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The Audi A3 Saloon is now in its second generation, the current car arriving in 2020. It still offers the same things its predecessor did, namely classy styling that echoes Audi’s larger saloons, but the footprint, economy, and lower pricing of the regular Audi A3 Sportback.
Naturally, Audi has also offered the S3 Saloon in numerous variants during its short existence, so whether you need more equipment or a choice of engines, there’s likely something to suit, even if finding that perfect used model might take a bit longer as a result.
Audi’s key rivals offer cars with similar characteristics, including the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon (and the more swoopy Mercedes CLA), while you could also (briefly) get the Honda Civic as a saloon, and the Mazda 3 too, both of which feel more premium than their badges suggest.
The Audi A3 Saloon is the version of the A3 you might get if you prefer the upmarket look of a saloon shape, and rarely need the extra utility of a hatchback tailgate. It could be the perfect model for someone downsizing from one of Audi’s larger saloons like the A4 or A6, with similar levels of quality and features, just in a tighter package.
Like the Sportback, the A3 saloon isn’t the most exciting car to drive in its class, but certainly feels one of the best-built and highest quality. The cabin is a highlight, looking a little more high-tech than older A3s, but putting slightly less emphasis on touchscreens than its larger Audi counterparts (and with separate climate control buttons, it’s easier to operate than the mechanically similar VW Golf, too).
Excluding the sporty Audi S3 and RS3, most of the A3 Saloon range aims for refinement and comfort rather than the sharpest handling, and this will suit most people fine. It’s at its best in lower trim levels with smaller wheels, as larger options don’t greatly improve the handling but do begin to harm the ride quality.
All the engines are fuel-efficient, and the entry-level three-cylinder model performs better than you might expect. Bigger petrol and diesel variants have a good balance of refinement, pace, and economy, while both the manual and DSG automatic gearboxes are painless to operate.
The saloon actually gets a slightly larger boot than the A3 Sportback, but obviously doesn’t give you quite the same access, while the rear seats can be tight for taller passengers. Still, rivals like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon and BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe have similarly cosy rear quarters, so the A3’s not alone here.
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The 1.5-litre petrol, badged 35 TFSI, is probably the sweet spot in the range. With 150PS it’s got enough power to feel brisk but it’s still frugal, barely lagging the smaller 30 TFSI engine (even if it can’t quite hit the figures achieved by the 35 TDI). The diesel’s still a great engine though and ideal if you cover higher miles.
We’d stick to Sport trim too unless you’re drawn by the more aggressive styling of S Line models and above. It’s the smoothest-riding thanks to rolling on the smallest wheels and tallest tyres, plus normal rather than sports suspension, and doesn’t lack any equipment we’d consider essential.
The Audi A3 Saloon’s trim levels match those of the A3 Sportback, and are similar to those offered across the Audi range, so anyone familiar with other Audis shouldn’t be too lost here. Essentially the range starts at Sport and stops with Vorsprung, ignoring high-performance models like the S3 and RS3 (though each of those also gets a handful of trim levels).
The Audi A3 Saloon’s dimensions are:
The Audi A3 Saloon’s boot size is:
With regular petrol and diesel engines the A3 Saloon gets a flat rate of road tax, currently £180 per year, though double-check the brand new price of any used model you’re looking at, as cars that cost over £40,000 brand new are subject to a surcharge, which lifts the annual VED bill to £570 in years two to six.
A 30 TFSI in Sport trim kicks off the range in group 18 (out of 50), while depending on spec, a 35 TFSI spans groups 24 to 27. In comparison, the Mercedes A-Class Saloon goes from group 18-31, depending on trim level (and ignoring the high-performance AMG).
Read our full Audi A3 Saloon review
What is the most popular colour for Audi A3 Saloon ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Audi A3 Saloon ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Audi A3 Saloon ?
What is the most popular engine for Audi A3 Saloon ?
What is the average mileage for Audi A3 Saloon ?
13051
How many Audi A3 Saloon cars are available for sale?
551