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Audi A3 Sportback 012
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Andrea Matthews25 May 2016
REVIEW

Audi A3 2016 Review

New technology, engines and subtle styling changes add to Audi's A3 appeal

Audi A3 1.0 and 2.0 TFSI
International Launch Review
Munich, Germany

Audi is refreshing its popular A3 small car line-up with a widespread technology update and powertrain changes that see the addition of at least one new engine and the deletion of several more. In comes a new high-performance 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine from the Audi A4 to replace the older 1.8-litre petrol engine; the entry-level 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0-litre TDI get scratched for Australia; and while it isn’t off the table altogether, the 1.6-litre TDI will only be available by special order. Also on the starter’s block is a new city-friendly 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, shared with its smaller A1 sibling. While it isn’t yet confirmed for the Australian A3 line-up, it does offer compelling official fuel economy figures of just 4.7L/100km and will no doubt be an invaluable addition to the range now that the entry-level 1.4-litre is on the way out.

On first approach, the 2017 Audi A3 looks a lot like the 2016 Audi A3. A Lot. But while its styling has not really altered, the A3 just got a lot more substance thanks to newly available technology and powertrain changes.

Exterior styling changes are minimal but a subtle nip and tuck around the nose have succeeded in giving the A3 a more sports-orientated look. The grille has been made wider, while sharper lines and flattened headlights deliver a somewhat more dynamic appearance.

Xenon headlights are now standard across the A3 range, while Matrix LED headlights can be optioned to further add to the A3’s sporty presence on road.

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At the rear, styling changes are similarly restrained yet a redesigned diffuser and horizontal rear lights serve to give the appearance of a wider rear-end. Kardashian proportions are apparently all the rage, even in the automotive design world.

Inside the cabin the A3 is impeccably finished, with leather- appointed upholstery and leather steering wheel trim standard fitment. Two new design packages are available -- the design line and sport line. Each has been intended as a series of modular additions for the Audi customer to personalise their finish and specification and include a host of finishing touches for the interior, exterior and equipment upgrades.

A sense of occasion rewards the driver once behind the wheel, thanks to the high level of technology which is now at your fingertips, starting with the sport line package steering wheel and extending across the dash.

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Just as Audi’s interface was beginning to look jaded in comparison to updated systems from its big German rivals, Audi has upped its game, adding a new MMI system to the A3 that’s more intuitive to control through a combination of rotary button in the centre console and steering wheel controls.

Virtual Cockpit is also now available on the A3, having recently been introduced on the TT, A4 and Q7. While such technology does not always endear members of the motoring.com.au team, we're all big fans of the Virtual Cockpit as it enables the driver to customise gauge displays, beam a widescreen view of the navigation screen directly in front of the driver and control a range of audio and phone commands from the wheel.

Each vehicle on test featured an array of Audi driver assist technologies including Traffic Jam Assist. On our test drive we were able to get the feel for the A3’s semi-autonomous driving mode with its Stop and Go feature. Setting a cruise speed with adaptive cruise control will see the car slow down relative to the vehicle it is following and then speed up when it recognises it is safe to do so.

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At speeds of up to 65km/h and on suitable roads, the car will also steer for you. It’s a strange sensation to put the car in control but impressive technology to be included in this segment for the first time.

While driver assistance systems and technology are the big focus for the A3 updates, the changes to the powertrain line-up are equally interesting, with the move away from diesel engines in Australia being an intriguing shift.

First on our test was the new 1.0 TFSI petrol engine which is currently under consideration for the Australian market. This little three-cylinder unit is the same punchy powerplant that features in 28 per cent of the A1 vehicles sold in Australia.

Generating 81kW and 200Nm, it is paired exclusively with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission to deliver maximum fuel economy.

Pricing and Features
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With a driver and two passengers in the car, the engine made light work of acceleration from a standing start, although it generated a fair bit of almost diesel-esque noise during the early stages of take-off.

The transmission’s ratios mean changes up through the gears are rapid but they’re smooth and barely noticeable and the box is paired beautifully to the engine's torque spread.

Despite its small capacity, the little engine didn’t feel like it was too challenged on our run and certainly didn’t appear to be struggling even when pushed hard.

The only real sign that we were asking it to perform hard was its displayed fuel consumption figure, which was running at 7.1L/100km after 90 minutes of driving on the open road -- a fair way off its stated 4.7L/100km combined-cycle consumption figure.

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While it was tested on high-speed roads and is perfectly capable of achieving and maintaining autobahn speeds, the 1.0-litre engine will really shine in the urban environment. Buyers looking for a sporty premium car for city pursuits should definitely keep their fingers crossed that Audi can ink the deal for this engine for Australia.

For buyers looking for an A3 that is better suited to spirited driving to match its sports styling, the new 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine is the go.

It generates 140kW and 320Nm and, in combination with the same seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, offers a solid combination of performance and economy with a promised fuel consumption figure of 5.6L/100km.

The 2.0-litre test vehicle we drove was equipped with the sport line options package including the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. In comfort mode, the A3 rides in smooth style, the steering well balanced and providing good feedback without requiring too much effort.

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Switching to dynamic mode tightens the steering and improves the responsiveness of the engine, delivering a sportier ride and performance. Dynamically the car is well composed on the road with little road noise evident from the tyres.

Of course it is worth noting that everything rides better on Germany’s smooth tarmac, so the proof will be in how well it handles our lumpy bits. But our quick first impression is that this new engine and transmission combination paired with the finely tuned chassis of the A3 delivers a driving experience that is enjoyable and involving.

Fuel usage for the 2.0-litre TFSI was not much more than the 1.0-litre TFSI at a displayed 7.7L/100km. With numbers like that on show from a 2.0-litre petrol engine, it’s pretty easy to see why the case for diesel is getting harder to make here in Australia.

Deliveries of the new Audi A3 begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Pending pricing discussions, Audi Australia is expected to confirm the availability of the perky 1.0-litre TFSI engine in the near future.

2016 Audi A3 1.0 TFSI pricing and specifications:
Price: TBC
On sale: TBC
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/200Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 4.7L/100km (NEDC)
CO2: 110g/km (NEDC)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI pricing and specifications:
Price: TBC
On sale: Q4 2016
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/230Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (NEDC)
CO2: 126g/km (NEDC)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mercedes-Benz A 200 (from $42,800 plus ORCs)
>> BMW 1 Series (from $36,900 plus ORCs)
>> Volvo V40 (from $36,990 plus ORCs)

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Written byAndrea Matthews
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
83/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
17/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
15/20
Safety & Technology
19/20
Behind The Wheel
17/20
X-Factor
15/20
Pros
  • Engine performance from both engines
  • Optional Virtual Cockpit
  • New MMI interface
Cons
  • All technology updates are optional
  • 1.0-litre engine slightly noisy
  • Light-weight exterior modifications
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