Audi A3 Saloon 2020 Review - What's Not To Like?!
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- Опубліковано 4 гру 2020
- BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE AN AUDI A3 SALOON FROM OSV: bit.ly/37xy7br
It's an Audi A3 - but not perhaps, quite as you know it. Here, we've the Saloon version, which in this second generation form has been designed to even more effectively bring the brand's cool elegance within the reach of those who might find the only slightly larger A4 model a bit of a stretch. We all like the idea of good things in sensibly sized packages. In essence, that's what this is. There's now a completely digitalised interior and cutting-edge infotainment, plus more unique light signatures, various electrified engines and a suite of innovative assistance systems enveloped in a completely redesigned, yet immediately recognisable body.
Background
The compact executive saloon. Every business carpark is stuffed with the things, most of them up-market German-badged offerings like Audi's A4, BMW's 3 Series or Mercedes' C-Class. Cars of this kind are now generations old and have got progressively larger, more sophisticated - and more expensive. So much so that room has been created for a market sector to slot in beneath them. A segment with four-door saloons offering pretty much the same thing, but in a slightly more compact form. Cars like this one, Audi's A3 Saloon.
The Ingolstadt brand first launched this model in our market in 2013 and from the start was well aware of the need to sell this one carefully. After all, it's traditionally been true that any four-door smaller than something A4/3 Series or C-Class-sized tends to get pretty much ignored on these shores. So the marketeers had to pitch this three-box A3 as offering almost everything a buyer might get in their fully-fledged A4 model - just in a marginally smaller package. The thinking person's compact executive saloon if you like. The approach worked and the first generation A3 saloon carved out a loyal following. But towards the end of the MK1 version's production life, it began to look a little frumpy compared to the rival premium-badged compact four-door coupe models that sold to much the same type of clientele - the Mercedes CLA and, latterly, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Hence the need for a slightly different approach from this MK2 A3 Saloon.
Driving Experience
Take a glance at the powerplant line-up and, on initial inspection at least, you won't find anything particularly shocking if you happened to be familiar with it from before. The keynote mainstream engine is the 35 TFSI variant's 1.5-litre TFSI petrol unit with 150PS, which is offered in conventional form with a manual gearbox but which now gets Audi's 48-volt mild hybrid tech if you order it with the 7-speed S tronic auto transmission most A3 Saloon customers want.
It's the other mainstream engine option that features in the 35 TDI model we tried, another 150PS unit, a 2.0 TDI diesel that has to be had with the S tronic auto. You can also talk to your dealer about a couple of lesser petrol and diesel powerplants. In the base 30 TFSI variant, a 1.0 three cylinder turbo petrol engine with 110PS (which again gets the mild hybrid tech if you order it with S tronic auto). And, in the base black pump-fuelled version, the 30 TDI, a de-tuned 2.0 TDI diesel with 116PS.
More powerful future variants will get quattro drive and further electrification. And there's a sporting S3 derivative which develops 310PS from its 2.0 TFSI turbo petrol unit and gets to 62mph in just 4.8s. This performance model's standard quattro 4WD system has been lightly revised for quicker reactions that also now apply to the optional adaptive damping system you can have on all A3s, now hydraulically-activated.
On the move in any version of this car, if you're an A3 regular - or a graduate from a Golf - you'll find that this Audi now has even more of the mature drive dynamics you'll be looking for, helped by a fully digital at-the-wheel experience and the optional embellishment of hybrid power and self-driving tech.
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So, what do you make of the Audi A3 Saloon?
Bought mine in December, Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI in Python Yellow with Business and Evolution packets. They'll delivered it only in March though, worth the wait though, not bad for my first car at 22yo I guess :)
Only issue with it is that it’s not a BMW or Mercedes
I will be getting mine this month!
@@evol3852 congrats, in the end mine got delayed so to apologise they offered me at the same price an Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI Business Advanced S-Tronic all black with tinted windows, S interiors, 18" wheels, chrome packet, cargo packet... almost full loaded, last 2 weeks until delivery :)
Another great video
Thanks 😊
Our pleasure, Michael. We're glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Always great car reviews.
Good reviews as always, I don't think there is a more thorough car review channel out there. I also like the presenter
Thanks for the great feedback, MrSunnyBhoy!
I honestly feel its better looking than the hatch. Just so disappointed by the interior quality going backwards.
Brilliant review of a Brilliant Car!
Thanks, Nirmal! Glad you enjoyed it 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I really did, thank you very much. A3 infact is the car which I will buy if I remain in Sri Lanka (which is very unlikely), but the tax regime here which makes it ridiculously overpriced greatly discourages me to invest on it... Hopefully I can buy it quite easily when I migrate to Europe, but I might be quite wealthy then so why not my dream car: the fully equipped A6. 😍
Impressive review and eloquent language give a sophisticated impression of a lovely car
We're glad you enjoyed the review, Gary 🙌
Are they chrome tailpipes or are they covered
Had a 2020 a3 s Line. Warning lights always coming on the dashboard. Rattle from behind the dashboard. problem with lights too. I kept it 14 months
then went back to reliable Honda
...”better reflects the times we live in.” That!
Good review - offers a no nonsense approach often missing in others like Car Wow (with their silly jokes etc). Bit like Top Gear from 40 years ago.
Many thanks for watching, John! If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT
Tell you what. I recently bought an A6 with everything on it.
Very disappointing!!! Rattles all over the place which I can’t stand and various other things. So much for Audi build. I since bought a 7 Series. Fantastic!!
Shouldn’t rattle at all, especially that new. I bet your very annoyed
Not a big fan of Volkswagen group cars at the moment, the quality seems to have taken a nose dive. Also their reliability is rather average, when it should be right up there at the top
Hi Matthew, if you're interested in Volkswagen reliability then definitely check out our detailed article: www.osv.ltd.uk/volkswagen-reliability/
Fantastic review! What is the exact colour of the car that's reviewed?
Turbo Blue 💙
I’m liking this one audi makes some good compact sedans
It's extremely poor that you don't get front sensors as standard in a 30k car
What’s not to like? Where do I start? Had mine since October and it’s quite honestly the worst car I have owned. Constant warnings on the virtual cockpit. MMI that’s flickers and resets if I plug my phone in. Or just goes blank on its own. Apple car play that is useless..... need I go on!?
We're sorry to hear that you've been having issues with your A3, Craig. It may be worth contacting Audi directly to see if they can help.
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I have, the car has been recovered once and I’ve driven it back for repair another. I am in the final stages of rejection.
Think I'd prefer the sport over the s-line. Don't think it's worth the price spike.
Looks like bare, painted metal around the doors on the inside. Makes it look cheap. Audi quality seems to be dipping and Audi seems to do poorly in reliability surveys. Shame because a compact saloon is what I'm after and I like the dimensions. Mazda 3 saloon a bit big. May take a look at the A class saloon. I find many of these premium brand cars are losing their class and becoming less subtle and more chavvy. Also, all the tech they fit (computers on wheels) is why the reliability is often poor when compared with much cheaper and much more. It's a dilemma. Maybe I'll keep my 5 year old , low mileage vauxhall. When the dealers are open I shall be out to inspect the A3 saloon, Mazda 3, Merc a class saloon etc.
What's not to like? How about the hideous looking grille?
It’s not gonna turn heads like a 2 Series Gran Coupe?? 😂 I think you meant to say it’s not gonna turn stomachs like a 2 Series Gran Coupe!! 🤮
We take it you're not the biggest fan of the 2 Series?!
Audi is way nicer, especially on the interiors
Normally very impressed with these reviews but my God, this one's summary is nonsense. To suggest that Audi is any way under the radar with its design is unbelievable. They are all hideously vulgar, poundshop Lambo slashes and all, and the epitomise the fall from grace of such a respected brand. Its a shouty design and has no subtlety whatsoever. What have you been smoking?
Totally agree.
Hi there, thanks for the feedback. We aim to be as impartial as possible in all our reviews to help viewers find their perfect next vehicle 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thanks for replying. You're reviews are hugely impressive. I (and clearly 1 or 3 others) felt the characterisation of this model was wide of the mark. Nevertheless, keep up the good work. You're efforts are appreciated.
The more Audi make their cars aggressive looking the more vulgar they become and your paying for the looks mainly with a VW engine, not a mix i will be buying.
Well, I'm 22 and bought the new 2021 Audi A3 Saloon in python yellow with the 35 TFSI and Business + Evolution packets... costs the same as a Golf and has the same engine maybe but the difference from this A3 and a Golf is day and night. The Golf would probably be the better overall choice for most people but for a 22yo the aggressive looks and sportier feeling of the A3 Saloon is hands down way more appealing.
Also when you buy a premium car you buy it for the brand itself, when someone asks you what car do you own try the difference between "I like German luxury cars and have an Audi A3 Saloon" and "I bought a Golf because I'm not dumb enough to pay extra for an Audi which is just an overpriced Golf". Most people aren't car enthusiasts so they would put even a horrible A1 above a Golf GTD in their perspective.
@@DINGOKIS And for the ones in the know we get a good laugh everytime we see them on the roads 🤭😂
@@Silver-st2zq yeah I wonder why Audi/BMW/Mercedes are among the most desirable cars all over the world, they're just overpriced trashcans on wheels, aren't they?
@@DINGOKIS I can get Porsche and Ferrari level but come on, the Merc A1 has a Renault engine in it, the BMW one series is now front wheel drive! 🤭😂
@@Silver-st2zq not that I could buy a better car for €40k... a Cayman is €20k over my budget, I wonder what new petrol car would you suggest for under €40k
Very comprehensive review but very boring, it's like a dealer training video.
We're sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy this review
Bit harsh lol I liked it
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I loved it!