Audi A3 Loses Power, Gains Attractiveness

The compact sedan returns as a 1.5-litre which qualifies for a Category A COE

- Christopher Tan

The Audi A3 started life as a baby to the A4. But at almost 30 years of age now, it is no longer a baby.

Indeed, its size says as much, having grown considerably to match the dimensions of the first-generation A4.

The A3 sedan, introduced in the latter half of the A3's lifespan, suits the Singapore market particularly well.

With cars costing as much as homes in many other cities, buyers here rarely opt for a model without a "backside". Hence, barring a few exceptions, hatchbacks do not do well here. (Strangely, this aversion does not seem to apply to crossovers or sport utility vehicles, many of which are simply raised hatchbacks.)

In spite of its longish history, the A3 still has its share of detractors, who label it a glorified Volkswagen Golf. While it is a well-known fact that the A3 and VW Golf share a platform, I think the A3 has evolved sufficiently to stand comfortably on its own.

Its "Audi-ness" extends beyond aesthetics to include ride and handling characteristics. For instance, the range-topping RS variant behaves nothing like its closest VW equivalent.

The facelifted fourth-generation A3 reviewed here continues with the differentiation. The latest car conveys maturity and refinement in the way it interacts with the road and the driver. It feels solid, confident and at ease, with a ride that insulates occupants from nasty tarmac imperfections yet possesses a calibrated firmness to exploit dynamic driving.