Audi A3

 Built on VW’s highly flexible and much publicized MQB platform, the A3 sedan, in its Diesel-sipping guise, features the highly acclaimed 2.0 TDI engine along with an excellent DSG gearbox. we feel about this car’s Design, Comfort levels, Engine Performance, and Ride and Handling.

Audi A3 Test Drive Review – Design

Exterior

The A3 Sedan might share its design language with many other models in the manufacturer’s product portfolio, but thanks to a short wheelbase, short overhangs, and a wide track, the A3 sedan benefits from a rather sporty stance.The overall design is that of a cross between a traditional three-box and a coupe. Among the major highlights of this design is the signature “tornado line” design element that forms a distinct light-refracting edge running across the side of the car.

Overall, the A3 sedan, while retaining the traditional design language of other four-door models in Audi’s line up, still manages to look younger, fresher, and more athletic.

Interior

 The only similarity that we can think of arises out of the high quality materials, excellent fit and finish and the impressive attention to detail. The dashboard is characterized by clean lines and round-shaped aircon vents that go on to infuse some sportiness with the design.

 

Engine
The Diesel-sipping A3 sedan gets one of the most highly acclaimed engine-gearbox combos of present times – a 2.0-litre TDI that is mated to a 6-Speed STronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The motor has been tuned to churn out a max. power of 143 PS between 3500-4000 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm between 1750-3000 rpm. The A3 gets a front wheel drive layout and its ARAI-rated fuel mileage stands at 20.38 km/l.

The A3’s oil burner is a pretty free-revving unit and exhibits a sense of urgency with the way it goes about its business. There’s almost no turbo-lag and the A3 Diesel pulls cleanly from even below 1,500 rpm. Another highlight here are the very well-controlled NVH levels. As we’ve been saying, the Volkswagen Group’s TDI engines and dual-clutch transmissions make for really compatible partners and our belief got only stronger behind the wheel of the A3 35 TDI.

Progress is rapid till 160 km/h and this car can easily register a top speed of above 190 km/h

Audi A3 Test Drive Review – Ride & Handling

The A3 impresses us with its great ride and handling balance. The handling is a tad light-footed and the steering is playful in a way that can’t be matched by any other Audi sedan available today. There’s enough grip on offer and in spite of a FWD layout, understeer is almost conspicuous by its absence. 

Final Word

The Audi A3 35 TDI doesn’t come cheap. On sale at roughly INR 35 lakhs, this car is priced pretty close to the bigger and more premium A4. Furthermore, the A3 doesn’t make for the best of chauffeur-driven cars in its price segment and we really don’t recommend the A3 to those who like to spend a lot of time in the backseat.