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Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI review: Big business thrills for small-engined Audi

Audi A3 1.0 TFSI dynamic
New Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI is lively and low tax

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25 May 2016

Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI review:

What is it:

Audi has given its A3 a subtle A4-style makeover inside and out, but the biggest change under the bonnet has to be the fitting of an all-new, entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol TFSi engine, which replaces the previous 1.2-litre unit and boasts 113bhp, yet CO2 emissions of just 104g/km.

What’s hot?

  • Despite this engine’s small size, the willing new 1.0-litre TFSi boasts 113bhp, 200Nm of torque and 0-62 acceleration in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 128mph. All with standard six-speed manual transmission, although the launch cars we drove were fitted with the smooth-shifting seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch auto.
  • This new engine is lighter – weighing 88kg in total, which in turn has a positive effect on this A3’s dynamics. It turns in surprisingly keenly, meaning this A3 is fun to drive, frugal (62.8mpg is attainable), yet our modestly-tyred test car rode well too.
  • The current A3 Sportback was launched back in 2013, but in our opinion it still looked fresh. Audi obviously agreed, as outside the facelift changes are subtle and limited to a wider front grille, new lights front and rear, with a Matrix-LED option at the front. A re-shaped rear bumper completes the look.
Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI review
The new Audi A3 Sportback with optional virtual cockpit
  • Inside, like the outside, the changes to the face-lifted A3 are minimal and mostly limited to the optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit TFT display, which was first seen in the TT, then the A4 and most recently the R8 supercar. It works well once you get used to it.
  • In Sportback form, the A3 remains as practical as ever; you won’t be disappointed by front and rear space, although the boot space could be bigger.
  • The launch of this face-lifted A3, also sees the introduction of some new safety kit in the form of a rear cross-traffic warning, pre-emptive safety braking and even traffic jam assist. Other useful standard kit on the face-lifted A3 include standard-fit Xenon lights, retractable seven-inch infotainment screen and a built-in SIM card giving access to the internet, as well as live traffic updates and other features for three-years.

What’s not?

  • With some more steering feel, the A3 could challenge the class best, as this is the only chink in the A3’s handling package.
  • 113bhp and 200Nm is enough for most motoring situations in the A3, but is probably not best-suited to high speed motorway work where the performance feels a bit lacking.
  • Prices for the A3 Sportback 1.0-litre TFSi have yet to be confirmed, but with our previous experience, we don’t expect it to be the cheapest small-family option.

Verdict:

With minor exterior and interior tweaks, plus the attractive, well-made interior and the keen, willing new 1.0-litre TFSi petrol engine – the facelifted Audi A3 is an even more attractive SME small-family choice against tough family rivals in the form of the SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf.

It’s just a shame the lack of steering feel, plus the fact that this engine isn’t best suited to high speed motorway work spoil the fun.

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We look forward to driving and comparing this car to rivals when it hits UK shores in a couple of months

Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI review:

The Low Down…

 

Doors and body style Five-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TFSI engine / Seven-speed automatic transmission
CO2 Emissions: 104g/km
Economy: 62.8mpg
Power/torque: 113bhp/ 200Nm
0-62mph/top speed:  9.7secs/ 128mph
Insurance group:  N/A

The new Audi A3 Sportback loadbay. Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI
The new Audi A3 Sportback loadbay

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