Audi A3 Saloon Review (2024)

Introduction

If you had seen an Audi on the road in the late 20th century, the chances are it would have been a saloon, which dominated its range for a time.

Estate cars have also been prominent in recent decades, and, of course, the surging popularity of SUVs means you can ride high in an Audi of just about any size today.

The SUV trend means that the popularity of the traditional family hatchback and saloon is diminishing. So, it was somewhat of a surprise when Audi took the former - a hatchback - and made it into the latter - a saloon.

The first-generation Audi A3 was first unveiled as a three-door hatch in 1995, before a five-door version, called the Sportback, was introduced in 2004, derived from the second-generation model.

However, when the third-generation model kicked in during 2012, Audi unveiled a saloon version, which debuted the next year, followed by a cabriolet in 2014.

The current fourth-generation A3 was ushered in during 2020, but only features the five-door ‘Sportback’ and the saloon.

Now it's had a facelift.

Does that bring it back to the front regarding the tiniest executive saloons?

We will see if we can find out.

At a Glance

The facelifted Audi A3 Saloon looks even more attractive than the outgoing model.

The grille's silver outline is gone, which makes the grille itself, not its outline, prominent. In fact, there's a complete absence of silver at the front.

The headlights are the same shape as before, but the air intakes have a new look. A thin piece of black bodywork extends from the front splitter, which sprawls out beneath the headlights.

At the side, the A3 looks much like it did before, with a sizeable indentation running along the lower half of the doors.

The rear is similar, too, but features a grille-like mesh along the bottom.

Overall, these changes have given the A3 saloon a more aggressive look, providing a subtle yet significant update to the car.

Key Features

As before, the A3 saloon is available in three different trims. Audi is offering more standard equipment levels to keep pace with its foes as part of its mid-life facelift.

Sport is the entry-level grade, featuring 17-inch alloys, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SatNav, digital radio, Amazon Alexa voice control, and a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, which provides a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel.

You also get LED headlights, heated front sports seats in cloth, four-way powered lumbar adjustment, tri-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, and lots of safety equipment, which we'll cover later.

The S Line trim acquires 18-inch alloys, sports suspension, LED rear lights, dynamic indicators, S Line interior and exterior styling, privacy glass, leather sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and paddle shifters, an LED interior lighting pack, illuminated door sills, and aluminium pedals.

Audi's top-of-the-range Black Edition (above) features 19-inch matt grey alloys, black interior and exterior styling, and the automaker's logo projected from the doors.

There are three engines to choose from.

The two petrols are 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrids named 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI, producing 116PS and 150PS, respectively, with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

There is also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel 35 TDI, generating 150PS, and only available with the S tronic automatic.

The 30 TFSI petrol unit isn’t available on the top-of-the-range Black Edition.

Performance & Drive

We are testing the 35 TFSI, the higher–powered petrol, with the S tronic automatic gearbox in Black Edition trim.

It is decent, too, going from zero to 62mph in 8.1 seconds (8.4 seconds with the manual gearbox).

While the acceleration isn't breathtaking, it's more than adequate for a compact saloon. Besides, the performance-focused S3 and RS3 are offered to those wanting ferocious performance.

Despite our inner child begging otherwise, we won’t be covering those versions here.

The petrol we’re testing is well-refined, smooth and capable, providing enough pulling power for any driving situation.

The 35 TDI diesel offers more low–end shove. However, it's no quicker, with an identical 0-62mph time as the 35 TFSI - but it offers improved fuel economy.

It is not as smooth as the petrol, though - and choosing the diesel increases the cost of the car.

Zero to 62mph in the lower-powered 30 TFSI takes 9.9 seconds (9.7 seconds in the manual). It needs to be worked hard to get performance out of it, and those who regularly drive on faster roads will prefer the additional poke of the 35 TFSI mill.

Those mainly using the Audi in low-speed rush hour traffic may feel the lower-powered version meets their needs, though.

As for the transmission, it's a tough one. The manual gearbox shifts slickly, but the S tronic automatic we’re testing is one of the best on the market, offering minimal delay in the throttle response.

It is sophisticated and easy to use, and in a car designed as an executive motorway cruiser, we'd likely choose the automatic.

In terms of handling, Audi has done an excellent job. The suspension is firm in our Black Edition car, which, along with the mid-range S Line model, gains sports springs. It also sits slightly lower to the ground than the entry-level Sport trim, which gets standard suspension.

The Black Edition also has large 19-inch wheels, the S Line gets 18-inch rims, and the Sport is fitted with 17-inch alloys.

As a result, the Sport is the most comfortable; however, the Black Edition model we're driving still retains good absorption despite a firmer setup.

It feels well-planted and doesn't wobble or become unsettled when you hit lumps, bumps and potholes. The A3 is also quick to return to normal when going over undulations and ridges in the road surface.

Audi's trick of retaining ride comfort despite a firm suspension also means you enjoy the best of both worlds with tidy cornering ability.

There is plenty of grip around bends, the steering weights up nicely at speed, and you feel confident placing the A3 exactly where you want it around corners.

The various driving modes offered on the Audi saloon mean you can adjust different car functions to suit comfort or handling, depending on your preferences.

Granted, it doesn't handle like a sports car - and the extra weight of the boot overhanging the back wheels compared with the hatchback means it can be more prone to a bit of oversteer if you push too hard.

However, it handles like an Audi should, and it's well-engineered and enjoyable to drive, even if there are sportier saloons that offer more fun (such as the S3 and RS3).

Overall, the driving experience in the A3 is smooth, sophisticated and relatively calm.

Running Costs & Emissions

The A3 saloon is very economical, with our 35 TFSI test car managing 50.4mpg, producing 127g/km of CO2.

If you choose a lower trim, it can get as high as 54.3mpg, with CO2 emissions dropping as low as 119g/km. The manual, depending on the grade, returns 47.8-51.3mpg and 126-133g/km of CO2.

By comparison, the lower-powered 30 TFSI is similarly economical, with figures ranging from 52.3 to 54.3mpg and 119g/km to 123g/km of CO2 with the S tronic automatic, and 49.5 to 51.3mpg and 124 to 129g/km of CO2 in the manual.

The diesel, only available with the automatic, returns 55.3-58.8mpg and emits 126-134g/km of CO2, depending on the trim.

Sadly, despite saloons traditionally being the stereotypical choice of company execs, there’s no incentive to choose an A3 saloon as a company car.

No plug-in hybrid version is offered, meaning the significant savings in Benefit In Kind tax aren’t available to the A3 saloon.

Like its fellow German brands, Audi doesn’t enjoy a particularly good reputation for reliability nowadays, despite the A3 itself bucking the trend in some customer satisfaction surveys just a few years ago before falling back down.

Interior & Technology

Smaller models in a manufacturer's range are usually cheaper, meaning they have interiors that are less luxurious than those of more expensive cars. That is not the case here.

While the A3’s interior doesn't look as good as that of an Audi A7 or A8 and features a few cheaper plastics lower down, it nevertheless gets a premium-looking cabin design.

Updates include improved ambient lighting, which looks pleasant at night, along with softer materials on the passenger side of the dashboard.

A nice steering wheel, piano black styling and brushed aluminium surrounds on the wheel, centre console and dashboard, including the air vents, help break up our test car's largely darkened interior colour scheme.

The dashboard is curved, so it's positioned slightly further back on the left-hand side, providing extra space for the front-seat passenger. The curvature also tilts the infotainment screen slightly towards the driver for better screen visibility.

The interior design often reflects the unmistakably hexagonal grille of Audi cars, especially on the air vents.

Two vents above the steering wheel are shaped accordingly, while the silver outline of the area around the gear selector has a slight turn-in as it joins the dashboard, which mimics the hexagonal shape.

The infotainment screen is embedded within the dashboard, rather than sitting on top as it does in some cars. This means it's not quite as easy to use, as it's harder to glance at it and find what you want. However, it's an impressive system, with sharp graphics and a very reactive touchscreen.

The physical buttons for the climate control system remain separate, and Audi resists the temptation to conceal the air conditioning controls into a sub-menu of the touchscreen, making it easy to adjust the temperature on the move.

Behind the steering wheel, the virtual cockpit display dominates the area where more conventional dials would have once been. This provides plenty of helpful information and customisable layouts, including displaying the map when the SatNav is enabled.

It is very impressive, but we're in an era of luxury regarding cabins. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class looks equally elegant, with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe arguably offering even more sophistication.

Boot Space & Practicality

Finding a decent driving position in the new Audi A3 is easy, with loads of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. The seats are also bolstered by a four-way powered lumbar adjustment system, and the sports seats themselves are very comfortable.

Audi has kept the windscreen pillars as thin as possible for good front visibility, but they're much thicker at the back, not helped by the diagonal angle of the rear windscreen.

Thankfully, parking sensors at both the front and rear make things easier. Speaking of which, there’s also a park assist feature, included as standard on all models, which can literally steer the car into difficult parking spaces for you.

There is a solid chunk of legroom and headroom in the front despite this being the baby Audi saloon.

Granted, there is less space than in larger Audi saloons, but even taller drivers are unlikely to struggle.

The rear isn't quite as comfortable, however, with a sloping roofline, making it a bit of a squeeze for the tallest of occupants. But there’s a surprising amount of legroom given it’s a small car.

Three adults in the back won't be comfortable for anything but a short journey, with the idle seat raised slightly and a tunnel straddling the centre of the floor.

The interior storage is impressive, though, especially in the front, with various cubbies and storage spaces. The door bins are reasonably sized in both the front and back, especially the former.

The boot space measures an impressive 425 litres, which is 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback's. However, the latter's boot is more usable, and the inevitable shallow opening in the saloon makes it less adept at swallowing larger items.

BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class saloon offer a similar amount, although you’ll get significantly more in a Mercedes CLA four-door coupe.

You can make more room by folding down the rear bench in a convenient and versatile 40:20:40 configuration, meaning each seat can fold independently if you need to carry something long but still need two rear seats available.

However, you’ll only get a 60:40 split in the rear seats with the entry-level Sport model.

Safety

The Audi A3 saloon shares its safety rating with the A3 Sportback, which was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2020 and awarded five stars. It scored 89% for adult occupants, 81% for children and 73% for safety assists.

The assists include a suite of driver assistance technologies, which are standard on the A3.

Cruise control, park assist with parking system plus, front and rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, collision avoidance assistant, lane departure alert (with emergency assist in S tronic versions), traffic sign recognition, distraction and fatigue warning and tyre pressure loss indicator are all included as standard.

Adaptive cruise control as well as a reversing camera are available as an optional extra pack. An even more robust add-on includes the same features, lane change assist, an exit warning system, and rear-cross traffic alert.

Options

Quite a few optional extras are available, but the major ones aren’t cheap.

Metallic paint adds several hundred pounds, while Audi ‘exclusive’ paint finishes cost thousands.

You can choose from different alloy styles, and accessories ranging from tyre valve caps to tow bars and floor mats to bicycle racks are also available.

The Technology Pack offers a Sonos 3D premium sound system, a head-up display, and several of the additional safety features we mentioned earlier.

Alternatively, the Technology Pack Pro offers even more safety kit (mentioned earlier), matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a comfort key, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function. 

Rival Cars

Audi’s main foes include the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes’ duo of the A-Class saloon and the CLA four-door coupe.

There is no equivalent Jaguar, with the XE better rivalling the larger BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with the Alfa Romeo Giulia in the same boat as the Jag.

Don't discount leasing the Mazda 3 saloon, which has a surprising amount to offer – including sharp handling – and is an unsung underdog.

Those chasing performance should consider the Audi S3 or RS3 models. If practicality is a priority, of course, there's the A3 Sportback (five-door hatchback), which has a more versatile boot despite having a slightly smaller capacity.

If you do consider the Sportback, the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback are also worth considering.

Verdict & Next Steps

Overall, the Audi A3 saloon is a commendable car that embodies all the ingredients you'd expect from a German manufacturer.

The interior is nicer than ever, and the exterior has been given a subtle makeover. It is reasonably roomy for a baby saloon, and it's both comfortable (especially in entry-level Sport trim), adept at handling, and better equipped than before.

The Black Edition trim is nice but offers nothing of importance over the S Line trim, although if you can make do without sports suspension, entry-level Sport has a notable level of standard equipment.

The engines are refined, and we'd likely choose the 35 TFSI with the S tronic automatic we tested. The 30 TFSI may suit those who don't need the additional performance despite its inferiority.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz also have much to offer – and the BMW 2 Series is still arguably better to drive – but the A3 saloon puts up an excellent fight.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Audi A3 Saloon.

**Correct as of 25/07/2024. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £2,477.70 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.