• Diesel engine is the sweet spot
• Manual gearbox very good
• Petrols smooth and quiet

Petrol engines

Two petrol engines are available on the A3 Saloon, and for the 2024 update, Audi replaced the entry-level 1.0-litre unit with a detuned version of the pre-existing 1.5-litre model. Unlike the A3 Sportback hatch there is no option of a plug-in hybrid version of the saloon.

The entry-level 30 TFSI now uses a 116hp 1.5-litre engine (up 6hp), which enables 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds (a second less than before). It comes paired with a six-speed manual as standard and makes for a decent all-rounder, providing you’re not in too much of a hurry.

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Most buyers choose the 35 TFSI, which is a 150hp 1.5-litre petrol available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. The latter is also a mild-hybrid. We ran an A3 Saloon with this engine as a long-termer for more than 10,000 miles. With the automatic gearbox, it can hit 62mph in 8.1 seconds and is a solid all-rounder.

Diesel engines

The 35 TDI is the only diesel on offer. It’s a good job as we highly recommend it – the MPG is impressive, and it’s usefully quick with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds. This version doesn’t come with the manual option, however, the seven-speed auto is smooth and rarely confused. Overtaking is a doddle – you can really feel the power kick in from next to no rpm, and it’s great on a motorway as it’s able to sit at lower revs at higher speeds than the petrol engines.

These engines aren’t overly loud on the move, but at start up there is a bit of diesel grumble.

What’s it like to drive?

• Very easy to drive
• Direct steering
• Suspension depends on engine

The steering of the Audi is direct, meaning there’s very little slack in turning the wheel. Make a minor adjustment to the wheel and there’s a minor adjustment to the steering, make a major one…you get it.

This is brilliant for two reasons. It makes the Audi superbly easy to place, making your driving more accurate. And it also makes the A3 enjoyable to drive. You get a very positive feeling from the saloon down a winding road – even in the less powerful versions.

Suspension setup changes on which model you go for. Versions with less than 150hp get a simpler set-up, while cars with 150hp or more get a more advanced multi-link rear suspension. We reckon it’s worth the extra money. It gives slightly more stability round corners, especially at a fast-ish speed.

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All models (except for the base model Sport) get a Drive Select function. There are four or five pre-set modes depending on the engine. Each one changes the power steering feel, throttle response, and the ferocity of gear changes on automatic versions. Dynamic mode offers the most direct steering. But comfort is the mode most people will find the best to use.

Just be aware of the ride quality if you’re looking at an A3 with larger alloy wheels. Our Black Edition-spec long-termer was on the largest 19-inch alloys and with very low-profile tyres, generating a lot of road noise and being far too firm. We recommend the base Sport version if maximum comfort is a priority.