Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Reivew: Three's Company

What we like:

Enough performance to suit most needs

efficient powertrain

affordable to tax and fuel

practical nature

still looks relatively contemporary on the outside

What we dislike:

Cabin starts to show its age

slightly gruff engine note in the top end

7-speed dry clutch S-Tronic lacks the slow speed smoothness of the wet clutch six-speed version

Inside, the A3 has one of the best cabins in its class in terms of quality and perceived luxury despite its age. The cabin makes its price premium over the VW Golf justifiable considering how much better in quality it is - the interior is far more elegant and quality and perceived luxury are markedly higher. Everything in here feels tactile in feel in touch. The seats look and feel superb thanks to their suede like inserts. The latter can also be found on the door cards – a delightful touch indeed. While the materials and the majority of the switch gear can’t be faulted, the stereo headunit with its red display just looks plain ancient.

Utility wise, the A3 Sportback offers a practical five-door body shape for rear passengers. Leg and headroom are reasonably generous despite the car’s relatively compact dimensions. The boot is also well-shaped and offers a large and useable loading are which an be even further expanded by folding the split/fold rear seats.

The 1.4 TFSI’s sticker price is approximately $25,000 less than the 1.8 TFSI. Despite its significantly lower price tag, the 1.4 TFSI doesn’t give away much to the 1.8 TFSI as it offers sufficient performance, luxury and refinement most premium hatchback buyers will ever need. The 1.4 TFSI has definitely instilled some life and a new dose of showroom appeal into the ageing A3 range.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai