Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic Review: Sportback charm

What we like:

Quality interior fit and finish

decent driving dynamics and large boot capacity.

What we dislike:

Looks almost exactly as the previous generation A3.

Powered by the smallest engine in the range, the smooth revving and quiet 1.4-litre TFSI equipped model chucks out 122bhp at 5,000rpm while torque figure is a healthy 200Nm from 4,000rpm. Though figures aren’t particularly impressive, the humble hatch still manages a century sprint of 9.3 seconds but feels much quicker on the road.

The seven speed S-tronic gear box swops cogs smoothly and without hesitation. While Audi isn’t touting this as a hot hatch, it does possess some hot hatch qualities that add to the driving enjoyment.

A quick steering rack makes this a joy to flow from bend to bend while the extremely capable chassis tackles ruts and bumps on the road surprisingly well. Damping is controlled though it does come off a little too soft on larger dips in the road.

Fuel economy though seems to be the highlight of this drive and at 18.1km/L, this 1.4-litre model will outdrive a Mercedes-Benz A-class in one tank challenge.

While the Audi lacks the good looks of the Volvo V40 and the Mercedes-Benz A-class, it does make up for its sedate looks with a high quality interior, decent boot capacity and spunky driving experience.

But when compared to its Golf cousin, it all comes down to what badge you’d rather have on the front.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline