Audi A3 Sedan

Overview

The smallest sedan currently sold by Audi in Malaysia, the A3, has been one of the most prominent and highest selling models by the company in many emerging markets worldwide. The A3 doesn’t compromise on the top class quality levels of its siblings, despite being priced at a very competitive point. The Audi A3 is available in only one variant, which comes with a petrol automatic powertrain under its hood. There are nine color options for the Audi A3, namely Ibis White, Tango Red, Cosmos Blue, Glacier White, Monsoon Grey, Brilliant Black, Floret Silver, Nano Grey, and Mythos Black.

Interior & Features

On the inside, Audi has made the cabin as minimalist and simple as possible, but in the process, it lacks desirability. It does look modern though, thanks to the presence of fully digital virtual cockpit instrument console which has got a variety of options to choose from, including navigation as well as Audi’s MMI interface. These same operations can be controlled via a free-standing rectangular touch screen infotainment system as well, right at the centre of the dashboard. Speaking of the dashboard, it has got very basic looking round AC vents, below which are placed the small console of buttons for automatic climate control. The flat bottom steering wheel is perhaps the only sporty bit inside the otherwise subtly designed cabin.

While there are a plethora of comfort and convenience features to get pampered of, Audi also offers a total of three leather upholstery options – Black, Rotor Grey and Chestnut Brown. The cabin is spacious enough for four adults with ease, though the inclusion of a third passenger in the rear row can be a squeeze, due to limited width which restricts the shoulder room.

Exterior

The Audi A3’s overall exterior design has a sense of simplicity blended with elegance. While it doesn’t look as flashy and up to date as A4 and A5, it still has that premium appeal to it which generally people expect from Audi.

At the front, the A3 has got the typical Audi fascia with a hexagonal grille with chrome surrounds and inserts. The headlamps look sharp, thanks to the noticeable kink at the bottom centre, and it comes with full LED lighting including daytime running LEDs.

The side profile of the Audi A3 looks quite understated, but sophisticated, thanks to a very chunky and prominent shoulder line flowing all the way from the outer edge of the headlamp to the tail lamp. The door mounted outside rearview mirrors adds in a young appeal to the otherwise very mature looking side profile of the A3.

At the rear, the Audi A3 once again demonstrates its simple side with a set of tapered trapezoidal LED tail lamps and a boot integrated tailgate spoiler.

Ride & Handling

Though the Audi A3 misses the trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive drivetrain, it surely comes with a sophisticated suspension system, of whose settings can be altered through the MMI interface. While the overall steering and suspension combination is not on the enthusiastic side, it still does the job of being a comfortable place to be in.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Audi has employed its smallest sedan offering, the A3, with a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine, which powers a host of sedans from the Volkswagen family. The engine in the A3 is coupled to a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission, produces a maximum power output of 150 PS and a peak torque output of 250 Nm, and channels all the power produced to only front wheels.

Braking & Safety

The Audi A3 might be the smallest sedan, however, it still packs in a number of premium safety features, such as front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, vehicle stability control, cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors with all around camera.

Verdict

The A3 is one perfect sedan for all those who want the premium appeal of the Audi badge but at a more accessible price range. Yes, it surely sacrifices on a number of premium features and offers a rather Spartan cabin by Audi’s standards. But then, its impeccable fit and finish, coupled with the levels of performance and ride quality which justifies its price point, make it a practical car to go for.