Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI Sport 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The 1.6 diesel engine gives the car a good power boost of 104 bhp at 4400 rpm with torque figures of 184 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm. It delivers much better mileage than any of the A3 petrol engines at 68.9 mpg and performance is decent with a top speed of 121 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 11.7 seconds.

However, the car still suffers from light steering which makes car control uncomfortable. Gear changes can also be resistant and the good body control and strong grip of the Sportback range is diminished by this.

The car’s front seats are comfortable, fully adjustable and supportive and noise from the wind and the road while driving are audible but not excessive. The dashboard is not systematically arranged making it a little difficult for some drivers to clearly understand the function of instruments and tell some of the buttons apart at a glance.

The Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI Sport looks very stylish for a medium family car with an attractive exterior and a well crafted and comfortable cabin. The car comes fitted with standard A3 Sportsback driving technology including stability control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, an advanced stereo system and an alarm and immobiliser to deter theft.

In addition to the standard features, the 1.6 TDI Sport comes with climate control instead of air conditioning, MP3 connectivity, sports suspension and front sports seats.

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 adults passengers. The models are also equipped with a large boot, making it ideal for long travel purposes be it road trips or holidays.

Essential for family cars, the 1.6 TDI Sport 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.

The car also comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. The 1.6 TDI Sport has low running costs, falling under road tax band B whilst insurance premiums are fairly mid-range falling under price bracket 19. Just like the other diesel models, this model has the best green credentials of the A3 Sportback range with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of just 109 g/km.

The Sportback 1.6 TDI Sport is priced at £21,340. The car gives a good performance in an attractive body work and has a well-crafted, reliable engine which gives years of trouble-free service. It is a safe and proficient car for first time buyers and families looking for long term ownership. It can be used comfortably for day to day tasks from school runs and grocery shopping to long road trips and holidays.

The car 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, performance and the Audi brand gives it excellent resale values.


However, despite the cars higher price tag performance levels are identical to the other 1.6 TDI diesel models with driving technology and cosmetic features only benefiting from limited improvements. That being said, the price is still reasonable for a car with such strong fuel efficiency and green credentials but makes the standard 1.6 TDI seem the best investment for families and first time buyers.