Audi A3 2.0 TFSI S line S tronic 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The 2.0 petrol engine gives the car a significant power boost of 197 bhp at 5,100-6,000 rpm with torque figures of 206 lb-ft at 1,700-5,000 rpm. The car delivers poor mileage of just 39.2 mpg, incurring high fuel bills and regular trips to the petrol station.

The car gives good performance with a top speed of 148 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 6.8 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 TFSI S line 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 is likely to be some difficulty telling buttons apart.

The car comes fitted with high end driving tech including dual zone climate control, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, MP3 connectivity and an advanced stereo system.

For families, the rear seating is adequate for small children but would be uncomfortable for adult passengers during long journeys. The front seating is ample for adults and the car is also equipped with a good sized boot which is shaped well around the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats creates a stepped load-bay and increases storage capacity.

Essential for family cars, the 2.0 TFSI comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit with a five out of five 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 2.0 TFSI comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. It incurs very high running costs coming under road tax band H and incurring a high insurance premium under insurance group 30 - the highest in the Audi A3 range.

With a weak fuel economy the car has poor green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a heavy carbon footprint of 166 g/km.

Priced at £25,150, the 2.0 TFSI is fairly expensive for a family car. The speed and power delivered through the 2.0 engine does little to compensate for the high running costs and low mileage - making it a steep investment for families.

The Start/Stop technology can marginally cuts emissions and running costs but the car’s price does not deliver any additional driving technology which might make it more attractive to buyers. Additionally, the market cost of the car is too high when compared with similar performance models within the A3 range and from other manufacturers.

The 2.0 TFSI S line is a stylish, safe and proficient car suiting families looking for a reliable vehicle. The model is suitable 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. The combination of the car’s popularity and the Audi brand gives it excellent resale values.