2022 Audi A3 35 TFSI sedan review

Luxury car brands are no longer just the domain of the ultra rich with the makers now building more accessible machines.

Premium cars are now more accessible than ever meaning you don’t have to pay six figures for a luxury vehicle.

Here is everything you need to know about the cheapest Audi A3 sedan.

VALUE

The 35 TFSI is the cheapest way into the new A3 at about $52,500 drive-away, although the sedan costs $2500 more than the equivalent Sportback (hatch) and brings an electronic boot release function.

The Audi A3 starts at just more than $50,000 drive-away.

Standard equipment includes leather trim, smart-key entry, dual-zone ventilation, wireless phone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual USB-C data ports, digital radio and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as navigation with real time weather, fuel and parking information.

There’s lots of Volkswagen Golf beneath the skin of the Audi A3, including its architecture and engine. But the A3 wears a fancier badge, has classier finishes – including a modern silver pattern across the dash – and an easier to use touchscreen.

COMFORT

­­It’s almost refreshing to slide down into a car rather than ride high in an SUV.

Front seats are nicely supportive and there’s good visibility. The main controls all make sense, too, although the circular media touch pad takes some familiarisation. While there’s no traditional volume knob, being able to make quick adjustments by twirling your finger makes up for it.

It’s a handsome looking small sedan.

The driver’s seat has plenty of flexibility, including loads of fore-aft movement.

Those in the rear aren’t as well catered for with knee space – it’s more for kids or smaller adults.

The boot is spacious by small sedan standards and load space can be expanded with a 40/20/40 split-folding back seat.

SAFETY

The A3’s safety credentials partly depend on when you buy it. Some of the active safety systems are not currently available due to the microchip shortage; rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning and exit warning are among the deleted features. Buyers are compensated and the omission will apparently be short-lived, although it’s disappointing they’re missing.

That leaves seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking as the safety highlights.

There are lots of nice touches throughout the cabin.

DRIVING

The modestly-powered 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine has a mild hybrid system that allows it to shut the engine down at lights and turn it off when cruising, which is done seamlessly.

It’s all about fuel consumption and the 35 TFSI is impressively frugal. Claimed consumption is 4.9 litres per 100km and while in the suburbs you’ll use a little more than that, it’s easy to better the number on freeways or country roads. In an era of $2-per-litre fuel it’s good to have a sipper rather than a slurper.

The Audi A3 sedan is extremely frugal.

Acceleration is OK, although the transmission can occasionally be clumsy when taking off. Once under way the seven-speed twin-clutch auto is slick and decisive.

Steering, too, is crisp and responsive and the A3 is well behaved. Its compact nature combines with slick responses to deliver agility that works well in the suburbs and on the open road.

When cruising on a freeway there’s noticeable tyre noise that detracts from the ambience.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Lacks the driving fizz of more expensive A3 variants but the 35 TFSI delivers on practicality and competence in an affordable luxury package.

ALTERNATIVES

BMW 218i Gran Coupe, from about $61,000 drive-away

A competent but compact four-door with a flexible three-cylinder turbo. Lots of extra-cost options.

Mercedes-Benz A180 sedan, from $52,000 drive-away

Diminutive 1.3-litre engine lacks polish and pull. Tech-laden cabin partly makes up for it.

Skoda Octavia RS, from about $57,000 drive-away

What it lacks in luxury cred it makes up for with driving excitement, personality and functionality. Punchy 2.0-litre engine.

AUDI A3 35 TFSI SEDAN VITALS

PRICE From about $55,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE Five years, unl’td km, $2250 for five years

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist (blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert not available at the moment)

ENGINE 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 110kW/250Nm

THIRST 4.9L/100km

BOOT 425 litres

Originally published as 2022 Audi A3 35 TFSI sedan review