Audi A3 1.4 TFSI 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.4 petrol engine gives the car 123bhp and 148 lb-ft at 1500-400 rpm. The car delivers better economy than the 1.6-litre model at 49.6 mpg, and is marginally behind the 1.2 TFSI SE. But, unlike the 1.2, the 1.4 can reach a top speed of 126 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds. The ride is firm and comfortable, and body control and grip are strong. However, the Audi's light steering lacks feel and gear changes can sometimes be very resistant. Wind and road noise 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 1.4 TFSI 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 it can be tricky telling some of the buttons apart. The car comes as standard with stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, and an advanced stereo system.

The front seats have ample room for average sized adults but space in the rear seats is limited, making for uncomfortable long drives for passengers. The boot is a good size and shape with the seats in place making it ideal for luggage on long trips. However, folding down the rear seat backs creates a stepped loading bay.

Essential for family cars, the 1.4 TFSI 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 1.4 TFSI comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs much higher running costs than the 1.2 TFSI SE coming under the road tax band E, with insurance falling in group 20. With a carbon footprint of 132 g/m, it has good green credentials, but remains marginally behind the 1.2 TFSI SE.

The 1.4 TFSI is priced at £18,285 - a high price when compared with similarly performing models in the competition.

The car is marketed as a prestige hatchback. The 1.4 TFSI is a stylish, safe and proficient car for families looking for a trusty workhorse. The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from the school run to shopping trips and is perfectly suited to long road trips and holidays. However, the 1.2 TFSI SE is a more economical option with only minimal compromises in the performance stakes.

Audi have a typically Teutonic reputation for reliability and the A3 should give years of trouble-free service. It enjoys good dealer servicing so customers can be assured that they are in safe hands in the unlikely event that something does go wrong. The combination of the car’s popularity, the Audi brand and performance profile gives it excellent resale values.