Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi A3 – performance and 0-60

Performance is not a priority on non-S and RS models, but standard engines do what they say on the tin

Evo rating
Price
from £28,650
  • Able chassis, low kerbweight, basic ergonomics are right
  • Ride and refinement severely lacking, interior quality a big step backwards

As you might suspect, no A3 is a fast car, which is a given considering there are two levels of performance model above it. The 109bhp 30TFSI model is slow, hitting 62mph in over 10.6sec regardless of the manual or S-tronic transmission. The 148bhp 35TFSI cuts that down to 8.4sec and on the road these figures don’t quite do the A3 justice, thanks to a torque curve that is at its full from 1500rpm. The A3’s lithe 1280kg kerb weight, which is nearly 100kg less than the BMW 1-series and Mercedes A-class, helps matters further. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Overall, manual models are typically long-geared with second topping out at 70mph. The gearing is spaced out reasonably well but first feels too short considering the low-down torque the engines are capable of - giving the A3 a somewhat frenetic driving demeanor in town. 

More pricey plug-in hybrid models hit 62mph in 7.6sec and 6.8sec in their 200bhp and 242bhp variants, respectively, but ultimate performance is held back by their compromised kerb weight which sits at 1560kg. Engine response is good across all models though – the engine perks up with even a gentle brush of the throttle – and it always feels relatively well matched to the gearshift and clutch motion.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024