2014 Audi A3 1.8T
As the German triumvirate of Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz push down market for fresh clientele—the idea being that if you get ‘em into the fold early enough, they will stick around for life—we see the introduction (respectively) of the new A3 sedan, 2-series and CLA. Of these, the A3 seems the most conventional approach, with conservative yet classy, made-for-America, four door sheet metal and a useable amount of back seat room.
Sized about the same as an A4 from roughly a decade ago, it sends the appropriate, upscale signals via carefully honed lines and proper proportions—even if it’s perched a bit high above its lovely 18-inch wheels. Inside is a cockpit that should be a lesson to all aspiring auto designers. Stunning in its simplicity and elegant in its detailing, it makes most competitors seem overwrought. Details such as the slim screen that powers out of the dash top and the deliciously tactile round vents and climate controls show how cheap many of the Benz’s parts are, too.
One can tell that Audi very carefully chose its option groups, as there are just enough features to placate most, yet some missing essentials (backup camera) to move you up into the higher, more profitable trim levels.
The A3 is based on parent company VW’s MQB component set that also underlies the newest Golf (along with about 30 other models and variants), and this under-the-hood component sharing is what allows for the high quality materials used inside. Yet there are some areas wherein the A3 shows its more humble underpinnings compared to the “entry level” BMW 228i and even the similarly priced (yet larger) 320i, whose platform is more expensive.
Specifically, the A3 doesn't ride with the panache one expects of a $36,000 vehicle, at least when equipped with those lovely wheels. It chatters and clumps about over broken tarmac, manhole covers and transverse ridges. And while the Audi handles well enough, it doesn't have the verve to make for passionate progress, either, as its light but accurate steering and controlled but benign balance don’t encourage one to chase corners.
Perhaps more of an issue is the new, 170hp 1.8-liter engine. Though a contemporary design, it has turbo lag worthy of a 1980s hot hatch. Press the go pedal and wait…wait…wait, then bam! The front wheels spin and off you lurch. Part of this is down to the calibration of the twinclutch, S tronic six-speed gearbox, which seems designed to deliver the best EPA numbers possible, but doesn't work so well in the real world. Pulling the gear lever into Sport sharpens takeoff but then makes the engine much too busy. Things are probably better at sea level, but in Colorado’s thin air this is a real nuisance. Speaking of fuel economy, while the Audi is rated at a competitive 23mpg city and 33mpg highway, it is nigh on impossible to get anywhere near its 27mpg combined rating in normal, mixed-road usage.
The engine does have a strong midrange—peaking with a stout 200lb-ft of torque—which makes short work of passing, but its upper reaches are flat and lifeless, adding to the feeling that the A3 is a smooth and workmanlike but hardly inspiring drive. For those looking for elan, the BMW 320i, 228i, platform-mate GTI, or even a Mazda3 S may be the better options (they are also up to $5-6,000 less expensive). But that’s the price of prestige these days. Another good option would be to chop the option count and go for the A3 with the 2.0-liter engine and AWD (reviewed here). But if one’s priorities are for an upper-shelf badge, lovely interior ambiance and discreet, classy good looks, the A3 1.8T is spot on.
EPA ratings: 23/33mpg; 27mpg combined
Price as tested: $36,645
Here is what Audi has to say about the A3.
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