If you’re in the market for an entry-level premium hatchback, it seems that Audi’s facelifted A3 should definitely be in your shopping list.
It almost seems as though the days of underwhelming small petrol engines have long since passed, at least in the premium segment where you can now get this 116 PS 1.0-liter (999cc) turbocharged Audi A3, which according to CarBuyer, feels surprisingly sporty.
While the A3’s improved styling is mentioned in this review, as is the addition of the Virtual Cockpit system and the car’s overall practicality, the focus is clearly on the small, entry-level 1.0-liter 3-cylinder petrol unit.
On paper, it may not sound like much, as the 116 PS and 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque will send this premium hatchback towards 100 km/h (62 mph) in a little under 10 seconds, with an available top speed of 206 km/h (128 mph). However in the real world, this power unit might just put a very unexpected smile on your face. On top of that, according to the reviewer, the 1.0-liter TFSI doesn’t feel like a very small engine at all, and the car feels light on its feet and agile.
UK buyers can purchase the entry-level Audi A3 from £19,915 in SE trim, as long as they shy away from ticking any boxes from the extensive options list.