Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI 2013 review

Why fit amazing technology to a car and then try to conceal it? Audi's new A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic COD features new, multi-displacement technology that slashes fuel consumption and turns the 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine into a 700cc two cylinder at times.

They're calling the system COD but it stands for Cylinder On Demand rather than Cash On Delivery -- though it could deliver a little of both. The thing is there is nothing to indicate when the change takes place, unlike the three other Audis that already have the tech.

In fact, Audi has tried to make the transition from four to two cylinders and back again as seamless as possible. In contrast, in the S6, S7 and RS6 models, a dash indicator tells the driver when the car is operating at half capacity.

Explore the 2013 Audi A3 range

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Try as we might we couldn't secure any real explanation from Audi, apart from the fact that the proof was in the pudding -- drivers can see the benefits when they refuel. 

You see the “COD” technology is claimed to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent and that is all that really counts, explains Audi Australia boss Andrew Doyle.

The car is one of two new models that Audi have added to the A3 Sportback lineup this week. The other is a range topping (for now) 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol model with the addition of Audi's ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive system.

VALUE

Prices start at $35,600 for the entry level 1.4-litre Attraction. For $36,500 you can have the same car with a 1.6-litre diesel, or for $37,900 you get the new COD model -- all in Attraction trim. Stepping up to the Ambition model gets you a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, either of which will set you back $42,500 before on-road costs  or the new 1.8-litre quattro for $45,500. The red-hot all-wheel drive S3 arrives later in the year priced from $59,900.

The Sportback's standard equipment list includes leather, climate and cruise control, auto lights and wipers, 16 inch alloys, dynamic suspension, 8-speaker audio system with music interface and Bluetooth phone audio streaming.

DESIGN

Based on the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 Sportback is Audi's swoopy backed A3 hatch-cum-station wagon. It's a car with which Audi claims started the premium hatch segment with its launch back in 1996. The addition of the two new models brings the number of Sportback variants to six, with entry level Attraction and aspirational Ambition trims and a number of add-on packs as options.

Part of the new-generation A3’s design brief was to reduce weight, and as a result it's up to 90kg lighter. This has been achieved mainly through the introduction of lightweight aluminium parts. High tensile steel is used for the passenger cell and the bonnet and front guards are all aluminium.

TECHNOLOGY

The 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine in the COD produces 103kW of power and 250Nm of torque, compared to the entry level model's 90kW and 200Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km. The larger 1.8 turbo four delivers 132kW and 280Nm and is good for 6.8 secs, at just 6.6 litres/100km.

The latter's ultra-flat torque curve sees maximum torque kick in from a low 1250 revs right through to 5000 revs. Both engines are teamed with Audi's S tronic, twin-clutch auto as standard that includes steering wheel mounted paddle shifts.

Of note the 1.4 is teamed with Audi's dry-clutch 7-speed box and the 1.8 with the wet-clutch 6-speed unit, the latter to cope with the extra power. Any of the petrol models can also be ordered with a six-speed manual at no extra cost.

SAFETY

Five stars for safety, with seven airbags and a complete suite of safety systems. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are standard. For $1800 the optional Assistance Pack adds adaptive cruise, high beam assist and lane departure warning. The car also scores a 5 star rating from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide -- the same as the benchmark hybrid Prius.

DRIVING

We had a crack at both cars in the rolling hills outside Adelaide. For an extra $2300 the 1.4 litre COD offers considerably more power and torque than the entry level Sportback. Power rises to 103kW and torque increases 20 per cent to 250Nm, and the COD system slips easily into two cylinder mode when full power is not required.

This will generally occur at cruising speeds on the motorway or at other times when the engine is not under load. We couldn't tell if or when the change took place, so there's no real downside to the equation. The more powerful 1.8 offers stronger straight line acceleration, tighter body control and plenty of mid-corner grip thanks to all wheel drive. But it's still not as good as BMW's more powerful but more expensive 125i Sport. If you want more than the 1.8 can offer, then you'll have to wait until December for the fire-breathing S3 because there's nothing in between.

VERDICT

Both cars are good but we are not sure the 1.8-litre model is worth the extra dough. The 1.4-litre model offers plenty of punch, all the grip needed and near diesel levels of fuel economy and for that reason alone stands out.

Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI COD
Price: from $37,900
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Safety: 5 stars
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 103kW/250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWD
Dimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)
Thirst: 4.7L/100km

Audi A3 Sportback 1.8TFSI quattro
Price: from $45,500
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Safety: 5 stars
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280Nm
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWD
Dimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)
Thirst: 6.6L/100km