Audi A3 Sportback 2017 Review

Pricey options
By any measure, Audi is a premium nameplate, one of the stars of the Volkswagen Group, the world’s number one automotive brand. So Audi can charge premium prices.

Nevertheless with a recommended retail price of $39,990 (plus on-road costs), the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI COD is at first glance good value but, like other prestige brands, Audi does include some desirable items in a long list of available options.

In this case, the test vehicle ran to a total of $46,850 (plus on-road costs). Fitted options included metallic paint ($1150), the Style package which bundles LED headlights and tail lights with dynamic indicators, 18 inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, and titanium grey interior inlays ($2400), the Technik package comprising MMI navigation plus Audi virtual cockpit, a flat-bottom multifunction sport leather steering wheel and transmission shift paddles ($2900) plus the Audi sound system – a 140-watt, 10 speaker set-up, dashboard centre speaker, subwoofer in the spare wheel well and a six-channel amplifier ($500).

Front seats are a little flat for fast cornering but surprisingly soft (by German standards). Even after a few hours in the Audi A3 things still feel comfortable.

Interior storage is a mixed bag. On the one hand, multimedia slots consume some glovebox volume and the centre console bin is a tad shallow but, on the other, door pockets front and rear are deep and each has a portion shaped to take a large drink bottle.

Like rivals, the Audi A3’s seating is two-plus-two with an occasional use centre seat in the rear which - while lacking the well-shaped cushioning of the outer seats - actually gets a decent amount of seat padding. Rear-seat headroom is a bit tight for taller individuals, although legroom is pretty good and access is easy thanks to wide-opening doors with large apertures. There are two adjustable air vents and one 12v aux socket.

ISOFIX child seat fixtures for two and three top tethers have the Audi A3 well kitted for transporting juniors. However the centre-seat tether point is set very high - just below the head restraint – with some child seats this means you would need to work hard to dial-in sufficient tension for the belt webbing.

The Audi A3’s high hip line provides a squared-off space at the rear which translates into useful luggage space of 380-litres or 1220-litres (rear seat folded) and the rear seat split folds 60-40 to accommodate various loads. Underneath the cargo floor is where you find the temporary steel space wheel.

There is no control overload in the A3. Audi has really taken ergonomics to heart and even simple stuff like the audio volume control is thoughtfully placed on the console right next to the driver where you always find it (and the A3 has steering wheel volume controls too).

Part of the problem with the slow initial response may be attributed to a transmission calibration favouring enhanced fuel consumption (it constantly seeks the highest gear possible). Switch to Sport mode and any request for a burst of acceleration (when zoning in on a gap in the next lane, for example) is met with much more enthusiasm.

A cylinder deactivation mode for better fuel consumption is imperceptible on a highway cruise and the Audi A3 averaged 7.4l/100km on test, with much of that driving in the suburbs.

The A3’s updated exterior style is crisp and naturally the driving experience is comfortable and mostly rewarding.

Unfortunately desirable extras like the excellent Audi sound system and the clever virtual cockpit require considerable extra dollars.
2017 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI COD RT pricing and specifications:
Price: $46,850 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 117g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP