With only two engines to choose from, prospective Audi A3 buyers aren't spoiled for choice. We take a closer look at the engines fitted to the two derivatives and find out which one is more prone to failure and which one offers the best combination of power, reliability and economy.
When it comes to choosing your next car, selecting the right engine is crucial. You will want to find the right balance of power and economy, especially if you plan on using it as a daily driver. Audi’s A3 range is attractive and versatile and as a premium offering, one wants to make sure that there are no hidden concerns that could result in costly repairs.
Audi offers you two engine options in the A3 sedan and Sportback (hatch). You can choose from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the 35 TFSI and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the 40 TFSI. No diesel models are available.
The S3 and RS3 offer alternatives in the form of a higher-powered 2.0 in the S3 and a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder in the RS3. For this comparison, however, we’re only looking at the regular A3 models, in regular, Advanced, and S Line trim levels.
Audi A3 35 TFSI
The 35 TFSI is fitted with a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with the engine code EA211. While initially thought to be a variation of the EA111 engine, the EA211 is an all-new design that uses an aluminium block and cast sleeves. It has a bore and stroke of 80 x 74.5 mm and an integrated exhaust manifold for the turbocharger turbine side.
This engine does away with the timing chain that was previously used in favour of a timing belt, something that VW/Audi claims is good for the life of the engine. Nevertheless, this means that the timing chain concerns in the older 1.4 TSI engines don’t apply to the Audi A3.
This engine produces 110 kW and 250 Nm torque for a 0 to 100 km sprint time of 8.2-seconds. Claimed fuel consumption is 6.2 l/100km for the Sportback and 6.1 l/100km for the sedan variant.
There are no major concerns with this engine and reports so far have been favourable, citing smooth running and acceptable fuel consumption.
Audi A3 40 TFSI
In the Audi A3 40 TFSI, you get a more powerful 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 140 kW and 320 Nm, making it good for a 7.4-second 0 to 100 km time. Claimed fuel consumption comes in at 6.3 l/100km for the Sportback and 6.2 l/100km for the sedan.
The EA888 engine code of the 40 TFSI may sound familiar; it is the same base design as the engine used in the Golf GTI and Golf R, the VW variants in those models producing significantly more power. The unit used in the current 8Y Audi A3 is the third revision of this engine, version 3B. As such, many of the stories you may have heard of premature failure of the EA888 engine do not apply to this latest generation engine.
Despite the revisions, the EA888 3B engine is still prone to valve coking as an inherent design flaw in TSI systems. Unaddressed, this can cause a reason for concern in higher mileage engines. The 3B is also susceptible to cracked oil filter housings if caution isn’t taken when servicing. Coolant leaks are also more commonplace for the same reason, poor service techniques can result in a cracked thermostat housing.
Verdict
The Audi 35 TFSI is the more reliable offering with its new engine having ironed out a lot of the issues that used to plague the group’s earlier 1.4 offerings. The EA888 in the 40 TFSI does provide more power and as a detuned version of the unit found in the GTI/R, should last longer than research suggests. For a balance of affordability, durability and power, the 110 kW 35 TFSI is our engine of choice.
Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews
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