is the clever 'Virtual Cockpit' system replacing the conventional instrument dials with an eye-catching 12.3-inch TFT display. But of course, there's much else to select from.

As for infotainment, well Audi reckons that this improved A3 sets fresh standards here. An 'MMI radio plus' set-up with an electrically extending 7-inch diagonal monitor is standard, while the 'MMI navigation' system is fitted from 'SE Technik' trim upwards. Go further and specify the 'MMI navigation plus with MMI touch in conjunction with the Audi connect' package (what a mouthful!) and you can have many online functions in your A3 at high speed via the super-fast LTE standard.

Cost of Ownership

Forgive us if you've heard this script before, but the latest A3 is quicker, more economical and emits less carbon dioxide than its predecessor. It will also challenge the very best in class for residual values. So much, so predictable. The usual drill now is to quote the faintly unbelievable economy figure of the most economical diesel model in the range to underscore that point, but petrol buyers are in for a treat with the 1.0-litre TFSI engine. Expect over 60mpg combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions getting down towards 100g/km.

Summary

The A3 serves a need and serves it very well. The latest model is, by any reasonable measure, a smart, admirable and technically brilliant thing. The intelligent people who will buy it will nevertheless have the self-awareness to ask themselves whether they have been beguiled by brand awareness, even if only just a little. Those with typical Audi owner self confidence probably won't mind either way.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Audi A3 range

PRICES: £19,365 - £35,480

INSURANCE GROUP: 15-32

CO2 EMISSIONS: 99-141g/km

PERFORMANCE: [1.6 TDI] 0-62mph 11.4s / Max Speed 124mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 TDI] 67.3mpg (combined)

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS with EBA, twin front,side and curtain airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4423/1793/1409

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