I’ve driven a lot of Audis in my time reviewing cars, but never the A3. I’ve also been close to buying one or two older used models in the past, but never quite gone through with the purchase for one reason or another. It was never because I didn’t like the car, so I was understandably looking forward to this review, especially as lockdown has made reviewing cars that little bit trickier.

The first thing I was struck by was the size; the newest A3 seems smaller that its predecessors, but I think this is a result of the more sculpted bodywork misleading the eye. Inside, it feels bigger than it looks from the outside, so in reality it’s still a practical small family hatch-back – but not quite a TARDIS.

LED lighting – a really nice touch when it’s darker outside

Sticking with the interior, the materials and the seats are as you would expect; comfortable and high spec while being relatively understated. The LED lighting feature around the cabin that highlights the interior detail is a really nice touch when it’s darker outside and really underlines the quality feel you’d expect from the prestige manufacturer. In fairness, these LED lights are a £110 option, but I would be tempted to spec them.

It also features Audi’s brilliant virtual cockpit; an integrated digital dashboard that can be customised with your preferred view. When in sat nav mode, this is particularly useful as the dials shrink down to the edge of the display while the rest is devoted to giving you a clear view of the route ahead.

So it looks good on the outside and ticks all the expected boxes on the inside. What about the engine?

My review model was fitted with a 1.5 litre, 150PS petrol unit, which was ample for the car and gave a good response when pushed. If economy is your priority, this unit gives fuel consumption around the 45mpg mark. Personally I think the power/performance balance would be better served with a turbo charged diesel unit, but this option delivers perfectly well as it stands.

Stable through corners and comfortable on the straight

I think this A3 sits a little lower than previous models; at least it feels that way, and this translates to a planted feel when you’re driving. Stable through corners and comfortable on the straight, engine noise is minimal, which makes it a good long-range cruiser while being small enough to be agile and capable in the urban environment as well.
This being an S-Line model is a relatively high spec, but it doesn’t include Audi’s legendary Quattro system which, while impressive, would be wholly unnecessary in a hatchback like this and has a significant impact on economy.

A very capable car

To sum up: a very capable car with a strong heritage and all the technology you’d want and expect from Audi, all wrapped up in a package that looks smaller than it is. It has to be said, this is a very good looking car sat by the curb, and I think Audi have managed to make the A3 more visually appealing without clearly redesigning it.
It’s definitely a case of evolution not revolution which, for me at least, is a good thing.