Other Audi A3 (2012 - 2020) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Not as ostentatious as a Merc or as aggressive as a Bimmer. Still a bit flash though.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    I dread to think - I know what I used to say about Audi drivers, but then it's not an S5 is it...

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yep, although I'd be on the lookout for a 'Sport' with the '140 PS cylinder on demand' and downgraded suspension.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    It wont be for a long time after months of wearing down my better half with Parker's car reviews, but maybe a 5 series estate. By then of course we'll all be driverless....

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £17,000

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2015

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I hope so. As it was a car supermarket, the price was very competitive, but then it was an ex-rental car so the miles had been racked up.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Like a golf, just better.

    What was the dealer like?

    Straightforward. not much of a test drive, but then I knew what I was looking for. I also had to ask for them to clean the car again....

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Noticably lighter than older VAG cars and while the engine is fairly nippy it could always do with a bit more poke. The non-sports suspension and wheels are far more forgiving in the city, but not so hot on the rare occasions its taken for a spin.

    What's it like to park?

    Parking sensors a great help and the turning circle is startling. I'm almost looking forward to the first supermarket scrape, if only so I stop religiously cleaning the thing.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Not a thing, but then it is early days.

    What's most practical about your car?

    All a reasonable size in and out as you might expect and its perfect for nipping around town. Efficient petrol engine not far off from my old diesel Golf GT.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Got to love the music and sat-nav interface. Frankly , the best thing about the car is that the interior is not dominated by a huge screen and endless buttons. With the screen slip down, it is largely distraction free.