Audi A3 1.2 TFSI SE 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The 1.2 petrol engine gives the car a power of 103.6 bhp at 5000 rpm with torque figures at 129 lb-ft at 1550-4100 rpm. The car delivers better mileage than the Technic model with 51.4 mpg, and a better performance with a top speed of 119 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 11.0 seconds. The ride behind the wheel is firm and comfortable, and its body control and grip are strong. However, its light steering lacks feel and gear changes can sometimes be very resistant. Wind and road noises while driving are audible but not excessive.

The front seats are comfortable, fully adjustable and supportive. Taller driver can find the strut on the centre console uncomfortable as it digs into their knees.

The 1.2 TFSI SE looks very stylish for a medium family car with an attractive exterior and a well crafted and comfortable cabin. While the dashboard looks advanced, it is a little unorganised with a difficulty in telling some of the buttons apart. The car’s tech includes stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, an advanced stereo system and Bluetooth.

For a four seater, while the front seats have ample room for average sized adults, but the rear seats are have limited room making for uncomfortable long drives for passengers. The car is equipped with a good boot size and shape with the seats in place making it ideal for long travel purposes. However, folding down the rear seat backs creates a stepped load-bay.

Essential for family cars, the 1.2 TFSI SE comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit with a five out of five Euro NCAP rating. It consists of standard twin front, side and curtain airbags along with electronic stability control and electronic brake force distribution. Additionally, all A3 models come fitted with deadlocks, central locking and a theft alarm.

The car comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs lower running costs as compared to the Technic coming under the road tax band D, and an insurance premium under the bracket of 14. With a better fuel economy in relation to the Technic, the car delivers better green credentials. It holds a EURO 5 emissions rating, with a carbon footprint of 127 g/km.

The 1.2 TFSI SE is priced at £17,400. Marginally costlier than the Technic model, the 1.2 TFSI SE has better mileage and performance which and lower running costs, making it a smart investment. Additionally, the costs are competitive when compared similar cars models in the market, but the market cost of the car is too high when compared with marginally similar performance models in the competition.

The car is marketed as a prestige hatchback. It is a very reasonable price for a stylish, safe and proficient car for families and first time buyers looking for long term ownership of a reliable automobile. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs and grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays.

The 1.2 TFSI SE is well-crafted and the reliable engine gives years of trouble-free service. The car continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services so customers can enjoy the it for longer as well as Audi’s excellent quality and reliability. The combination of the car’s popularity, the Audi brand and performance profile gives it excellent resale values.