Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The 1.2 petrol engine gives the car a decent power output of 104 bhp at 5000 rpm with torque figures of 129 lb-ft at 1550-4100 rpm. The car delivers good mileage at 51.4 mpg as well as a strong performance with a top speed of 119 mph, going from 0-62 mph in a respectable 11.3 seconds.

However, its light steering does not allow comfortable control of the car and gear changes can sometimes be resistant. Body control and grip are strong and noises from the wind and the road are audible but not excessive when driving.

The front seats are comfortable, fully adjustable and supportive. The dashboard is not systematically arranged, making it a little difficult for some drivers to understand the function of instruments or tell some of the buttons apart when glancing at the controls.

The Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI looks very stylish for a medium family car with a more attractive exterior and a well crafted and comfortable cabin. The car comes fitted with standard driving technology including air conditioning, stability control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, an advanced stereo system, and an alarm and immobiliser to deter theft.

The Sportsback model comes fitted with five seats. As compared to the regular A1 and A3 models, Sportsback models have ample front and backseat room for average sized adults, making long drives comfortable for children as well as adult passengers. The models are also equipped with a larger boot size compared to the A1 and A3 models when the rear seats are in place, making it ideal for long travel purposes be it road trips or holidays.

Essential for family cars, the Sportback 1.2 TFSI comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit and 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 car also comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. In addition to its price, the car has medium running costs as it comes under road tax band D and insurance bracket 14.

With a decent fuel economy, the car has good green credentials. It has a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 127g/m.

The Sportback 1.2 TFSI is priced at a reasonable £17,295, delivering good mileage, performance and reliability in an attractive body work. The car has a well-crafted and reliable engine which gives years of trouble-free service. While the car does not provide exclusive driving technology, it is a safe and proficient car for first time buyers and families looking for long term ownership of reliable car.

The car can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs and grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays. It continues to pay for itself as it enjoys good dealer services as well as Audi’s excellent quality and reliability record. The combination of the car’s popularity and performance as well as the Audi brand give it an excellent resale value.