Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI SE 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - January 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £17,960
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 14
MPG: 51.4
CO2: 127
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 622 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.25/5
An Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 is a fine all-rounder. However the standard equipment found in this model is ordinary and may not worth the price. The engine lacks power and the ride could be a bit bumpy. A VW Golf might be a better choice.

PROS:  The Audi A3 Sportback offers a confident and smooth ride. It is a head-turner with its stylish exterior and classy ambiance. The cabin is well-appointed with its luxurious fittings and the comfort it offers its passengers is better than its rivals. The 1.2 TFSI is a high quality car fitted with a fine engine and superior build-quality.

CONS:  An Audi is expensive. Entry level models have inadequate kit. The engine lacks that "oomph" of power and the level of driving is nothing to rave about. The steering needs modification for more weight and precision.

Behind the Wheel

The A3 Sportback is a tweaked A3 which means you get the advantages of the Hatchback with a tad more space. It is a 6-speed manual 4-cylinder 16-valve medium car that can hit 62 mph in less than 11 seconds. This A3 model is very competent to drive what with its 51.4 mpg. The engine revs at 106 bhp at 5000 rpm and a torque with a force of 129 ft-lb at 1550-4100 rpm for a top speed of 119 mph.

The body grip and control are satisfactory but the steering needs a bit more weight for feel. The ride is not exactly uncomfortable but if fixed with a sports suspension, expect a jerky ride. Noise on the motorway is kept at minimum. Gear changes can sometimes be stiff.

Looks & Equipment

The Audi A3 Sportback has a clear-cut profile that looks bright and fresh though it is not really a new model. The inside is similarly attractive and fitted with beautiful high-quality finishing. This 5-seater boasts of supportive seats with adjustable knobs for more comfort. The dashboard may be well-laid out but the switches and buttons all look the same making it a feat to tell which is which at a glance.

The standard for the A3 Sportback 1.2 are air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, CD player, splitfold seats and more. For options are cruise control, leather seats, sat nav, climate and cruise control, metallic paint, climate control, hands-free phone kit. In truth, the standard equipment levels do not match the retail value of the A3 Sportback.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The 5-door A3 sports car has plenty of space for its driver and a front seat passenger. Anyone who is over 6 feet tall may not like a long distance ride on a cramped and slightly stiff ride. The boot has a minimum space of 370 litres. Though the cabin storage space is enough to carry the gear of a family of 5 (average height passengers at the rear) for a weekend getaway, a VW Golf is roomier. For a family of 4 (not 5) the A3 Sportback is really spacious.

The A3 is bundled with enough safety equipments and gadgets to earn a Euro NCAP Occupant rating of 4; 3 for NCAP Chid; 1 for NCAP Pedestrian. On the other hand the VW Golf is rated 5. For security, the 1.2 TFSI SE has remote central locking, deadlocks, immobilizer, alarm and locking wheel nuts. CO2 emission is 127g/k.

Value for Money

Priced at £17,960, this car is not really cheap but it’s one of the least expensive ways to own an Audi. If the quality of built and looks are tops in your priority, then an Audi is hard to ignore. The A3 Sportback is costlier than VW Golf but cheaper than a BMW 1. With an mpg of 51.4 the 1.2 TFSI SE has low running cost. Insurance bracket is 13 while Road Tax is D.

There is no denying that an Audi is a very popular, desirable and a well-built car. Therefore, the depreciation value is fairly low which translates to a high resale value- much more than the Golf or MINI. Consider the fact that servicing of an Audi A3 1.2 TFSI is reasonable but the parts are expensive. Warranty is 3 years/60,000. The A3 TFSI SE is the best in this bracket.

Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI SE 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Audi A3. Here are some popular Audi A3 alternatives:

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