When the smallest A3 model was first introduced to the world in 1997, it was an unexpected success. The use of the concern platform of the sister Golf did not meet with an ideal reception, but on the same basis they managed to conjure up another, better car in Ingolstadt. This tradition continues to this day. The latest A3 also stands on the MQB EVO platform, which it shares with sister models Skoda Octavia , Volkswagen Golf and Seat Leon . However, it ends with the platform. I still have a vivid memory of the new Golf from a recent test and I must say that I would not have guessed it over its siblings.
SHARP EDGES HARDEN THE BASS
The A3 has always seemed like an underdog in the Audi portfolio. Don't take it the wrong way, it was definitely worth it, but I never got the feeling of a full-fat Audi. It was rather bland, ordinary, and the interior with round vents…. For me, a real Audi only started with the number four.
From my point of view, the all-new A3 is finally the real Audi with everything. A sharp cut design, full of straight lines and edges, a muscular stance and a rugged face. Let me sink into the ground, if this is not beauty. He fits in wonderfully with his bigger brothers. Our tested piece was dressed in Daytona pearl lacquer, which gives it a touch of exclusivity.
In addition, you get to taste the top version of the S3 in the tested S-line equipment. The bumpers and sill extensions are the same. So watch the signs carefully to see if someone is pulling your nose. I have to admit that I actually started smoking because of the new A3. Going out on the balcony and enjoying its beauty was a pleasant pastime even in the freezing cold.
DIGITAL SCIFI COCKPIT
The sharp edges carry over to the interior too, and I'm thrilled. After sitting down for the first time, the interior seemed a little cramped to me, mainly due to the dark combination of colors with darkened windows. Otherwise, there is plenty of room for four passengers, even in the back.
The materials used can withstand the highest standards, and it is not for nothing that I use Audi in my tests as an example of perfection. The surfaces are soft, pleasant to the touch, beautiful. Perhaps only the silver line across the entire dashboard would not have to be made of colored plastic. The modern tech theme is perhaps a little cold, but color lovers can order, for example, bright blue decor with color-coordinated seats. Our sports ones, by the way, are absolutely excellent. Although it might not seem like it with the sporty version of the S-Line, they are not overly hard, but above all they provide the perfect lateral support that we will need during fast driving. A sporty low position, almost like in Formula 1, will also come in handy.
The Volkswagen concern is currently embracing the trend of removing physical buttons. I've already written several times that it's not entirely good. Fortunately, Audi is going against this trend, so we can find a bunch of buttons in the interior of the new A3, perhaps for every possible function. Adjusting the brightness of the displays, start-stop, air conditioning control, radio volume, you all have to tap the display in the Golf. Then, for example, you take the turn to Barrandov. Anyone who knows it there knows what hell it is to return for a quarter of an hour via Smíchov.
The control itself also has an on-board computer display (on the steering wheel) and infotainment in the MMI on the dashboard. I would highlight one small detail that is not in the Volkswagen. A button on the steering wheel to instantly mute the radio. Audi even has its own button for that. Great.
Touching the screen is thus left to the on-board MMI system. It is built on the concern's MIB3, so it has the same defects and sometimes it has to be restarted. In any case, it is functionally up to par and has an amazingly fine display. So let's go for a ride.
FAST AND COMFORTABLE ≠ SPORTY
When I first met the tested A3, I was a little afraid. The sports package, in addition to the lowered adaptive chassis, was a clear indication of a hard and smooth ride. The softer seats gave me a little hope that it wouldn't be so bad, and it really was. Audi A3 S-Line with sports chassis can be comfortable ! For me, this was the biggest surprise of the entire test. I did not expect such comfort. Broken circles, cat's heads, not even transverse thresholds, nothing will throw you off, you just have a pleasant swim and "A-trojka" can even swing nicely.
The perfectly tuned chassis receives a multi-element rear axle in all versions, thanks to which you will not lose contact with the road even during sharper driving. If you want to drive more sharply, you choose the dynamic driving mode, the tilts of the body are a thing of the past at that moment, the chassis stiffens up noticeably and you can go for a ride. It is commendable that even in sport mode the damping of unevenness remains at a high level. Here, the difference compared to the Golf is perhaps the most noticeable, it rattled a little even in the comfort mode. The great chassis is seconded by the steering with a very short gear ratio, only two revolutions between extreme positions.
Driving in the new Audi A3 is very pleasant. When you need it, you enjoy comfort, when you're in a hurry, you turn on dynamics . You can drive very fast wherever you are. High-quality shoes, flexible chassis, minimal tilts, everything is absolutely perfect, even if you don't have a Quattro. I admit that I don't miss it much, even as a front wheel, the A3 is not very understeer, it would just be an unnecessary burden. Did I mention you can drive really fast? That's all you can do. The Audi sticks to the road like a nail and has a lot to like. It's just a bit boring. I'm not one to go to the circuit on the weekend. It just lacks something, some X-factor. More than a bona fide sports car, the A3 seems like a small Grand Turismo to me. Fast and convenient.
LINEAR MILD HYBRID
If we don't have the Quattro anymore, at least we have the turbo. Under the hood of the tested A3 is a four-cylinder 1.5 TFSI with a power of 150 hp and a torque of 250 Nm. Those aren't huge numbers, but they seem like a reasonable baseline to me. There is also a cheaper 1.0 TSI available, but it only has 110 hp and a three-cylinder would be a problem for me in an Audi. Similar to other cars, the company makes the internal combustion engine a mild-hybrid device with a 48V battery. Such a basic hybrid that you barely know about. It can poke when accelerating or driving faster, but it is mainly there because of emissions. We had a seven-speed DSG available, if you order a manual, the hybrid system will pass you by.
How is it driven? I can't help, but the driving performance reminded me a bit of an electric car. The torque is available from low revs, you just tickle the gas pedal, you ride on a wave of comfort and nothing more is needed. At the same time, you drive quite fast. Shifting of the DSG gearbox is practically imperceptible, the noise reduction is exemplary. Even the little A3 drives like a limousine, not even a hint of sportiness. The engine has enough power for calm driving, if you want to drive more sharply… That's not a problem either.
Regardless of the numbers, in everyday life there is no place where 150 horses is not enough. You'll be the fastest in the city, you'll be fast in the counties, you can drive 200 miles on the highway in complete silence. What awaits you is silence and comfort. The four-cylinder TFSI does not have a significant power peak, you will not drive it to revs like the old VTEC. The transmission has enough qualts that the tachometer needle never swings past 3000. The entire power gradation is so linear and smooth. And just like the chassis, a little emotionless. In the end, you won't even want to drive extra fast, for which the little Audi will repay you with very good fuel consumption. I mainly drove in the city, I didn't save much, for 7l/100. You can get to the highway in less than six.
SPEED FOR LONG TRIPS
Anyone looking for a really tough sports car should go for the S3 . For everyone else, even the regular A3 is a tremendously pleasant car for everyday life. I won't lie to you, I'm very excited about its design, it's the first A3 that doesn't shy away from its bigger siblings and I'd love to live in it, how beautiful the interior is. Despite all the sports equipment, it is uniquely comfortable and pleasant, yet powerful enough even on the Autobahn. That's where its perfection lies. I can imagine it as a suitable choice for transcontinental journeys, even as a car for the city.
Basic price: NOK 652,922 (1.0 81kW/110k 6-speed manual)
Basic price of the tested version: 705,900 (1.5 TFSI 110kW/150k 6-speed manual)
Price for tested configuration with surcharges: CZK 1,291,700 (1.5 TFSI 110kW/150k 7-speed DSG S-line)
Photo: Jindřiška Lidická
