Overview

The A3 is the smallest saloon car Audi makes. It’s an unfashionable bodstyle perhaps, but continues to sell, bringing premium interiors to the compact junior executive range. This one is basically an A3 Sportback that isn’t a hatchback. QED.

Simultaneously, it’s much like a smaller and cheaper Audi A4. In terms of rivals, the A3 and A4 are obvious ones, while there are others from rival German cars in the shape of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes A-Class Saloon.

Like with the regular A3, Audi offers a slimmed-down range of engines compared with the pre-pandemic era. Kicking things off is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol 30 TFSI. There’s also a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 35 TFSI petrol that’s quicker, but more expensive. On the diesel side, is one 2.0-litre model, known as the 35 TDI.

There are three trim levels to choose from. From most expensive to cheapest they go, Sport, S Line and Black Edition. Like with other cars, the more money you pay, the more kit you get. All trim levels get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which replaces the traditional dials behind the steering wheel with a configurable screen.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Audi A3 Saloon including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.