Audi A3 Saloon Review 2026
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Audi A3 Saloon Verdict
Saloon version of the new Audi A3. 2cm more headroom in the front.
On sale mid 2020.
Find out more about the Audi A3 Saloon
Closely related to the new Audi A3 Sportback, the saloon will initially be sold with a choice of petrol and diesel engines and will rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon.
The petrol offering is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit badged the 35 TFSI. This can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. When paired with the dual-clutch auto, the 35 TFSI features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which recovers energy under deceleration and can provide up to 50Nm of torque, allowing the A3 saloon to coast with the engine off.
The diesel, meanwhile, is a 2.0-litre TDI which also provides 150PS via a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Two more engines will follow weeks after market launch including a lower-powered 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Audi is yet to confirm UK prices and specifications, but expect all these engines to be offered here - while a plug-in hybrid is also likely.
Buyers will be able to choose from two suspension setups in the UK - the standard system, as well as a firmer sports suspension. Adaptive dampers will be offered in other markets but aren’t expected to be sold in the UK.
Although marginally bigger than its predecessor, the A3 Saloon isn’t noticeably different in terms of dimensions. Audi’s claiming an extra 2cm of front headroom (thanks to lowered seats), as well as a slight improvement in elbow room. The boot remains the same, at 425 litres.
Just like the Sportback, the biggest difference to the A3 Saloon compared to its predecessor is the quality of the interior. There’s a slick 10.1-inch touchscreen media system in the centre of the dash, angled slightly towards the driver. A 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is fitted as standard, while a larger 12.3-inch system is also available.
We’ll find out more about the new Audi A3 Saloon - including UK prices and specifications - ahead of it going on sale soon with deliveries in the summer.
Audi A3 Saloon models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4458 mm |
| Width | 1960 mm |
| Height | 1416 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1225–1505 kg |
| Boot Space | 325–1145 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9300–12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £25,265–£46,215 |
| Insurance Groups | 15–34 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–I |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Model History
April 2020
Audi A3 Saloon revealed
Audi has revealed a saloon version of its new A3 ahead of orders opening later this year with prices expected to start in the region of £27,000.
Closely related to the new Audi A3 Sportback, the saloon will initially be sold with a choice of petrol and diesel engines and will rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon.
The petrol offering is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit badged the 35 TFSI. This can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. When paired with the dual-clutch auto, the 35 TFSI features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which recovers energy under deceleration and can provide up to 50Nm of torque, allowing the A3 saloon to coast with the engine off.
The diesel, meanwhile, is a 2.0-litre TDI which also provides 150PS via a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Two more engines will follow weeks after market launch including a lower-powered 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Audi is yet to confirm UK prices and specifications, but expect all these engines to be offered here - while a plug-in hybrid is also likely.
Buyers will be able to choose from two suspension setups in the UK - the standard system, as well as a firmer sports suspension. Adaptive dampers will be offered in other markets but aren’t expected to be sold in the UK.
Although marginally bigger than its predecessor, the A3 Saloon isn’t noticeably different in terms of dimensions. Audi’s claiming an extra 2cm of front headroom (thanks to lowered seats), as well as a slight improvement in elbow room. The boot remains the same, at 425 litres.
Just like the Sportback, the biggest difference to the A3 Saloon compared to its predecessor is the quality of the interior. There’s a slick 10.1-inch touchscreen media system in the centre of the dash, angled slightly towards the driver. A 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is fitted as standard, while a larger 12.3-inch system is also available.
We’ll find out more about the new Audi A3 Saloon - including UK prices and specifications - ahead of it going on sale soon with deliveries in the summer.
What to watch out for
Report of battery cut out on 2021 Audi A3 1.5 TSI. Dealer has suggested that the problem may be caused by driving over a hump or pothole in the road. Audi dealer says this is a "common problem which is being taken up with Audi as the switches are too sensitive".
