Verdict
The Audi A3 has always been a class act, and the Mk4 is no different, whichever powertrain or trim level you choose. It’s not the best value in its class, nor the most exciting to drive, but it’s a pretty safe choice. Buy one and you won’t lose your shirt on it at resale time, while the efficient engines mean fuel bills won’t be too steep, although running costs can be high elsewhere, such as for dealer servicing. In short, the A3 should be painless to own, but you pay a premium to buy and run it. And as long as you go into ownership knowing that, the chances are that you won’t be disappointed.
Taking a car brand upmarket can be tricky, but moving a premium brand into mass-market territory can often be more successful. Just ask Audi, who almost three decades ago introduced a compact hatchback with all of the quality and technology of its bigger models, but in a more affordable and accessible package.
For years, having an Audi on the driveway had been the preserve of the relatively wealthy, but now Volkswagen Golf buyers could stretch themselves a bit and buy into a posher badge. Since then, the widening of the A3 range to encompass sportier models and the addition of a saloon option has only increased the model’s appeal.
History
The A3 Mk4 arrived in March 2020, just as Covid-19 struck. Whereas previous A3s were available in three-door form, the Mk4 came as a five-door Sportback model only, with 1.5 TFSI petrol or 2.0 TDI diesel engines, both with 148bhp. A 1.5 TFSI mild hybrid and a 109bhp 1.0 TFSI petrol engine were soon available, plus a saloon with the same powerplants.
By autumn 2020 the 306bhp S3 saloon and hatch were on sale, then in early 2021 the 201bhp 40 TFSI e and 241bhp 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrids joined the range. For those wanting even more, the 395bhp RS 3 hatch and saloon appeared in autumn 2021.
On the road
Like most Audis, the A3 isn’t a car that you buy for driving thrills, but it’s enjoyable, with a pragmatic balance between ride comfort and sharp handling; excellent refinement makes long-distance journeys a breeze. Buy further up the range and you get more sophisticated rear suspension, while all A3s have Drive Select, so the steering feel and throttle response can be adjusted, along with the shift points for the automatic transmission, if fitted.
Which should I buy?
There are no poor choices of engine or transmission, although the 1.0 TFSI feels a bit underwhelming. The 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines were offered with quattro four-wheel drive and an auto gearbox, but these are very rare.
All A3s have digital instruments, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, navigation, LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a wide-ranging driver-assistance package. Sport editions have 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control and leather trim, while S line brings 18-inch alloys, sport seats and suspension, privacy glass and LED rear lights. The range-topping Vorsprung models come with Alcantara and leather trim, electric front-seat adjustment, ambient lighting, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, a Bang & Olufsen hi-fi, and more driver aids.
Alternatives to the Audi A3 Mk4
When we tested a DS4 plug-in hybrid against an A3, the French car won, thanks to its impressive build quality, generous equipment, higher comfort levels and slick powertrain. In a separate test, the Mercedes A-Class came out ahead of the DS4 thanks to its superb mild-hybrid powertrain, high-tech cabin and superlative build quality, plus finance payments that the DS couldn’t compete with. As a used buy, the DS appeals even more.
