audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth

Audi A3 Sportback 1.0.

If you’ve ever assumed that entry-level variants are bereft of amenities and refinement, then a car like the 1-litre A3 Sportback could change your mind.

This “base” model has the equipment that most drivers seek, and still offers enough performance for your daily commute and errands.

Think of it this way: If the A3 Sportback 1.5 is like a dinner jacket, then the 1.0-litre model is like a blazer. They cater to different needs, but both are cut from Hugo Boss designer cloth.

SIMILAR AESTHETICS

Previously, base models had things like ugly wheels (or steel rims, even) and unpainted exterior components that reflected the car’s status in the line-up.

You won’t find anything of the sort here. In fact, you won’t really notice big differences between the 1.0-litre A3 Sportback and its 1.5-litre sibling.

Neither model has badges that reflect the engine variant (both just have “A3” badges), and although the former has wheels and tyres that are a size smaller, you can’t really tell at first glance. The rims look decent as well.

audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth

Both hatchbacks also have LED headlights and LED tail-lamps, so lighting and visibility are equally good.

In the cockpit, you still have virtual cockpit plus with three selectable instrument panel layouts, along with the MMI system, which has the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay.

Other standard goodies include park assist, dual-zone climate control and an electric parking brake. Really, this may be the base model, but it definitely doesn’t feel like it.

THERE ARE DIFFERENCES THOUGH

It’s only when you delve into the menus that the differences between the A3 1.0 and A3 1.5 become more obvious. There’s no “Eco” setting in the Drive Select menu, for one, and the MMI here doesn’t include navigation plus.

Of course, the biggest difference is to be found under the bonnet. Powering this A3 is a turbocharged 999cc in-line-three with 109bhp and a relatively stout 200Nm. It gets the five-door hatch from rest to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.

For comparison, the more powerful A3’s turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder makes 148hp and 250Nm, and does the century sprint 2.2 seconds faster.

audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth

Now, depending who you ask, a three-cylinder engine can either be a good thing or a bad one. Enthusiasts who love the thrummy and sometimes offbeat soundtrack of a three-pot will like them, while regular drivers who have no such interests will not.

The unit in the A3 caters to the majority of drivers in that it is buttery smooth and quiet. If you’ve ever doubted a three-cylinder, this could easily change your mind.

Thanks to the plentiful torque, progress from a standstill is seamless and certainly not inadequate. Paired to Audi’s 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch gearbox), the A3 1.0 is nippy enough for daily commutes.

Does the engine thrive on revs? Yes and no. Stretching the powerplant is necessary for quicker progress, for when left in “D”, the gearbox will shift up early and stay in the highest gear possible to maximise efficiency. But the motor also starts running out of puff by around 4000rpm.

This hatchback is a lot nicer to drive with the gearbox in “S”, so that it doesn’t perform so conservatively. There’s a manual override function you can play with, but since redlining the engine brings no benefits (or rorty sounds), it’s best left alone.

audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth

IS IT NICE TO CHUCK AROUND?

The A3 1.0 has torsion beam rear suspension instead of the multi-link setup in its 1.5-litre sibling. Both hatchbacks feel quite similar though, offering neat and predictable handling with an understeer bias.

This is what most drivers need. For those seeking sharper or hairier performance, there’s always the S3 and RS3.

Ride quality is good, with the pliant damping and well-insulated cabin helping you enjoy your music or conversation.

For efficiency, the A3 1.0 is equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It helps smooth out restarts when the stop-start system is active, and under the right conditions, enables the car to coast with the engine switched off to minimise fuel consumption.

audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth

Audi quotes a combined economy of 22.7km/L. I netted around 16km/L driving more conservatively with the stop-start system active. But with said system turned off and the gearbox set to ‘S’ (my preferred settings), that figure fell to 14km/L.

DINNER JACKET OR BLAZER?

At $191,396 with COE, this 1.0-litre model is relatively expensive. But acquiring the A3 1.5, which currently costs $217,635, is an even taller order, especially when you consider that both cars have nearly similar equipment levels.

And though it’s slower, the A3 1.0 offers the same handling and refinement as its sibling. You also pay less annual road tax – $392 versus $684.

The A3 Sportback 1.0 is aimed at those looking to buy their first premium hatchback. It may be the “blazer” in this story, but since it’s cut from the same designer cloth, you’d look just as smart as the person wearing the “dinner jacket”.

audi a3 sportback 1.0 review: cut from the same designer cloth


Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 (A) ENGINE     999cc, 12-valves, inline-3, turbocharged, 48-volt mild hybrid MAX POWER     109bhp (81kW, 110PS) at 5500rpm MAX TORQUE     200Nm at 2000-3000rpm POWER TO WEIGHT     85.2hp per tonne GEARBOX     7-speed dual-clutch with manual select 0-100KM/H     10.6 seconds TOP SPEED     204km/h CONSUMPTION     22.7km/L (combined) PRICE INCL. COE     From $191,396 (no VES rebate/surcharge)
AGENT     Premium Automobiles


Keyword: Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 review: Cut from the same designer cloth

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

What’s the correct tyre pressure for your Audi A3

We take you through the recommended tyre pressures for all Audi A3 models produced from 2003 until 2022. Effects of incorrect tyre pressure Under-inflated tyres will cause excess wear and tear on the inside and outside edges of the tread. Over-inflated tyres have a much narrower contact patch with the road ...

View more: What’s the correct tyre pressure for your Audi A3

Audi Elevates A4 and S4 Sedan Appeal With Black Edition Offshoot

Image: Audi Image: Audi Image: Audi NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Audi has emboldened its A4 and S4 sedan model’s appeal by debuting the Black Edition offshoots, which offers greater visual appeal and improved convenience features. Image: Audi Pricing:  Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic Black Edition: R900 000 Audi ...

View more: Audi Elevates A4 and S4 Sedan Appeal With Black Edition Offshoot

The Audi TT Is Dead. This Is The Last Car Built

After 662,762 vehicles assembled, the Tourist Trophy is no more.

View more: The Audi TT Is Dead. This Is The Last Car Built

New Audi cars and SUVs coming to South Africa in 2024

Audi will expand its South African portfolio in 2024 with a number of special-edition models for its most popular vehicles. In no particular order, the German automaker confirmed that, next year, it will bring the following vehicles to our shores: A3 and S3 Black Edition A3 Sportback 35TFSI Urban ...

View more: New Audi cars and SUVs coming to South Africa in 2024

Limited-edition Audi A4 Black Edition for South Africa – Only 100 up for grabs

Black Edition specifications Price Audi A4 Black Edition The Audi A4 Black Edition is launching in South Africa soon in four specifications starting at R900,000. The popular four-door has been on sale in its current form since 2020 in Standard, Advanced, and S Line trims, with the Black Edition ...

View more: Limited-edition Audi A4 Black Edition for South Africa – Only 100 up for grabs

834-HP Honda Civic Wagon Vs. Stock Audi RS5 Drag Proves Power Isn't Everything

This battle is between an all-wheel-drive Honda Civic wagon making 834 hp against a stock Audi RS5 shows that grip is just as important as power numbers.

View more: 834-HP Honda Civic Wagon Vs. Stock Audi RS5 Drag Proves Power Isn't Everything

Audi e-tron GT caught with a sporty facelift for the first time

Audi’s high-performance EV is getting an upgrade. The Audi e-tron GT was caught testing for the first time, revealing the electric car’s sporty new facelift. Audi, Porshe upgrade to rival Tesla Like the Porsche Taycan, Audi’s e-tron GT was one of the first fully electric models to take on ...

View more: Audi e-tron GT caught with a sporty facelift for the first time

We Spied The Next-Gen Audi S5 Sportback

Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik One of my favorite car-related things about living in Los Angeles is the frequency with which I see camouflaged test vehicles. Automakers from America, Europe, Japan, Korea and more have design centers or R&D facilities in Southern California, and others will just ship cars out here ...

View more: We Spied The Next-Gen Audi S5 Sportback

This Is Audi's New A5 Wagon Before You're Supposed To See It

Audi S3 And RS3 Sedans Are Getting New Lights And Bumpers

Audi SQ8 e-tron first drive: This tri-motor EV drives nimbly for its size, but sacrifices a lot of range

The Tri-Motor SQ8 E-Tron Is The First Audi That’s So Fun It Made Me Giggle

2024 Audi SQ8 Sportback E-Tron First Drive: Maybe The Best-Handling Electric SUV Right Now

30 lakh budget: Exploring options for a preowned German petrol sedan

Most affordable crossover from every brand in South Africa

What is the Audi RS3 top speed?

Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Tesla releases update with new way to activate Autopilot/FSD and separate backseat audio

Here's An Early Look At The Next-Generation Audi Q7

Audi Waves Goodbye To The R8 With An Emotional 'The Last Lap' Video

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel