First Drive Review: Audi A3 Saloon 2014

They may be popular in Europe, but small saloons historically don't sell well in the UK; when was the last time you saw a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra saloon?

So, you could wonder why the third version of the Audi A3 launched in the UK is a saloon. Well, the official answer is that the three box version of the A3 is designed to offer generous passenger and luggage space in a compact package. The fact that the A3 Saloon was primarily designed for the Chinese and North American markets has more to do with it.

So is this new model aimed solely at the fleet market? You might think that but Audi predicts a 60:40 split in sales, in favour of retail.

Exterior styling

Much more than an A3 Hatch with a boot grafted on, the saloon has in fact, got all-new bodywork. It is 11mm wider, 9mm lower and 146mm longer than the Sportback five-door hatch. There are also 20mm increased front and rear tracks.

The most obvious change at the front is an all-new front airdam, with its double lower diffuser and larger air intakes. Audi has also reworked the design of the bonnet and it now has more prominent lines in its pressing.

Full-LED headlights are a distinctive new option on the A3 Saloon and are an even more identifying feature of this new Audi.

The coupe-like C-pillar flows into the rear shoulders at the back of the A3 Saloon. There are also slim, sculpted lights that stretch across the rear and an integrated spoiler.

Down the sides, the tornado line - a key part of the A3's design - is even more defined. In addition, there are flared wheel arches that can house wheels of up to 19-inch in size.

The overall look is attractive and although Audi won't like us saying it, the A3 Saloon's styling is like a scaled-down A4 Saloon.

Interior Styling

It is much harder to spot the differences between hatchback and saloon versions of the A3 from the inside. There is the same simple, attractive and high quality dashboard. The driving position is also multi-adjustable and very comfortable for all drivers.

Rear legroom is unchanged from the Sportback, but taller rear passengers will be uncomfortable because of the more steeply raked, lower roofline.

Still, if carrying luggage is a priority, the 425 litre boot of the A3 Saloon is sure to impress. After all, this is 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback. The rear seats also fold almost completely flat, although the shallow opening does hinder practicality.

Engines and transmissions

The A3 Saloon will be available with the choice of just one turbodiesel engine - a 2.0-litre TDI powerplant with 148bhp and two TFSI petrol engines in 1.4-litre (138bhp) and 1.8-litre (178bhp) sizes.

The 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines are mated to a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, with the 2.0-litre TDi diesel being the only engine available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Another diesel model will be added by the end of the year, a 1.6-litre TDi with 104bhp.

What is the A3 Saloon like to drive?

I started with the 2.0-litre TDi Sport, with 107g/km of CO2 emissions and 68.9mpg combined fuel consumption.

In general, it is a smooth, torquey engine. There is some typical diesel clatter at start and idle but thankfully at speed, it remains pleasantly refined and quiet.

With the bigger 1.8-litre TFSI engine expected to account for just five per cent of sales, I then moved on to the smallest petrol, also in Sport trim, the 1.4-litre TFSI with cylinder on demand technology. This basically works by seamlessly switching between two and four-cylinders to improve economy. This engine also boasts 109g/km of emissions and 47.9mpg combined fuel consumption.

Compared to the diesel, this engine feels impressively punchy and smooth, although I’d prefer manual over the standard S-Tronic semi-automatic gearbox.

Interestingly, both the cars we drove at the launch were on standard suspension, so the ride was refined even on the biggest 19-inch alloy wheels.

Sports suspension can be substituted for standard suspension on the new A3 Saloon; this is sure to please buyers that like the keener looks of the Sport, but not the rock hard ride. The handling is best described as comfortable and predictable, with body roll well contained.

Although the 1.4-litre TFSI was I felt the keener steer, with a sharper turn-in and more adjustable handling, even with the standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

The only obvious downside of the big wheels was noticeable road noise over most surfaces.

Specification and pricing

Prices for the cheapest 1.4-litre TFSI Sport start at £24,305. Standard equipment for entry-level Sport models includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, the Audi Music Interface for Apple iPod and MP3 player connection and sport seats. S Line versions add part-leather trim, 18-inch alloys and zenon headlights.

For buyers that would prefer a small premium saloon over a hatchback, or drivers looking to trade down from bigger cars such as the BMW 3-Series, there is much to like about the new A3 Saloon.

It looks attractive, has a big boot, is an accomplished drive, is fitted with efficient engines and all of this on top of the Audi's classy, well-made interior.

Maybe the A3 Saloon could be the car to change buyers' views on small saloons? We shall watch the sales figures with interest.