Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The 2.0 diesel engine gives the car a decent power boost of 168 bhp (170PS) at 4200 rpm with torque figures of 258 lb-ft at 1750-2500 rpm. The car delivers good mileage at 60.1 mpg but this is the lowest of the diesel powered A3 models.

It gives a good performance for a family car with a top speed of 139 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 8 seconds flat. The feel behind the wheel is firm and comfortable and its body control and grip are strong. However, its light steering lacks confidence 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 (170) 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 and there can be some difficulty telling 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.

The front seats have ample room for average sized adults but the rear seats are restrictive making them uncomfortable for adult passengers during long journeys. For families, the rear seating is adequate for small children and the car is equipped with a decent sized boot that offers adequate storage when the rear seats are in place. Folding down the rear seats creates a stepped load-bay to increase capacity.

Essential for family cars, the 2.0 TDI Sport (170) comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit which has an NCAP rating of five out of five. 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 2.0 TDI Sport (170) comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs lower running costs compared to most other A3 petrol models but these are reduced further in the 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI Sport (140) models.

It comes under the road tax band D and incurs high insurance premiums under insurance bracket 27. On green credentials it has a lower performance than the two other diesel models with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 123 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI Sport (170) is priced at £21,855 making it marginally more expensive than the 1.6 TDI sport. Customers buying family cars require good fuel economy and low running costs over speed and this car meets these requirements adequately. While it does not include any exclusive driving technology, it is a stylish, safe and proficient car for families.

The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks and 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 and the combination of the car’s popularity, performance and the Audi brand give it excellent resale values.

However the higher running costs and lower performance levels offered when compared to the 1.6 TDI Sport and the 2.0 TD1 Sport (140) mean it does not offer the best value for money. The 1.6 TDI Sport is more economical and performs better than the 2.0 TDI Sport (170) at a cheaper price. As family cars are investments, the 1.6 TDI Sport could be a better option.