Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport (140ps) 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The 2.0 diesel engine gives the car a decent power boost of 138 bhp at 4200 rpm with torque figures of 236 lb-ft at 1750-2500 rpm. The car delivers excellent mileage at 64.2 mpg. It gives a decent performance for a family car reaching a top speed of 130 mph and going from 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds.

The drive 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 drivers can find the strut on the centre console uncomfortable as it digs into their knees.

The 2.0 TDI Sport 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 disorganised and there may be some difficulty telling the buttons apart. The car comes fitted with high end driving tech including dual zone climate control, stability control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, MP3 connectivity and an advanced stereo system.

While the front seats have ample room for average sized adults the rear seats are only suitable for children with limited room making it uncomfortable for adult passengers. The car is equipped with a good sized boot which provides adequate storage space for families with the seats in place. Folding down the back of the rear seats creates a stepped load-bay for additional storage capacity.

Essential for family cars, the 2.0 TDI Sport comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit with a five out of five NCAP rating. The kit 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 2.0 TDI Sport comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs relatively low running costs as compared to other A3 petrol models but more than the 1.6 TDI Sport model. It comes under road tax band C but incurs a high insurance premium under insurance bracket 24.

With good fuel economy the car has some of the best green credentials in the Audi A3 line, with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of just 115 g/m.

The 2.0 TDI Sport is priced at £20,905, making it marginally cheaper than the 1.6 TDI Sport. Customers buying family cars prioritise good fuel economy and low running costs over speed and this car delivers on all aspects.

While the car does not provide exclusive driving technology, it is a stylish, safe and proficient car for families looking to own a reliable vehicle.

The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs and grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays. The car has a well-crafted and reliable engine which gives years of trouble-free service. It continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services so customers can enjoy the car for longer. The combination of the car’s popularity, performance and the Audi brand gives it excellent resale values.

However, with higher running costs and lower performance levels than the 1.6 TDI Sport, those investing in the latter option can gain a more economical model for a small additional cost. As family cars are investments this makes the 1.6 TDI Sport seem a better option.