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Audi A3 1.4 TFSI 2014 Review

EXPERT RATING
8
The third model in the A3 line-up initially comes Down Under with a choice of three engines – two petrol and one diesel, all turbocharged

The Audi A3 sedan might sound ordinary but nothing could be further from the truth. The car that brings the German automobile maker into the world's largest market segment – the compact sedan – is replete with features found normally only in luxury vehicles. It is, indeed, a premium compact sedan.

The third model in the A3 line-up initially comes Down Under with a choice of three engines – two petrol and one diesel, all turbocharged – developed to give the cars class leading fuel economy. However, being Audis, the vehicles also aim to present a sporty performance backed by looks that are designed to make them stand out from the compact sedan crowd. 

RANGE / FEATURES

Two specification levels – Attraction and Ambition – offer generous features, owners can option up their vehicles with Audi packages including advanced driver assistance systems, the latest in in-car infotainment, including MMI navigation plus with a touch-wheel and 5.8-inch monitor and high-end Bang and Olufsen  audio. 

For example, our test vehicle, a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol model, included a Style Package which added xenon plus headlamps and daytime running lights, sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels; plus a Technik Package consisting of MMI navigation plus, pop-up screen with rear-view camera and park assist, and Audi sound – well worth the $5000 premium on the $39,800 recommended retail price.   

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The engines range in capacity from 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre petrol power plants, with a 2.0-litre diesel unit completing the picture. All are mated with Audi's seven-speed dual clutch S tronic automatic transmission. A feature of the test vehicle was the cylinder-on-demand system which cuts out two cylinders at loads to achieve even better fuel economy without punishing performance.

STYLING

The single-frame radiator grille gives the A3 Sedan a customary Audi introduction, large air inlets emphasise the width of the vehicle, while the flat roofline conveys the sense of a sleek coupe in profile. Optional LED headlamps and daytime running lights, plus LEDs at the rear, were added attractions on the test vehicle.

INFOTAINMENT

The entire Audi automotive infotainment range has been brought to bear on the A3 sedan giving it a leading position in the segment. Central to this is a 5.8-inch power pop-up screen atop the central dashboard, which together with the Audi MMI navigation plus, an option in the test car, projects a wide range of information and gives the driver the ability to programme vehicle systems via a control wheel on the centre console to suit their demands.

The system runs an internal flash memory drive, DVD, eight-speaker radio, music and Bluetooth interface, while word recognition has the driver navigating, making phone calls or playing music simply by word of mouth.

SAFETY

In frontal collisions passive safety is taken care of by cross and side members distributing forces away from the passenger shell, while crumple zones around the vehicle absorb forces. From the side, sills and B-pillars offer protection and in a rear-ender, once again, cross members spread the danger outwards.

Avoiding accidents is aided by a suite of state-of-the-art systems, including electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes with emergency braking and traction control. Package options include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and side assist.

DRIVING

European elegance greets driver and passengers on entering the cabin. Quality fittings and fixtures, including leather upholstery, are a feature, while a well thought-out instrument display and control layout put the driver instantly at ease.  The driver enjoys the benefit of information on a 3.5-inch screen on the dash directly behind the steering wheel. Displayed are important pieces of information and advice on fuel efficient driving, as well as alerts on recommended rests.

A spacious interior is complemented by generous boot capacity of 425 litres, extendable for large objects by folding the rear seat backs. A net, hooked to floor-mounted rings, keeps cargo in its place.

Don't expect the A3 Sedan to set the world (or tarmac) alight. Emphasis here is on fuel economy.  The 103 kW of power put out by the 1.4-litre engine has the car reaching 100 kilometres per hour from rest in a claimed 8.4 seconds.

The 250 Nm of torque on tap between 1500 and 3500 revs, with its tuned in seven-speed double clutch DSG automatic transmission, has the car cruising with little stress, while the well-sorted suspension making for a smooth ride.

The A3 1.4 sedan returned consumption of 5.7 litres using premium unleaded petrol on day-to-day running. One quibble, with the engine stop/start system operating, a further aid to saving fuel, the motor can be slow to cut in resulting in a ragged take-off.

SUMMING UP

Audi extended its plant in Hungary to build the A3 Sedan, an investment it hopes to recoup in spades. With the company continuing to make inroads into the Australian market it's a safe bet this will be the case.

MODEL RANGE

A3 Attraction sedan 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic: from $39,800
A3 Ambition sedan 1.8 TFSI S tronic: from $44,800
A3 Ambition sedan 2.0 TDI S tronic:  from $44,800
A3 Ambition sedan 1.8 TFSI quattro S tronic: from $47,800

Audi A3 Sedan
Price: from $39,800-$47,800
Engines: 1.4 TFSI COD 103kW/250Nm, 1.8 TFSI 132kW/250Nm, 2.0 TDI 110kW/320Nm 1.8 TFSI quattro 132kW/280Nm
Transmission: 6 or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD or 4WD 
Thirst: 4.5-6.6L/100km, C02 109-152g/km

Pricing guides

$18,900
Based on 51 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$14,000
Highest Price
$24,880

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
S/Back 1.4 Tfsi Attraction COD 1.4L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $10,560 – 14,520 2014 Audi A3 2014 S/Back 1.4 Tfsi Attraction COD Pricing and Specs
Sb 1.8 TFSI Quattro Ambition 1.8L, PULP, 6 SP $16,610 – 21,230 2014 Audi A3 2014 Sb 1.8 TFSI Quattro Ambition Pricing and Specs
Sportback 1.6 TDI Attraction 1.6L, Diesel, 7 SP AUTO $9,020 – 12,760 2014 Audi A3 2014 Sportback 1.6 TDI Attraction Pricing and Specs
Sportback 1.4 TFSI Attraction 1.4L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $10,560 – 14,410 2014 Audi A3 2014 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Attraction Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Derek Ogden
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$14,000

Lowest price, based on 42 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.