Audi A3 Sportback S Line’s advanced tech and design trump BMW and Mercedes – it’s a pleasure to drive
THERE are certain moments in life when you feel like you’re winning. When you hit a drive like Rory McIlroy. When you make a 40 break. When you spot your missus has had a haircut without being prompted. When you find a bargain on the sale rail. When you take the family out for dinner […]
THERE are certain moments in life when you feel like you’re winning.
When you hit a drive like Rory McIlroy.
When you make a 40 break.
When you spot your missus has had a haircut without being prompted.
When you find a bargain on the sale rail.
When you take the family out for dinner and realise the kids eat free.
When you’re running late . . . but all the traffic lights turn green.
That’s enough. You know what I’m on about.
I’m on about that “Yessss!” moment that makes you feel positively happy inside.
Well, I get that exact same feeling in the new Audi A3.
It’s so buttery smooth and easy, it’s a pleasure to drive fast or slow, short or long distances. I can’t fault it.
Everything just works in perfect harmony like, er, the well-oiled machine that it is.
I’ll admit that when my test car first showed up I thought, “Oh no, this doesn’t look much different, how am I going to write 400 words on this?”
But as soon as I hopped inside, I got it. I knew we’d be friends. Audi don’t make duff cars and the revamped A3 cabin is typically brilliant, striking the right balance between hi-tech and sensible switches, design and comfort.
Those hexagonal air vents could have been nicked off a Lambo. But above all that, it rides beautifully and feels safe and reassuring.
Wind and road noise? I have nothing to say. This thing is as quiet as a library.
Even the not-so-basic 1-litre A3 Technik at £23,875 has all-round LED lights, 10in touchscreen, 3D mapping and a digital driver’s binnacle as standard. Finance from £290 a month.
And here’s another thing that pleases. Unlike the new VW Golf and Seat Leon which have touch-sensitive controls, this car has actual physical buttons for the air con. Thank you, Audi.
Win 007 keyring
CONFESSION. This 007 key ring from Aston’s £3.3million DB5 gadget car somehow ended up in my pocket.
I have absolutely no idea how that happened. It’s made of sterling silver so it’s worth about £300. Only the 25 lucky sods who buy a DB5 Goldfinger will get one – and now possibly YOU.
For your chance to win it, colour in the DB5 and send a photo to motors@the-sun.co.uk by September 14, 2020. The winner will be chosen at random.
I’ve loved the DB5 since I was a toddler. It didn’t disappoint. To see all the gadgets in action, go to thesun.co.uk/motors.
But I’m not so fond of the touchwheel controller — like an old iPod — for the sound system.
Other observations. Five-door only. Decent boot at 380 litres. But beware the options list or it could soon get expensive.
As for engines, the 150hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol I tested is the sweet spot. Go for the seven-speed S tronic auto and that combines with a 48v mild hybrid system to save fuel and add an extra dollop of torque. Plug-in hybrid to follow.
Want something faster? Sit tight because the S3 is just around the corner, as is a glorious five-cylinder RS3. That thing could embarrass a supercar in the right hands.
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Do big miles? You’ll want the 2-litre diesel. That should be good for 62mpg.
Most buyers will be seduced by the badge and the advanced tech but underneath all that is a well-engineered, rock-solid family car.
My new top three posh cars of this size are as follows: 1. Audi A3; 2. BMW 1 Series; 3. Merc A-Class.
Key facts:
Audi A3 Sportback S Line
Price: £28,205
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol Power:150hp, 250Nm
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Top speed: 139mph
Economy: 45mpg
Rivals: BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class
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