I have the 1.5 in my golf mark 7.5 estate. Agree it can be a bit jerky on warm up but that's the same regardless of the year. It's the first 30 seconds (sometimes longer if you don't exceed 20mph) when it does some kind of fast warm up cycle. After that it's smooth. After a 1.6tdi it is a joy to rev out but not quite like one of those lovely old BMW straight 6s. Fuel economy wise I only get about 35mpg in town (diesel did 45), general use will be about 42 (diesel did 52) and on a motorway run you're in the mid to high 50s which is as good as my diesel was! That 7 speed is handy here. It's most economical at a constant speed. The economy is actually marginally worse than my old 1.4tsi 140 manual 2014 was in town and in general use but quite a lot better on a long trip. Rev that engine out too often and you will pay the price at the pumps though. It seems smoothest on premium fuel especially when cold but at current prices it's getting standard 95 and it's still good with that. Just not quite as good. Using premium I got over 60mpg on a motorway run so you might get that cost back if all you do is long runs. But in town I found it made no difference.
I’m going to get an Audi A3 2024 plate, probably sportback , still undecided if to go for the 1 litre one . I currently have an Audi A1 35tfsi s Tronic 20 plate Vorsprung edition .
Great video mate. I do think that the diesel gate scandal, combined with the amount of money being spent on new electric models, is massively affecting the whole VW group, in terms of the build and material quality of their cars. And it's a bit of a shame because that's what made them stand out for a fair while. Now that they've lost that, I don't see any reason to buy an A3 or Golf over any of their rivals really. I mean, I genuinely think that whilst they've been going backwards in quality in my opinion, brands like Kia and Hyundai have been improving year after year and are easily on the same level now. When you think about where those two brands were, even just 10 years ago, that's kinda crazy to say, and they deserve massive credit for how far they've come in such a short time span.
100% agree, such a shame as Audi materials and perceived quality was always off the charts. As you say, the Korean brands have really started to come into their own.
Great review thanks. I test drove a Merc A250 hoping for good things over my previous Audis, but couldn't stand the Cirque du Soleil lighting, uncomfortable seats and plasticky lucky bag silver bits, so back to Audi. I am particularly interested in the suspension as I found the older S Line to be too firm, so your comments have encouraged me to try one.
I want to spec mine with the sport suspension too, as i've heard this A3 sport supension is not that harsh. I'm not sure, but his comments sound encouraging. Have you done any test drive with the sport one ?
@@JasonTsimplis yep, it’s not as harsh as it was in older A3’s, it handles like a dream and although it’s a firm ride it’s still comfortable. I think black edition may be a bit firmer still but if you stick to a-line I think you’ll find it perfectly fine.
Update regarding my A3. I bought the newest version of the old A3 a few years ago, as I wanted the superior interior quality. So yes, there is a better looking saloon than your A3 and that's my Daytona grey Black Edition A3 (LOL!) Having just paid out over £700 for one rear indicator light I am selling it soon, as I live in fear of another light failing. Also the ride is now too firm for my age, so I am looking at swapping to a Volvo XC40 Trouble is it looks too good and everyone keeps telling me I can't sell it! As you rightly say, the best looking saloon car from any angle.
Sensible points Jim…let’s hope Audi are watching 😉 and taking notes. You’ll be getting the cold mornings soon enough… I’d be a teensy weency worried meself 🤔
It’s a shame that they slipping a little on one of their main selling points. It’s ok when cold but definitely not exactly smooth for 30 secs or so. Lovely car otherwise.
Wife currently has a 2008 2.0 Tdi. She likes the diesel torque so not sure if she'd go for the 1.5 petrol even though it's similar bhp. Might change her mind once she tries one
I had a long test drive a couple of weeks ago in an A3 Sportback Hybrid and I came away very impressed in almost all respects. Like you, the main disappointment was that some aspects (but certainly not all by any means) of the interior trim were scratchy and low rent................especially so on a vehicle costing £35K. On a 3 year PCP (low miles, only 5K per annum) the dealer was asking us to pay just short of £27K (plus the final bubble payment if we wanted to keep it at the end). We found the same spec car on a 3 year lease for a little over £13K. Go figure! As you know we eventually opted for a totally different vehicle but I think that Audi (and/or their dealers) need to have a long hard look at their financing costs for PCP customers.
That PCP deal is almost criminal. Such nice cars but they need to remember why people buy them over cheap equivalent vehicles (many of which are from the same stable).
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru During our car search we had contact with Main Dealers representing 4 different manufacturers all of whom immediately and without any fight held their hands up and said that they couldn't come anywhere even close to leasing costs. One dealer pointed out that quitting out of a lease mid-term might be more difficult/costly than a PCP deal but in reality they know they can't compete. The big question is why this massive disparity in cost arises. Is it the dealers being greedy or are they being dictated to by the manufacturers who are manipulating the market?
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru I'd go so far as to say that if (when?) private leasing becomes mainstream it will be enough to threaten the whole dealership business model. It would be absolutely fascinating if you could persuade a Dealer Principal to speak candidly about the whole issue. I get the impression that, right now, the vast majority of private new car sales are funded by PCP but as the balance inevitably swings towards leasing the dealers & manufacturers will surely be forced to react.
@@johnroberts9212 I really don’t think anyone would but yes would be interesting for sure. The US model is very different to ours with leasing being the norm. It’s also interesting there as they have the new car stock on their lots, you sign up for your lease and drive the car away. Obviously they have the benefit of huge car lots to keep the stock and a culture that is far more open to “credit culture” but that seems like a possibly way for it to go here but then so many seem so happy with PCP’s that the dealers certainly won’t be encouraging the switch. EV’s will make leasing more and more the thing to do as time goes on though as the battery technology will keep getting better whilst production costs (and retail costs) will come down at a similar rate.
Another great video and really enjoying the car reviews. The car looks awesome and especially in black. It’s a shame about the build quality you mention though. I currently own an A class and love the interior and infotainment system. There are a couple of bits though where I think they could have done better. Not had an old A class to compare to but just hoping the German car makers are not letting it slip generally.
”Only the 1.5” 😅. I recently bought a 1.0 L saloon and it’s brilliant. As a bonus I regularly get 45-60mpg. I think the 1 litre is fine for most people, especially if you live in a town/city.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru I’ve driven less than 2,000 miles so far from new and doing less than 10,000 miles a year so it’s going to be a long time before I find out.
Can you please suggest which is better to buy as used car?(Under £10k / Year 2014 onwards) Audi A3 BMW 3 Series / Gran Turismo Mercedes Benz C Class Or Any Other u prefer.
All great cars to be honest, A3 is a little smaller than the others but a great car. Honestly I’d say whichever one has the best service history and in best condition. Really I’d say that a 3 series is the better drivers car, the Mercedes is the better motorway cruiser, and the A3 is a good all-rounder. Hope that helps mate.
I don’t have one to review unfortunately mate but if I get the opportunity I will. I’d have ordered the Sportback over the Saloon by the way and I’ve owned 2 Sportback’s in the past.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru for my budget and insurance, it’s the 2L petrol shadow edition 120i or the Audi a3 s- line saloon 1.5 Tsi. Both auto transmission. What do you think to go for? Obviously, different in the fact one’s a hatchback. Does the Audi pack a punch in this spec nonetheless? Ik the bmw is rwd
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Great review - you're becoming my favourite car channel recently👍👍
You mushy just become my fave viewer Artie. Thank you brother. Tell your friends 👍👍
I have the 1.5 in my golf mark 7.5 estate. Agree it can be a bit jerky on warm up but that's the same regardless of the year. It's the first 30 seconds (sometimes longer if you don't exceed 20mph) when it does some kind of fast warm up cycle. After that it's smooth. After a 1.6tdi it is a joy to rev out but not quite like one of those lovely old BMW straight 6s. Fuel economy wise I only get about 35mpg in town (diesel did 45), general use will be about 42 (diesel did 52) and on a motorway run you're in the mid to high 50s which is as good as my diesel was! That 7 speed is handy here. It's most economical at a constant speed. The economy is actually marginally worse than my old 1.4tsi 140 manual 2014 was in town and in general use but quite a lot better on a long trip. Rev that engine out too often and you will pay the price at the pumps though. It seems smoothest on premium fuel especially when cold but at current prices it's getting standard 95 and it's still good with that. Just not quite as good. Using premium I got over 60mpg on a motorway run so you might get that cost back if all you do is long runs. But in town I found it made no difference.
I found the 1.4's a bit better on a cold start, how about you? Great engine though.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru yep. 1.4 didn't do fast warm up so was much smoother for first couple of minutes.
I really enjoyed this no BS just facts keep it up
Thanks, will do!
I’m going to get an Audi A3 2024 plate, probably sportback , still undecided if to go for the 1 litre one .
I currently have an Audi A1 35tfsi s Tronic 20 plate Vorsprung edition .
If you’re leading it the 1.0 is fine but don’t buy one as the engine has plenty of issues. The 1.5 is far better longer term.
I just bought a new 1 litre saloon and love it - 45-60mpg too. It’s got more power than my old A3 1.6 Sportback.
Great video mate. I do think that the diesel gate scandal, combined with the amount of money being spent on new electric models, is massively affecting the whole VW group, in terms of the build and material quality of their cars. And it's a bit of a shame because that's what made them stand out for a fair while. Now that they've lost that, I don't see any reason to buy an A3 or Golf over any of their rivals really. I mean, I genuinely think that whilst they've been going backwards in quality in my opinion, brands like Kia and Hyundai have been improving year after year and are easily on the same level now. When you think about where those two brands were, even just 10 years ago, that's kinda crazy to say, and they deserve massive credit for how far they've come in such a short time span.
100% agree, such a shame as Audi materials and perceived quality was always off the charts. As you say, the Korean brands have really started to come into their own.
Great review thanks. I test drove a Merc A250 hoping for good things over my previous Audis, but couldn't stand the Cirque du Soleil lighting, uncomfortable seats and plasticky lucky bag silver bits, so back to Audi. I am particularly interested in the suspension as I found the older S Line to be too firm, so your comments have encouraged me to try one.
That's great, thanks for the feedback - Cirque du Soleil lighting, LOVE IT!!!! :)
I want to spec mine with the sport suspension too, as i've heard this A3 sport supension is not that harsh.
I'm not sure, but his comments sound encouraging. Have you done any test drive with the sport one ?
@@JasonTsimplis yep, it’s not as harsh as it was in older A3’s, it handles like a dream and although it’s a firm ride it’s still comfortable. I think black edition may be a bit firmer still but if you stick to a-line I think you’ll find it perfectly fine.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Ah, that's good to hear. Thanks a lot for the feedback, much appreciated ! :)
@@JasonTsimplis not a problem mate, thanks for commenting 👍👍👍
Update regarding my A3. I bought the newest version of the old A3 a few years ago, as I wanted the superior interior quality. So yes, there is a better looking saloon than your A3 and that's my Daytona grey Black Edition A3 (LOL!) Having just paid out over £700 for one rear indicator light I am selling it soon, as I live in fear of another light failing. Also the ride is now too firm for my age, so I am looking at swapping to a Volvo XC40
Trouble is it looks too good and everyone keeps telling me I can't sell it!
As you rightly say, the best looking saloon car from any angle.
👍
Sensible points Jim…let’s hope Audi are watching 😉 and taking notes. You’ll be getting the cold mornings soon enough… I’d be a teensy weency worried meself 🤔
It’s a shame that they slipping a little on one of their main selling points. It’s ok when cold but definitely not exactly smooth for 30 secs or so. Lovely car otherwise.
Loving the car reviews 👍 I always loved Audi interiors but I personally think the new C Class interior is much smarter than this A3.
Cheers Chris - yeah Merc interiors are great but I favour the infotainment in the Audi
Love my B9 A4 saloon. Trying to persuade the wife to change her ageing A3 sport back for a newer A3 saloon.
Nice review
Loved my B9, far better build quality than this A3 to be honest. 👌
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru yeah, that's my only reservation with the A3.
The previous generations were better built in my opinion, great to drive though 👍
Wife currently has a 2008 2.0 Tdi. She likes the diesel torque so not sure if she'd go for the 1.5 petrol even though it's similar bhp. Might change her mind once she tries one
@@simontaylor3211 I prefer the petrol personally
I had a long test drive a couple of weeks ago in an A3 Sportback Hybrid and I came away very impressed in almost all respects. Like you, the main disappointment was that some aspects (but certainly not all by any means) of the interior trim were scratchy and low rent................especially so on a vehicle costing £35K.
On a 3 year PCP (low miles, only 5K per annum) the dealer was asking us to pay just short of £27K (plus the final bubble payment if we wanted to keep it at the end). We found the same spec car on a 3 year lease for a little over £13K. Go figure! As you know we eventually opted for a totally different vehicle but I think that Audi (and/or their dealers) need to have a long hard look at their financing costs for PCP customers.
That PCP deal is almost criminal. Such nice cars but they need to remember why people buy them over cheap equivalent vehicles (many of which are from the same stable).
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru During our car search we had contact with Main Dealers representing 4 different manufacturers all of whom immediately and without any fight held their hands up and said that they couldn't come anywhere even close to leasing costs. One dealer pointed out that quitting out of a lease mid-term might be more difficult/costly than a PCP deal but in reality they know they can't compete. The big question is why this massive disparity in cost arises. Is it the dealers being greedy or are they being dictated to by the manufacturers who are manipulating the market?
@@johnroberts9212 probably a bit of both John. Greed is obviously a factor though. Scandalous really.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru I'd go so far as to say that if (when?) private leasing becomes mainstream it will be enough to threaten the whole dealership business model. It would be absolutely fascinating if you could persuade a Dealer Principal to speak candidly about the whole issue. I get the impression that, right now, the vast majority of private new car sales are funded by PCP but as the balance inevitably swings towards leasing the dealers & manufacturers will surely be forced to react.
@@johnroberts9212 I really don’t think anyone would but yes would be interesting for sure. The US model is very different to ours with leasing being the norm. It’s also interesting there as they have the new car stock on their lots, you sign up for your lease and drive the car away. Obviously they have the benefit of huge car lots to keep the stock and a culture that is far more open to “credit culture” but that seems like a possibly way for it to go here but then so many seem so happy with PCP’s that the dealers certainly won’t be encouraging the switch. EV’s will make leasing more and more the thing to do as time goes on though as the battery technology will keep getting better whilst production costs (and retail costs) will come down at a similar rate.
Another great video and really enjoying the car reviews. The car looks awesome and especially in black. It’s a shame about the build quality you mention though.
I currently own an A class and love the interior and infotainment system. There are a couple of bits though where I think they could have done better. Not had an old A class to compare to but just hoping the German car makers are not letting it slip generally.
Thanks for the feedback mate, yes odd that they're seemingly letting standards slip on cars that you buy due to their high standards.....
Great video, test driving one toda.
Enjoy 👍
”Only the 1.5” 😅. I recently bought a 1.0 L saloon and it’s brilliant. As a bonus I regularly get 45-60mpg. I think the 1 litre is fine for most people, especially if you live in a town/city.
As long as you don’t expect it to have a long life the 1.0 is fine. There won’t be too many 120k-ers around though.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru I’ve driven less than 2,000 miles so far from new and doing less than 10,000 miles a year so it’s going to be a long time before I find out.
👍👍
Great video review 👍. Have you experienced the MMI intermittently rebooting whilst driving?
Not in the Audi, I’ve seen it happen in a new Golf though. Audi had an SOS call error thing popping up from time to time which was annoying though.
A3, A Class or 1 Series (2021) for a business lease car & personal. Whats your pick? Or any outsiders catching your eye?
They’re all great cars but the current 1 series maybe just edges it for me. A lot depends on co2 / bik if it’s a company car though!
thanks v much! will have to investigate a bit more on the BIK.
@@-Chunk this Audi is not the worst on BIK but also not the best. About £2k at 20% and £4k per annum at 40% off the top of my head.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru thank you
Can you please suggest which is better to buy as used car?(Under £10k / Year 2014 onwards)
Audi A3
BMW 3 Series / Gran Turismo
Mercedes Benz C Class
Or Any Other u prefer.
All great cars to be honest, A3 is a little smaller than the others but a great car. Honestly I’d say whichever one has the best service history and in best condition.
Really I’d say that a 3 series is the better drivers car, the Mercedes is the better motorway cruiser, and the A3 is a good all-rounder. Hope that helps mate.
under 10k 💀 a ford fiesta mate
Hai, can you please do a review of Audi A3 Sportback.
I don’t have one to review unfortunately mate but if I get the opportunity I will. I’d have ordered the Sportback over the Saloon by the way and I’ve owned 2 Sportback’s in the past.
bmw 1 series 2019 shadow edition 2l vs a 1.5L Audi a3 s line 2020. Which one would you opt for? Or anything around the £22000 mark?
The 1 series for me. The 3.0 petrol is a great engine actually so I’d likely look for one of those.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru for my budget and insurance, it’s the 2L petrol shadow edition 120i or the Audi a3 s- line saloon 1.5 Tsi. Both auto transmission. What do you think to go for? Obviously, different in the fact one’s a hatchback. Does the Audi pack a punch in this spec nonetheless? Ik the bmw is rwd
BMW
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru reasons?
Book a call if you want to chat.
Saloon looks better but they have only hard and lower suspention
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😂
My golf mark 7.5 has more soft touch plastics than this. VW has already dropped the quality on the mark 8 and now Audi.
Very true Paul
I’ve realized the plasticky quality in most of the Audi range this year! Bad for them! Mercedes Benz makes the best quality interiors nowadays!
Yes, Audi interiors are not what they were at all.