Here in Quebec, the little Audi A3 is the German brand’s entry-level model. Renewed for the 2022 model year, it is more attractive than ever, although only available in sedan format.
If you want more choice and a more affordable price, you have to turn to the older generation, marketed from 2015 to 2020 (there was no 2021 model). To help you with your shopping, here is basically what you need to know about it…
Several variations
For starters, the Audi A3 offered a four-door sedan, a two-door convertible as well as a five-door model called the Sportback. The latter also stood out from the others with its e-tron hybrid engine, combining 204 horsepower with an electric range of 26 kilometers. Look no further after the 2018 model year, though.
Initially, three four-cylinder engines were offered: a 1.8-liter turbo (170 horsepower), a 2.0-liter turbo (220 horsepower or 292 in the sportier S3 version) and a 2.0 turbodiesel liters (150 horsepower). Power could be routed to the front wheels or to all four wheels via quattro all-wheel drive, while the main gearbox offered was of the dual-clutch type.
Bye bye diesel
Despite its interesting torque of 236 lb-ft, the TDI was quickly abandoned in the wake of the emissions scandal, the famous “Dieselgate”. It’s an engine that requires more maintenance in exchange for superior fuel efficiency (6.5 L/100 km). And while diesel is very expensive right now, the other options require premium gasoline, so you might be surprised at the difference in cost at the pump. Do your calculations well!
It should also be mentioned that the 2015 to 2016 Audi A3 equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine has been the subject of numerous complaints due to a wastegate that was wearing prematurely or corroding, causing poor engine operation. You are warned.
Chic, comfortable, safe, well-assembled and fun to drive (the platform and several components were shared with the Volkswagen Golf, let’s remember), the Audi A3 was mainly disadvantaged by its limited rear-seat space. The sedan’s trunk, with a capacity of 348 litres, wasn’t the most spacious either. That of the convertible could hardly carry more than 280 liters of luggage. For more versatility, the Sportback model allows 385 liters and totals 954 liters by folding the rear seatbacks.
In terms of equipment, the name Komfort designates the base, Progressiv represents the mid-range and Technik constitutes the pinnacle. It is the latter which, in 2017, acquired Audi’s virtual cockpit, a large digital screen placed in front of the driver.
Happy shopping!