You may struggle to spot the difference between the long-awaited Audi A3 and the ancient model it replaces, but don't be fooled by its conservative looks; the new premium medium motor delivers a double whammy of improved economy and sporty performance.
However, that's pretty much the pitch of its arch rival, the BMW 1 Series, so the Audi will need to be something special to beat its fellow German.
Members can see our full review of the new Audi A3, including our full video, test scores and ratings. Sign up for £1 if you're not a member, and here's a sneak peek of our first drive video.
New Audi A3 First Drive video
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Video transcript
You might think thata company that names it's carsafter different size sheets of paper lacks a bit of imagination.Take a look at the newAudi A3, which isremarkably similar to theprevious car and you may start to agree.But just because Audi is playingsafe with the styling that doesn'tmean it's latest 3 doorhatch isn't an innovative machine.
It follows the firms ultra lightweight designing fast and promisesa double whammy of improved performance and economy.That's pretty much the pitch of its arch rival, the BMW One Series.So this A3 is goingto have to be something really specialif it wants to steal sales from its fellow German.Prices start at justover 19,000 pounds for arather basic SE Spec 1.4 version.
If you want the range-topping 1.8 TFSIin S Line spec, expectto pay more than 26,000 pounds.But if you look carefully,you'll notice the chubbier Audi grillframed by LED daytime runninglights and the sharp creaseson the sides of the car, thatrun from headlights to the taillights,these give it a more macho chiseledlook.
Ok, so it may not look thatdifferent on the outside butit's the things you can't see on the new A3 that are really important.
Around 80 kilograms has beenshaved off the weight ofthis car by swapping steelfor aluminum at the frontend and by cutting toother components underthe skin.That diet is really good news for drivers.It translates in some pretty athletic prowessThe 1.8 TFSI, the carwe're driving, dispenses withthe 0-60 dash in just over 7 seconds.
We yet to put the A3 through ourcomprehensive fuel economy test, butAudi claims that the newengines would achieve between 50 and 69 mpg.that's an average of twelve percent lower than the old A3.The new chassis makes theAudi A3 feel well balancedand really good to drive on winding roads.and the Quattro four wheel drive systemin this model ensures that it will stick to the road like glue.
Two gear boxes are offered, asix-speed manual and aseven-speed S Tronic.Later in 2012, Audi will introduce an eco-friendly one 1.6 diesel.This will have CO2 emissions of99 grams and will qualify for free car tax.
Hot hatch loverswill be really pleased to hear thata powerful S versionis promised further ahead while city dwellers might be interested in the electric A3.The A3's cabin is up to Audi's usual impeccable standards.There is a lot of soft touchplastics, a good feeling steeringwheel and theses air vents, they seem to have been borrowed from the Audi TT.
Opt for MMI touch andyou can write the address youwant to get to onto the screen, one letter at a time.The SatNav then recognizes the word and set your course.If this seems too much work,you can just choose a system withvoice control, with a largerwheelbase before, this A3gives front and back seat passengers a bit more headroom.
Boot space increases too, from350 to 365 liters that'senough for two reasonable sized suitcases. The new AudiA3 is much more than a clean sheet of paper.Under its conservatively styled skinis a superbly well engineered car.It is more agile and faster than before.Whether it's good enough to be class leader remains to be seen.
But one things for sure, thenew A3 is definitely goingto give BMW and other rivals a real run for their money.
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