Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) Review
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Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) Verdict
Looks and feels like a larger Audi model. Good choice of powerful and efficient engines. Rides and handles well
Boot is less practical than standard A3. Rear headroom and visibility isn't as good as the hatchback
Find out more about the Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020)
The Audi A3 saloon of 2013 followed the MQB based Audi A3 hatchback and Sportback of 2012.
Thanks to big demand in places like China and the US, saloon cars were making a comeback. Specifically there’s big demand for smaller saloons, hence vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi’s booted A3 Saloon. It does not sell as well in the UK as overseas, but there’s plenty of appeal for those interested in a larger Audi like the A4 but with smaller budgets or driveways.
At a glance it might well look like the A3 hatchback but Audi has actually changed all of the exterior body panels – the headlights and tail lights are slimmer and the roofline flows neatly into the boot lid. It looks in proportion when so many booted hatchback models don’t - indeed it simply looks like an Audi saloon rather than a butchered hatchback.
It feels like a bigger Audi car too. The cabin is impeccably finished with the very best quality plastics, whether the soft touch covering on the dashboard or the harder wearing, tougher materials lower down. It’s also neatly and sensibly laid out, with easy to understand controls for everything from sat nav to cruise control or temperature. Audi really does put together a good cabin.
Originally there were just three engines – two petrol and one diesel. All are plenty powerful enough for overtaking and give excellent refinement. Those not convinced by the 2.0 TDI diesel should certainly give the 1.4 TFSI petrol engine a try though. It’s efficient, refined and offers good performance for what is a small engine.
For outright economy the 1.6 TDI is the best choice as it will return more than 70mpg - according to the official figures at least. In real world driving you're more likely to see around 50mpg but that's still not at all bad.
On the road the A3 Saloon is very easy to drive and incredibly comfortable. Think of it as a more compact A4 and you're not far wrong. It rides well and in the right colour and trim, is a handsome car. As a motorway car, go for a 2.0 TDI 150PS and you'll never feel short changed.
All A3 Saloon models get alloy wheels, a folding screen that rises from the dashboard, dual zone climate control, iPod connectivity Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel. As you’d expect there are plenty of optional extras too, like all-LED headlights. Upgrading to S Line gets you sportier bodywork and a sportier cabin complete with different seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Reviews for Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) handling and engines
- Engines range from 30 TFSI S tronic to 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–76 mpg
From launch the Audi A3 was available with three engines – 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TFSI petrols and a 2.0-litre diesel. All three are good performers and it’s well worth trying the 1.4-litre petrol before you dismiss it as lacking power. It produces 140PS and a healthy 250Nm of torque from just 1500rpm, which makes it capable of a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.4 seconds.
Not only that but it produces 109g/km of CO2 – just 2g/km more than the diesel – and 60.1mpg. That, coupled with excellent refinement, makes it the best all round engine in the launch line up. For those who want a little more punch the 1.8-litre petrol is fine, but it’s not as frugal or clean.
Those who cover a lot of miles will want the diesel and it’s a good engine. It produces a healthy peak torque figure 320Nm and it feels gutsy and capable on the road, picking up speed easily from low revs. It’s an ideal motorway companion and gives the A3 Saloon a very grown up character more akin to the larger A4 or even A6.
It’s the most efficient engine on offer from launch with a combined cycle economy figure of 68.9mpg and emissions of 107g/km. It’s not likely to save drivers much money over the capable 1.4-litre petrol unless they cover huge annual mileages though so be thoughtful if you’re considering buying.
Regardless of engine the driving experience is relaxed. Steering is well-weighted and accurate and the suspension is well-judged, offering a good blend of flat, controlled handling and body control with reasonable ride comfort. You can specify a softer suspension set up at no cost or a lower, firmer set up if you buy an S Line model, but the standard set up offers a good balance that should suit most drivers.
Combine the well thought through suspension with the A3 Saloon’s light, rigid body shell and you get a neat-handling car that can be driven at speed with confidence. It’s even quite fun to thread through a set of twisting countryside bends, but the focus is really on predictability – the A3 Saloon feels safe.
All cars have a system to let the driver choose the steering set up and throttle response, with preset modes for comfort, efficiency and a dynamic drive. Essentially the settings alter the weight of the steering and the sharpness of the throttle response. Comfort is the most balanced and will likely be the default choice for most.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TFSI | 61 mpg | 9.9 s | 106–107 g/km |
| 1.0 TFSI S tronic | 61 mpg | 9.9 s | 106–107 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 | 58–60 mpg | 7.9–8.2 s | 109–112 g/km |
| 1.4 TFSI 150 S tronic | 58–60 mpg | 7.9–8.2 s | 110–113 g/km |
| 1.5 TFSI | 55 mpg | 8.2 s | 115–117 g/km |
| 1.5 TFSI S tronic | 57 mpg | 8.2 s | 112–113 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 71–72 mpg | 10.3–10.7 s | 103–107 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 116 | 69–71 mpg | 10.4 s | 105–108 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI quattro | 60–72 mpg | 11.2 s | 127 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI S tronic | 71–72 mpg | 10.3–10.7 s | 101–106 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI | 49 mpg | 7.2 s | 135 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI quattro S tronic | 43–44 mpg | 6.8 s | 149–153 g/km |
| 1.8 TFSI S tronic | 50 mpg | 7.3 s | 129 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 150 | 58–69 mpg | 8.3–8.6 s | 107–126 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 150 quattro | 57–59 mpg | 8.0–8.3 s | 125–127 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 150 S tronic | 60–64 mpg | 8.0–8.3 s | 114–120 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 184 | 63–67 mpg | 7.4 s | 112–118 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 184 quattro | 59 mpg | 8.3 s | 126 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 184 quattro S tronic | 57–59 mpg | 6.8–6.9 s | 127–130 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI quattro 184 S tronic | 58–59 mpg | - | 127–129 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI | 50 mpg | 6.9 s | 128–129 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 | 50–50 mpg | 6.9 s | 129 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 S tronic | 50–50 mpg | 6.2–6.8 s | 129–133 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 S tronic Saloon | 49 mpg | - | 133 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 50 mpg | 6.2 s | 132–133 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI S tronic | 50 mpg | 6.8 s | 128–129 g/km |
| 30 TDI | 64 mpg | 10.4 s | 115–117 g/km |
| 30 TDI S tronic | 72 mpg | 10.4 s | 103–104 g/km |
| 30 TFSI | 55–58 mpg | 9.9 s | 113–117 g/km |
| 30 TFSI S tronic | 53–54 mpg | 9.9 s | 119–120 g/km |
| 35 TDI | 66 mpg | - | 111 g/km |
| 35 TDI S tronic | 64 mpg | - | 116–117 g/km |
| 35 TFSI | 51–55 mpg | 8.2 s | 118–124 g/km |
| 35 TFSI S tronic | 55 mpg | 8.2 s | 115–118 g/km |
| 40 TDI S tronic | 44–57 mpg | - | 132–145 g/km |
| 40 TFSI S tronic | 44 mpg | - | 138–145 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
80%
Real MPG
29–76 mpg
MPGs submitted
166
Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) interior
- Boot space is 390–880 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4237–4458 mm |
| Width | 1960 mm |
| Height | 1416–1421 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2601–2637 mm |
The cabin shares a lot with the A3 Sportback and three-door and that’s good news. Everything feels precisely constructed and material quality is very high indeed, rivalling executive cars. All of the controls are pleasing to operate from the steering and gear change to the switches and rotary dials for the air con and main screen, which rises up out of the dashboard – a party trick missing from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The driver and front seat passenger will find it easy to get comfortable whether in the standard Sport model or in the S Line, with its more upmarket seats. The same can’t be said for taller rear seat passengers, who’ll probably be OK for legroom but not for headroom, which is a little tight. The sloping roofline also means visibility out of the rear window isn’t as good as in the hatchback.
Another disadvantage is the rear load area, which has a respectable volume of 425 litres with the seats in place and 880 with them folded. It might have a big capacity but there’s no hatchback door, so loading large objects or transporting dogs is impossible and there’s a fairly high load lip to haul heavy items over.
Standard equipment is decent – alloy wheels, the infotainment screen, Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control are among the standard fit items and there is, in typical Audi style, a huge range of options that you can tailor to your specific needs, with highlights including adaptive cruise control, lane assist and full LED headlights.
Sport and S Line models are offered, but moving up to S Line brings cosmetic improvements rather than extra technology. Changes include sportier exterior styling, leather interior upholstery and a flat-bottomed steering (pictured) - plus a no-cost optional change to the suspension to give a firmer, 'sportier' driving experience.
There’s also an optional 4G enabled MMI High system which enables superfast broadband connectivity from within the car and creates an in car WiFi hotspot for the passengers. It also adds Google maps and Street View connectivity to make navigating unknown towns a lot easier.
Equipment from launch:
Sport
- Audi Drive Select
- Electromechanical parking brake
- Electromechanical power steering
- Space saving spare wheel
- Sports suspension – lowered by 15mm with stiffer suspension. Deselect sports suspension is available as a no-cost downgrade and if selected, the Sports suspension lowering is removed and the suspension is returned to the standard ride height and damping
- 5.8” QVGA colour display screen – electrically extending, slimline design, with 400 x 240 pixel resolution
- 8 passive speakers
- MMI radio which includes:
- Single CD player and two SDXC memory card readers (up to 2TB) which are both MP3, WMA and AAC compatible
- MMI control panel
- Audi Music Interface (AMI) – provides connection to Apple iPod from 4th generation and Apple iPhone, as well as USB storage media
- and MP3 players.
- Bluetooth interface
- Colour Driver’s Information System (DIS)
- DAB digital radio reception.
- Voice control system
- ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger (with airbag deactivation) and outer rear seats with Top Tethering
- Front Sports seats
- Rallye cloth upholstery
- Split-folding rear seats 60/40
- 3-spoke leather trimmed sports multi-function steering wheel,
- Air vents in aluminium look,
- Cloth headlining
- Dual-zone electronic climate control
- Electric front and rear windows
- Front centre armrest
- Aluminium window trims
- Chrome exhaust tailpipe trims
- Door mirrors – electrically adjustable and heated with built-in LED side indicators and painted in body colour
- Front fog lights
- Halogen headlights with electric headlight range control and daytime running lights
- Heated windscreen washer jets
- Active bonnet – in the event of contact with a pedestrian in a speed range of 16-34mph, the active bonnet creates more space between the bonnet and the engine to reduce the consequences of the accident
- Adaptive brake light – the brake light flashes during an emergency stop to warn following traffic.
- Airbags – driver, front passenger and front side airbags with head level airbag system for front and rear and knee airbag for the driver.
- Electronic differential lock (EDL).
- Electronic stabilisation control (ESC)
- Remote central locking
- Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser
S line
- Sports suspension lowered by 15mm (same suspension as Sport). Deselect Sports suspension is available as a no-cost downgrade. S line Sport suspension, lowered by an additional 10mm, is also available as a no cost upgrade.
- Biathlon cloth/leather upholstery
- Black headlining
- Door sill trims with S line logo
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- Inlays in matt-brushed aluminium
- Perforated leather gear knob
- Flat-bottomed S line 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel
- Luggage compartment light in LED
- Front fog light surrounds in high gloss black
- Radiator grille in high gloss black
- S line badges on the front wings
- S line design body styling comprising S line front bumper, S line rear diffuser with Platinum grey insert and S line side sills
- Xenon Plus headlights with automatic/dynamic headlight range control, LED daytime-running light strip and headlight washers. Also includes LED rear lights, brake lights and rear indicators.
Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4237–4458 mm |
| Width | 1960 mm |
| Height | 1416–1421 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2601–2637 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1185–1455 kg |
| Boot Space | 390–880 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–25000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel / Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £23,335–£34,940 |
| Insurance Groups | 15–32 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–G |
| Official MPG | 42.8–72.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until December 2020
On sale until November 2019
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 30 TFSI 116ps Black Edition 4dr | £27,410 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 30 TFSI 116ps S Line 4dr | £26,060 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 30 TFSI 116ps Sport 4dr | £23,910 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150 Black Edition 4dr | £29,560 | 51.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150 Black Edition S tronic 4dr | £31,110 | 55.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150 S Line S tronic 4dr | £29,760 | 55.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150 Sport 4dr | £26,060 | 52.3 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150 Sport S tronic 4dr | £27,610 | 55.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 35 TFSI Cod 150ps S Line 4dr | £28,210 | 51.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
On sale until January 2019
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDI 150 Black Edition S tronic 7speed 4dr | £32,240 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 S Line S tronic 7speed 4dr | £30,890 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 Sport S tronic 7speed 4dr | £28,740 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps Black Edition 4dr | £30,690 | 67.3 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps S Line 4dr | £29,340 | 67.3 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps Sport 4dr | £27,150 | 67.3 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 184 Sport S tronic 7speed 4dr | £30,970 | 57.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro Black Edition S tronic 7speed 4dr | £34,940 | 56.5 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 Sport 4dr | £27,840 | 50.4 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 Sport S tronic 4dr | £29,030 | 50.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps Black Edition 4dr | £31,340 | 50.4 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps S Line 4dr | £29,990 | 50.4 mpg | 6.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI Quattro 190 S Line S tronic 4dr | £32,650 | 49.6 mpg | 6.2 s |
| 2.0 TFSI Quattro Black Edition S tronic 4dr | £34,000 | 49.6 mpg | 6.2 s |
| 2.0TDI Quattro 184 S Line S tronic 7speed 4dr | £33,590 | 56.5 mpg | 6.8 s |
On sale until November 2018
On sale until March 2018
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDI 184 Black Edition 4dr | £31,490 | 62.8 mpg | 7.4 s |
| 2.0 TDI 184 S Line 4dr | £30,140 | 62.8 mpg | 7.4 s |
| 2.0 TDI 184 Sport 4dr | £27,990 | 62.8 mpg | 7.4 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 150 Black Edition 4dr | £31,650 | 58.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 150 S Line 4dr | £30,300 | 58.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 150ps Sport 4dr | £28,150 | 58.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 Black Edition S tronic 4dr | £32,100 | 50.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 S Line S tronic 4dr | £30,750 | 50.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TFSI Quattro 190 Sport S tronic 4dr | £30,070 | 49.6 mpg | 6.2 s |
On sale until October 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Black Edition 4dr | £28,370 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Black Edition S tronic 4dr | £29,920 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 S Line S tronic 4dr | £28,570 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Sport 4dr | £24,850 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Sport S tronic 4dr | £26,420 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150ps S Line 4dr | £27,020 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150 Black Edition S tronic 7speed 4dr | £31,770 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 S Line S tronic 7speed 4dr | £30,420 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 Sport S tronic 7speed 4dr | £28,270 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 184 Sport S tronic 7speed 4dr | £30,970 | 57.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro Black Edition S tronic 7speed 4dr | £34,470 | 57.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 2.0TDI Quattro 184 S Line S tronic 7speed 4dr | £33,120 | 57.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
On sale until April 2017
On sale until March 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 TDI 110 Black Edition S tronic 4dr | £29,385 | 72.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 TDI 110ps Black Edition 4dr | £27,835 | 70.6 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until June 2016
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 S Line S tronic 4dr | £27,935 | 57.6 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150 Sport 4dr | £24,235 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4 TFSI Cod 150ps S Line 4dr | £26,385 | 57.6 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.4TFSI Cod 150 Sport S tronic 4dr | £25,785 | 58.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 110 S Line S tronic 4dr | £28,035 | 70.6 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 TDI 110 Sport S tronic 4dr | £25,885 | 72.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 TDI 110ps S Line 4dr | £26,485 | 70.6 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 TDI 110ps Sport 4dr | £24,335 | 72.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 S Line S tronic 4dr | £29,385 | 60.1 mpg | 8.0 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 Sport S tronic 4dr | £27,235 | 61.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps S Line 4dr | £27,835 | 65.7 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150ps Sport 4dr | £25,685 | 67.3 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 150 S Line 4dr | £29,265 | 56.5 mpg | 8.0 s |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 150ps Sport 4dr | £27,115 | 57.6 mpg | 8.0 s |
On sale until May 2016
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 TDI Quattro 110 Sport Nav 4dr | £25,115 | 60.1 mpg | - |
| 1.8 TFSI Quattro 180 S Line Nav S tronic 4dr | £30,480 | 42.8 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 184 S Line Nav 4dr | £28,455 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 184ps Sport Nav 4dr | £26,305 | 67.3 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI Quattro 184 S Line Nav S tronic 4dr | £31,365 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| 2.0TDI Quattro 184 Sport Nav S tronic 4dr | £29,215 | 58.9 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
On sale until April 2015
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 TFSI quattro Sport 180 S tronic Auto 4dr | £28,000 | 43.5 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 1.8 TFSI S Line 180 4dr | £27,225 | 48.7 mpg | 7.2 s |
| 1.8 TFSI S Line 180 S tronic Auto 4dr | £28,575 | 50.4 mpg | 7.3 s |
| 1.8 TFSI Sport 180 4dr | £25,075 | 48.7 mpg | 7.2 s |
| 1.8 TFSI Sport 180 S tronic Auto 4dr | £26,425 | 50.4 mpg | 7.3 s |
Model History
- June 2013: Saloon version of Audi A3 unveiled
- January 0001: Prices
- October 2013
- December 2013: Audi S3 Saloon announced
- May 2015: Audi A3 2016 model year improvements announced
- November 2016: A3 saloon Black Edition launched
June 2013
Saloon version of Audi A3 unveiled
Has 425 litre boot. Inside the A3 saloon is identical to the A3 hatchback with the same MBQ drivetrain. Three engines at launch: a belt cam 1.4 TFSI 140PS, chain cam 1.8 180PS TFSI and belt cam 2.0 TDI with 150PS.
A 1.6 TDI followed later in 2013 and from mid-2014 a higher powered 2.0 TDI with 184PS. Initially 1.4 TSI came with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox (Audi's rebadged DSG). Six-speed manual later from later in 2013. Pricing is around £1,800 more than an equivalent A3 Sportback. Orders taken from June 2013 with first cars in UK from September 2013.
January 0001
Prices
| Model | Engine | Trim | PS | Gearbox | OTR |
| A3 Saloon | 1.4TFSI CoD | Sport | 140 | S tronic | £24,305 |
| A3 Saloon | 1.4TFSI CoD | S line | 140 | S tronic | £26,455 |
| A3 Saloon | 1.8TFSI | Sport | 180 | S tronic | £25,955 |
| A3 Saloon | 1.8TFSI | S line | 180 | S tronic | £28,105 |
| A3 Saloon | 2.0TDI | Sport | 150 | manual | £24,275 |
| A3 Saloon | 2.0TDI | S line | 150 | manual | £26,425 |
Wheels
Sport
17” x 7.5J ‘5-arm’ design alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres
S line
18” x 8J ‘5-parallel-spoke’ design partly polished alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres
October 2013
Quattro all-wheel-drive became available in conjunction with 1.8-litre 180PS TFSI engine in the A3 Saloon at prices from £27,560 OTR. Linked to the stronger six-speed wet clutch S tronic twin-clutch transmission, and splitting its 180PS four ways, the new A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon can reach 62mph in 6.8 seconds, tops out at 146mph, while being EC certified at 42.8mpg with 152g/km CO2.
The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is the first in the four-door range to adopt multi-plate clutch-based quattro technology. It will be joined later this year by the 300PS S3 quattro Saloon with six-speed manual and six-speed S tronic transmission options, and in mid-2014 by the A3 2.0 TDI quattro with 184PS and standard six-speed S tronic transmission. The A3 1.8 TFSI quattro Saloon is available with Sport or S line specification priced at £27,560 OTR and £29,710 respectively.
December 2013
Audi S3 Saloon announced
Has 300PS and 380Nm torque from totally new, lightweight, long-stroke. direct injected and turbocharged exhaust-manifold-in-head 1,984cc 2.0 TFSI engine. 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds, top speed electronically limited to 155mph, EU combined 40.9mpg S tronic (40.4mpg manual), CO2 159g/km. From £33,240 OTR. First cars at dealers from March 2014.
New technology includes the use of both direct and indirect injection, the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head and the use of innovative thermal management for faster warm-up. Two balancer shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft optimise refinement, but thanks to an electromechanical actuator in the bulkhead the cabin is filled with just the right amount of sound, with just the right sporting tone. The exhaust system also includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges to give this even greater depth of sound.
The new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148 kilograms - more than five kilograms less than the previous engine. This reduction, combined with the trim body with its ultra-high-strength steel passenger cell and light aluminium bonnet, wings and front suspension subframe, helps to pare weight back to as little as 1,430kg (manual version, without driver), considerably less than premium sector competitors.
May 2015
Audi A3 2016 model year improvements announced
Now quattro all-wheel-drive becomes available with 1.6 TDI 110PS engines in Saloon and Sportback. A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI 110PS quattro priced from £22,915 OTR
2.0 TDI 150PS engine can now be combined with quattro drive in all body styles. A3 2.0 TDI quattro 150PS priced from £25,045 OTR. In three-door form the new A3 2.0 TDI quattro with 150PS and six-speed manual transmission can accelerate to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 133mph. Combined economy is 58.9mpg with the 17-inch wheel that forms part of the Sport specification, or 57.6mpg with the range-topping 18-inch S line wheel, resulting in CO 2 outputs of 125g/km and 127g/km respectively.
A3 Saloon 1.6 TDI quattro Sport (6-speed man, 110PS) £24,865
A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI quattro Sport (6-speed man, 150PS) £26,215
A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI quattro S line (6-speed man, 150PS) £28,365
November 2016
A3 saloon Black Edition launched
Black Edition specification is offered as a step up from the top S line trim. It brings special 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish and darkened privacy glass extending from the B pillar rearwards, plus of course a distinctive black finish for the Single Frame grille surround, air inlets, window cappings and door mirrors. Inside, the ambiance is also enriched by a 10-speaker Audi Sound System with 180 watts of music power.
What to watch out for
New January 2015 Audi A3 Saloon in Amalfi White became covered in tiny pin head sized rust spots at 8 months old. The Audi dealer said it is atmospheric 'fallout', not covered by the 3 year paint warranty, even though the car has never been parked by a railway line and in fact lives in a country village.
20-11-2017:Report of 2016 Audi A3 1.4TSI s-tronic saloon bought used in September sticking in 1st gear a couple of times. Switching off the engine, then swithcing on a gain seemed to 'cure' it.
22-07-2018:Report of clutch pack failure on 2016 Audi A3 1.4TFSI s-tronic at 15,000 miles.
14-05-2019:Report of Audi A3 saloon ordered December 2018, due for delivery May 2019 now delayed until 2020 due to problem with WLTP testing.
