Audi A3 Saloon 35 TFSI Edition 1 2020 UK first drive

The Audi A3 Saloon is what happens if you go from 17 models to 58 models in 19 years. There are niches to fill and, oh boy, has Audi (and BMW and Mercedes) set about filling them.

This latest A3 Saloon is, obviously, the booted version of the new A3 Sportback (a five-door hatchback), arriving on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform but, unlike some of its MQB cousins, coming with fully independent rear suspension across the range. 

At 4495mm long and with a 425-litre boot, it does a job that the Audi A4 would have once done. Prices start at £28,380 and head to £40,000 before options. 

This one is a 35 TFSI, in left-hand-drive and not quite to any definitive UK specification. It has 18in wheels, like sporty-looking S Line models, but an interior more like that of the pricier Edition 1 launch variant. 

Either way, we’re looking at a price in the low-£30,000s for an A3 Saloon in this engine specification, which means a modest 147bhp output from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, as our car is, the engine also gets a 48V very-mild-hybrid stop-start system. Pick a manual and it remains conventionally powered.

Even the base Sport model comes comprehensively equipped, with dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument display and a 10.1in central infotainment touchscreen with smartphone interface. Thankfully, Audi still separates actual climate buttons from the touchscreen, although annoyingly the lane-keeping assistance control is buried in there and defaults to on. 

The upshot of putting Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) on a touchscreen, though, is that it removes a degree of interior clutter. Ditto replacing a big gear selector with a wee stalk on the central tunnel. I still think some kind of rotary controller is more useful, and I’m not sure that saving all that button space is worth it if all you’re going to do is place a piece of shiny trim that reflects bright sunlight into your eyes instead, but still. It’s an interesting interior, nonetheless – more angular than A3s of old and apparently inspired by the Lamborghini Huracán’s. 

Ergonomics and roominess are good for driver and front passenger (both are apparently improved slightly over the old A3 Saloon), but tall rear occupants will find head room limited. But then if you want more practicality, go for the Sportback.