Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Pulls It Off! We Test Audi’s Entry A3
Sexy Audi A3 35 TFSi Sportback is Actually a Versatile All-Rounder
If the ’22 Audi S3 Sportback seemed a tad too conventional for its purpose, then its kid brother A3 35 TFSI Sportback looks pumped up for the common garden base mode it is. In fact, at a cursory glance, you’d probably be forgiven for thinking it is an S3. So yes, A3 really looks the part. Those same edgy flanks even have what the Sport lot call quattro blisters. So, it appears fit. And this one’s S line get-up comprising sporty bumpers, sports suspension, an S style spoiler and more, plus shiny 18-inch alloys add to the effect.
Macho Looks May Create Expectations
Boasting edgy, if conventional headlights bearing classy daylight running strips and a bold grille design, aerodynamics are improved over the car it replaces. Although it’s only available in a Sedan in the US, the A3 Sportback is popular in other markets and similarly grows an inch longer to 14.34 ft and 6 feet wide. But it rides on the same 8.5 ft wheelbase. The trunk holds between 13.4 and 42.3 cu.ft and ours had a power tailgate too.
So, while the S3 Sportback seemed a bit reserved, this one’s macho, good-looking and aggressive. For what it is, that is. Unlike its wolf in sheep’s clothing big brother however, this one’s the other way around. Not that there’s anything wrong with 8.7 seconds to 60. It’s good enough to do the job. There’s a sufficient 147 HP and 185 lb.-ft on tap to do the job out of its 1400 cc gas turbo lump. And it feels bigger than that, truth be told. That said, the US A3 comes with a 201 HP 221 lb.-ft 2-litre turbo good for 6.6 seconds to 60 mph.
This one swaps cogs via an 8-speed Tiptronic autobox and feeds its torque to the front wheels. It employs a four-link rear axle with drive select dynamic handling. Efficient and easy cruising, ride quality is refined and A3 is comfy, too. Yet it handles and holds the road well and provides good enough quality driver feedback. Some of our more adventurous pilots found the steering, accelerator, and brakes to be a touch too sensitive. Still, most everything this base Audi A3 does, is on the right side of average.
Find A3’s Biggest Plusses Are Inside
A3’s biggest advantages however come inside. Finely crafted around the driver in an impressive specification, it’s a classy space. It boasts that typical high Audi build quality and packs in a fair bit of gadgetry. That cool new gear switch, edgy inlays, striking wedge-like door handles, and a black-finish instrument panel come together well.
Crisp, easy to use, and responsive, Audi’s CarPlay and Android Auto packed 10.1” third-generation MMI touch screen infotainment with fully integrated connectivity and Car-to-X swarm intelligence, is a treat to use. We noticed that the touchscreen seemed warped around the edges. And not that it eliminates our hatred of touchscreen systems, but we did enjoy the haptic touch. We really don’t like that daft touch dial volume adjustment though. Why not just a physical dial?
Operated via the multifunction steering wheel, gesture, or natural speech control, our Sportback had 180W 10-speaker digital radio sound, latest MIB 3 Function on Demand tech Traffic Sign Recognition and Enhanced Navigation too. Audi’s triple Dynamic, Sport, and Classic-themed 12.3” virtual cockpit is another highlight. Ours also came with full ten airbag Audi pre sense safety including front, parking assist, and lane departure warnings. Lane change, exit and cross traffic systems are optional. And all that applies to the US version too
Don’t Worry, You Can Spec Yours Up!
Don’t be too concerned if this one isn’t precisely what you need. Audi’s package concept allows you to upgrade to several spec levels from LED lighting and auto climate control to Audi virtual cockpit plus, Sports exterior and S line interior packages, and more.
Some may say it’s a touch tight, considering its entry roots. Others feel it looks perhaps a tad too adventurous for what could be considered to be feeble outputs. Versus it’s doubly powerful AWD S sibling, of course. Which is also almost doubly quick too. But our gripes basically make mountains out of molehills and most of us truly appreciated this car’s nacho side.
Because at the end of the day, this superb-looking, quite versatile, easy to drive, and reasonably affordable Audi hatchback really is a great all-rounder.
ROAD TESTED: Audi A3 Sportback 35TFSI S line Engine: 147 HP 185 lb.-ft 1.4-litre gasoline turbo I4 Drive: 8-speed automatic FWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 4.17 sec 0-60 mph: 8.67 sec 0-80 mph: 12.09 sec 400m: 16.3 sec @ 89 mph 50-75 mph: 5.68 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 136 mph Fuel Average: 37.9 mpg
Images & test data: Giordano Lupini
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