AUDI

AUDI A3 SALOON 35 TFSI S line 4dr S Tronic

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph8.4s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2134 g/km

It's an Audi A3 - but not perhaps, quite as you know it. Here, we've the Saloon version, the second generation version of which has been lightly updated to even more effectively bring the brand's cool elegance within the reach of those who might find the only slightly larger A4 model a bit of a stretch. We all like the idea of good things in sensibly sized packages. In essence, that's what this is. There's a completely digitalised interior and cutting-edge infotainment, plus more unique light signatures, various electrified engines and a suite of innovative assistance systems enveloped in a classy yet immediately recognisable body.

REBOOT FOR CLASS FAVOURITE

The second generation Audi A3 Saloon aims to offer the style of four-door coupe rivals with a little extra practicality. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

It's an Audi A3 - but not perhaps, quite as you know it. Here, we've the Saloon version, the second generation version of which has been lightly updated to even more effectively bring the brand's cool elegance within the reach of those who might find the only slightly larger A4 model a bit of a stretch. We all like the idea of good things in sensibly sized packages. In essence, that's what this is. There's a completely digitalised interior and cutting-edge infotainment, plus more unique light signatures, various electrified engines and a suite of innovative assistance systems enveloped in a classy yet immediately recognisable body.

Background

The compact executive saloon. Every business carpark is stuffed with the things, most of them up-market German-badged offerings like Audi's A4, BMW's 3 Series or Mercedes' C-Class. Cars of this kind are now generations old and have got progressively larger, more sophisticated - and more expensive. So much so that room has been created for a market sector to slot in beneath them. A segment with four-door saloons offering pretty much the same thing, but in a slightly more compact form. Cars like this one, Audi's A3 Saloon. The Ingolstadt brand first launched this model in our market in 2013, then brought us a second generation version in 2020. From the start with this sedan model, Audi was well aware of the need to sell this product carefully. After all, it's traditionally been true that any four-door smaller than something A4/3 Series or C-Class-sized tends to get pretty much ignored on these shores. So the marketeers had to pitch this three-box A3 as offering almost everything a buyer might get in their fully-fledged A4 model - just in a marginally smaller package. The thinking person's compact executive saloon if you like. The approach worked and the first generation A3 saloon carved out a loyal following. But towards the end of the MK1 version's production life, it began to look a little frumpy compared to the rival premium-badged compact four-door coupe models that sold to much the same type of clientele - the Mercedes CLA and, latterly, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Hence the need for a slightly different approach with the MK2 A3 Saloon, which continues with this updated version, launched in early 2024.

Driving Experience

Take a glance at the powerplant line-up and, on initial inspection at least, you won't find anything particularly shocking if you happened to be familiar with it from before. There are no engineering to handling changes to this updated A3 Saloon. If you're an A3 regular - or a graduate from a Golf - you'll find that this Audi has even more of the mature drive dynamics you'll be looking for, helped by a fully digital at-the-wheel experience and the optional embellishment of self-driving tech. The original version of this model got a little more involving to drive than its predecessor thanks to slightly sharper steering, a wider track and the introduction of a 'modular dynamic handling control system' that, based on steering movements, predictively co-ordinates interplay between all the car's dynamic systems - like a conductor with an orchestra - so the car can always be one step ahead of the drive inputs you want to make. The engine options here are familiar for mainstream customers - the 35 TFSI petrol and 35 TDI diesel, both with 150PS, with the transmission emphasis as usual on Audi's familiar 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto. Both get supple multi-link rear suspension and with the 35 TFSI petrol model, the engine comes with an integrated 48-volt 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator that powers a 12-volt main electrical set-up in which a 48-volt compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. If you've more to spend on a more sophisticated kind of A3 Saloon, you can also talk to your dealer about a TFSI e plug-in hybrid and a faster version of the 2.0-litre petrol turbo S3 variant, which gets a power hike to 333PS and the addition of the torque-splitter system previously reserved for the RS 3.

Design and Build

In a market where it competes with four-door coupe designs like the Mercedes CLA and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, it was essential that the revised version of this second generation A3 Saloon look a little more dynamic than its predecessor. You might think that it does. As with the Sportback variant, Audi's given the improved version of this model large, angular air intakes and a flatter grille design that now features the two-dimensional four-ring logo we first saw on the brand's Q8 e-tron luxury EV. The daytime running lights now feature up to four different illuminating signatures that owners can switch between to individualise their car's appearance. Otherwise, things are much as before. In contrast with the A3 Sportback, the Saloon's body line continues in a straight line up to the rear bumper. This emphasises its length - 15cms longer than the Sportback - and makes for elegant proportions in profile. The concave surface under the broad body shoulder further accentuates the shape's rear quattro 'blisters' and the lower sills, while the roof line, which tapers down from the B-pillar and finishes in a spoiler on the boot lid, draws inspiration from coupe design. Inside this revised second generation A3 Saloon, there's a redesigned centre console with an armrest, restyled air vents, a smaller (compact, flatter) auto gear selector and smarter ambient lighting (which now gives you back-lit doors and contour lights around both the centre console and cup holders). The 'Virtual Cockpit plus' instrument screen is standard and the 10.1-inch central MMI monitor has been updated in various ways, allowing it to be customised with a wider range of applications, including Amazon Alexa. This MMI system is permanently connected to the internet, with high speed access via an embedded eSIM, which means you can create in the car a WiFi hotspot and access things like online music streaming, online traffic information and hybrid radio. This central screen's also your access to an audio upgrade that's now provided by Sonos, a 3D system. In the rear part of the cabin, a six-footer can sit behind an equally lanky driver, but it's a fairly snug fit and, as you'd expect from this class of car, three across the rear seat only really works if the people concerned are of school-going age. Out back, boot space is as before, offering a 425-litre capacity.

Market and Model

Expect a premium of around £700 over the A3 Sportback hatch, which means prices starting from just over £31,000. All the usual executive equipment items feature and this improved A3 Saloon is even more digital and connected, thanks to numerous connect services, functions on demand, and an app store. Standard equipment features DAB+ digital radio and a 10.1-inch central MMI touch display, along with the 'Audi virtual cockpit plus' instrument screen and an inductive smartphone charger. In addition to the two USB-C charging ports in the centre console in the front, two additional ports in the rear also come standard. Other features include MMI navigation plus, along with the complete connect portfolio and access to the app store, which allows the driver to use a wide range of applications via the vehicle's display. By embedding the store, customers can directly and intuitively access popular third-party apps on the MMI touch display by means of a data link in the vehicle. For our market, two individual infotainment and comfort functions can be added online via the myAudi app, even after the vehicle has been purchased. Functions include adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist. They can be booked for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently, depending on the customer's individual needs. If, for example, a long holiday is planned with the A3, adaptive cruise assist may be a useful addition for relaxed travel on long stretches of motorway.

Cost of Ownership

Audi is continuing is electrification strategy in the premium compact class, hence the emphasis on the MHEV mild hybrid 1.5-litre 35 TFSI petrol S tronic model in this MK2 A3 Saloon model range. The figures suggest that this variant manages 51.4mpg, with a CO2 return of 126g/km of CO2. That compares well to the figures of the conventional version of this engine allied to a manual gearbox (which are the same). The 35 TDI diesel S tronic auto model manages 62.8mpg and 119g/km. Most A3 Saloon buyers will want the MHEV auto petrol model which uses the same sort of set-up we've already seen on larger Audi models. A 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator that with this four cylinder engine, powers a 48-volt main electrical set-up in which a compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. During braking, the 'BAS' package can recover up to 12kW of power and feed it back into the battery. If the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at speeds between 34 and 99mph, the mild hybrid system will recuperate energy, while the car rolls in idle or coasts with its engine automatically switched off for up to 40 seconds. The belt alternator starter-generator restarts the engine the next time the accelerator is depressed, and does so faster and more gently than a conventional starter. All of this you'll particularly notice at urban speeds where the engine start-stop system is cutting in and out. The startstop range begins at just under 14mph, so you'll often find the car coasting up to the end of a traffic queue, a traffic light or a level crossing.

Summary

So, how to sum up? Well, the improved version of this second generation A3 Saloon might not look that much different at first glance, but it might begin to feel so once you take a seat inside and get to grips with the lightly redesigned cabin. Otherwise though, the recipe is much as it was before and that'll see many continuing to like the statement this A3 Saloon makes on their behalf. It's smart and elegant without being showy. Nor does it unduly advertise its status as the smallest saloon Audi makes. Most who see you at the wheel will simply think you've bought an A4 and those who do spy the different boot badge will probably think you've chosen wisely. So there's very little not to like. Unless you were looking to make some sort of style statement: this car won't turn the heads of passers' by like a rival Mercedes CLA or BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, but then that very discretion is a fundamental part of its appeal. As with any other A3, it's as at home in Belgravia as it is in Brixton, offering a democratisation of automotive luxury without a dilution of desirability. If you doubt that, you've only to get behind the wheel, for the interior is where this design really strides apart. You could be in a luxury car - and of course, in many ways, you are. Just one that perhaps better reflects the times we live in.

  • Rear electric windows
  • Light and rain sensors
  • Front electric windows
  • Acoustic glass windscreen
  • Privacy glass - dark tinted rear window, rear door and side windows

  • Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL
  • Hill hold assist

  • Front/rear floor mats

  • Audi smartphone interface
  • Bluetooth interface
  • Voice control system with natural language interaction
  • Audi connect emergency call and service

  • Audi drive select (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual)
  • Electromechanical power speed sensitive steering
  • Collision avoidance assistant
  • Lane departure warning system

  • Automatic start/stop system with recuperation

  • Service indicator
  • Audi Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital and colour instrument cluster
  • MMI Navigation Plus with high resolution 10.1" colour touch screen display

  • Body colour exterior mirrors
  • Electrically adjustable/heated/folding/dimming door mirrors with kerb view includes integrated LED indications + kerb view function for passenger side
  • Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

  • Aluminium trim elements
  • Aluminium air vent surrounds
  • Dark spectrum aluminium inlays, accent surfaces in the dashboard and centre console in platinum grey silk effect paint finish

  • 1xUSB-A and 1xUSB-C connection
  • DAB Digital radio
  • CD player
  • 6 passive loudspeakers

  • S line bumpers
  • Model and engine designation badges at rear
  • Aluminium window trim
  • S roof spoiler
  • Illuminated door sills with aluminium inserts at the front with S logo

  • LED daytime running lights

  • Dual zone electronic climate control

  • Black cloth headlining
  • Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
  • Front and rear centre armrest in leather
  • Twin leather upholstery with front sports seats S embossed logo
  • Manual boot compartment lid
  • Stainless steel pedals and front footrest
  • Luggage compartment floor covering
  • 12V socket and storage compartment in front centre console

  • Interior lighting - glove compartment light and right hand side

  • S line styling pack - A3 Saloon
  • Aluminium interior elements pack - A3 Saloon

  • Driver and front passenger airbag with passenger airbag deactivation
  • Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • First aid kit with warning triangle and 2 safety vests
  • Front side airbags with head airbags and interaction airbag
  • Seatbelt monitoring
  • Tyre pressure loss indicator
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts

  • Manually adjustable front seats
  • Seat side bolsters
  • Front and rear headrests
  • 40/20/40 split folding rear seat bench with cupholder

  • Electronically operated child lock
  • Anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Remote control central locking
  • Anti theft alarm
  • Immobiliser

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 134
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 138
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 134

  • Engine Code: 8YSCZG
  • CC: 1498
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 7 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • EC Urban (mpg): 47.9
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): 47.1
  • EC Combined (mpg): 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 47.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6

  • Generation Mark: 4
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 150
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.5
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E
  • Coin Series: S Line
  • Coin Description: TFSI
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5
  • Engine Power - BHP: 150
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.4
  • Top Speed: 144
  • Engine Power - KW: 110
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184
  • Engine Torque - NM: 250
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

  • Wheel Style: 5 ARM DYNAMIC
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

  • Length: 4495
  • Width: N
  • Wheelbase: 2636
  • Width (including mirrors): 1984
  • Height: 1425
  • Height (including roof rails): N

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 425
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1320
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1880
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 690
  • Max. Loading Weight: 560

  • Sports suspension: Included
  • Standard suspension: £0

  • Audi phone box with wireless charging: £145

  • Rear parking sensors: Included
  • Cruise control + speed limiter: Included
  • Lane change assistant with exit warning system and rear cross traffic alert: £510

  • Solid paint: Included
  • Metallic paint: £575
  • Pearlescent paint: £575
  • Electric panoramic sunroof: £1,055
  • Special solid paint: £575
  • Audi exclusive paint: £2,400

  • LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic rear indicators: Included
  • High beam assist: £100

  • Tool kit: Included
  • 3 spoke flat bottomed multifunction plus sports contour leather wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles: £115
  • 3 spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with gear shift paddles: Included

  • LED luggage compartment lighting: Included

  • Storage pack - A3/S3 Saloon: £175
  • Extended ambient lighting pack - A3/S3 Saloon: £110
  • Driver Assistance pack - A3 Saloon: £1,750
  • LED interior lighting pack - A3/S3 Saloon: Included
  • Matrix LED Exterior lighting with headlight washer Pack - A3/S3: £675

  • Metallic - Navaraa blue: £575
  • Metallic - Mythos black: £575
  • Metallic - Python yellow: £575
  • Metallic - Glacier white: £575
  • Metallic - Tango red: £575

  • Pearl - Daytona grey: £575

  • Solid - Ibis white: £0

  • Special solid - Turbo blue: £575
  • Audi Exclusive - Custom: £2,400

  • Rear side airbags with head airbag system: £340

  • I-size and top tether child seat mounting for the outer rear seats: Included
  • ISOFIX Child seat anchors in front and i-size top tether for outer rear seats: £0
  • 4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger: £260

  • Trailer hitch: £770

  • Twin leather - Steel grey with anthracite stitching + front sports seats with S embossed logo: £0
  • Twin leather - Black with rock grey stitching + front sport seats with S embossed logo: £0

  • 18" 5 spoke V style diamond cut alloy wheels: £250
  • 18" 5 arm Dynamic alloy wheels: Included
  • 18" 5 Y spoke style diamond cut alloy wheels: £145

  • Space saving spare wheel with tool kit and jack: £145
  • Tyre repair kit: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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