Overview

The Audi A3 Sedan, the smallest sedan from Audi, is a compact premium car with a traditional three-box shape, a sporty exterior, and muscular aesthetics.

Power System

Power comes from a robust 2.0-litre TFSI inline-four-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels via a refined 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission (also referred to as Audi's Wet-clutch DSG) equipped with paddle shifters. The acceleration time for 0 to 100 km/h is just 7.3 seconds, and the top speed can reach 240 km/h. Even when the throttle is heavy, the A3's fuel consumption per 100 km is impressive, at only 9.3 litres/100 km.

Interior Configuration

Audi interiors have always been a minimalist blend of technology, luxury, and comfort, and the A3 is no exception. The interior adopts a black colour scheme. The driver can get an almost perfect sitting position on electrically adjustable Nappa leather sports seats with lumbar support. The seats provide good support. The interior storage space is not generous, but sufficient for daily use. There is a digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system equipped with MMI navigation plus MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface, and Audi sound system. However, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is usually chosen as the default smartphone connection mode. The switch for air conditioning, driving mode, and parking assist is made of hard plastic, but its design and usability make up for its tactile shortcomings. In addition, the A3 uses a short gear lever.

Driving Experience

The A3's chassis is fun and responsive, and a reasonable amount of road feel can be gained through the large-diameter flat-bottomed steering wheel. Its sportiness is evident when driven on winding roads. The engine is powerful and the dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly. The suspension can smooth out most surface imperfections. The seat position and steering wheel design also provide convenience for driving, but the downside is that the tire noise is relatively high.

Conclusion

The A3 is a brilliant return of the premium compact sedan, but as it is fully imported (CBU), it comes with a hefty price tag of 327,000 ringgits, and its rivals like Mercedes and BMW have the advantage in price due to local assembly (CKD).