Audi A3 Hatchback (12 on) - Review

The Audi A3 is one of the smarter looking medium family hatchbacks and it attracts well-heeled buyers that don't want to draw attention to themselves. It's understated, that's for sure, but its design is in line with newer models like the current A6 and revised A4. In fact you'll probably struggle to tell which model it is from your rear-view mirror. It gets three reworked engines including a 1.4-litre TFSI producing 121bhp, a 1.8-litre TFSI making 178bhp and a 2.0-litre TDI with a power output of 148bhp. Although the A3 is a rather sedate-looking model, it's all things to most people. Stylish but not brash, well-built, not horrifically expensive, premium but not exclusive. Most people will buy it based purely on the badge and, as a medium hatchback with excellent engines and sensible running costs, it certainly ticks plenty of boxes. Of course it's not a direct rival to the more affordable hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra because that 'premium' tag comes at a price, but that said, you don't have to have a king's ransom to get yourself one. Base models will start at around £19,000, but as you go up the trim levels you'll start to realise that owning an Audi doesn't come cheap, especially when compared with others on the market. Plus, once you tick a few extra option boxes, the cost will soon rocket. It should be cheaper to run than the previous-generation A3 thanks largely to the weight loss. Audi has lopped a hearty 80kg off the kerbweight and part of that weight loss - 9kgs - has come by fitting an aluminium front bumper and wings. The Audi A3 has also got bigger: it's 12mm wider and the wheelbase is up 23mm. The boot has grown from 350 to 365 litres as well but these increased dimensions haven't compromised efficiency. Audi says fuel consumption has been reduced by 12% across the range. Audi will also offer a 1.6-litre diesel that promises 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2. Can the Audi A3 stay ahead of the BMW 1 Series? Read on for the full Audi A3 review.