Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) Review

Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) At A Glance

4/5

+Looks and feels like a larger Audi model. Good choice of powerful and efficient engines. Rides and handles well

-Boot is less practical than standard A3. Rear headroom and visibility isn't as good as the hatchback

Insurance Groups are between 15–32
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

The Audi A3 saloon of 2013 followed the MQB based Audi A3 hatchback and Sportback of 2012.

Thanks to big demand in places like China and the US, saloon cars were making a comeback. Specifically there’s big demand for smaller saloons, hence vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi’s booted A3 Saloon. It does not sell as well in the UK as overseas, but there’s plenty of appeal for those interested in a larger Audi like the A4 but with smaller budgets or driveways.

At a glance it might well look like the A3 hatchback but Audi has actually changed all of the exterior body panels – the headlights and tail lights are slimmer and the roofline flows neatly into the boot lid. It looks in proportion when so many booted hatchback models don’t - indeed it simply looks like an Audi saloon rather than a butchered hatchback.

It feels like a bigger Audi car too. The cabin is impeccably finished with the very best quality plastics, whether the soft touch covering on the dashboard or the harder wearing, tougher materials lower down. It’s also neatly and sensibly laid out, with easy to understand controls for everything from sat nav to cruise control or temperature. Audi really does put together a good cabin.

Originally there were just three engines – two petrol and one diesel. All are plenty powerful enough for overtaking and give excellent refinement. Those not convinced by the 2.0 TDI diesel should certainly give the 1.4 TFSI petrol engine a try though. It’s efficient, refined and offers good performance for what is a small engine. 

For outright economy the 1.6 TDI is the best choice as it will return more than 70mpg - according to the official figures at least. In real world driving you're more likely to see around 50mpg but that's still not at all bad.

On the road the A3 Saloon is very easy to drive and incredibly comfortable. Think of it as a more compact A4 and you're not far wrong. It rides well and in the right colour and trim, is a handsome car. As a motorway car, go for a 2.0 TDI 150PS and you'll never feel short changed.

All A3 Saloon models get alloy wheels, a folding screen that rises from the dashboard, dual zone climate control, iPod connectivity Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel. As you’d expect there are plenty of optional extras too, like all-LED headlights. Upgrading to S Line gets you sportier bodywork and a sportier cabin complete with different seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Real MPG average for a Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

29–76 mpg

MPGs submitted

207

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

When should I change the cam belt on my Audi A3 saloon?

"My Audi was registered in October 2016 and has done 24,000 miles. When would you recommend I have the cam belt replaced and what do you think is a reasonable price to pay for this replacement if you think it should be done?"
I'd recommend changing the cam belt and water pump every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). You don't say which engine your car has, but generally speaking, you'll be looking at around £500-£600 for the work to be done at an Audi dealer and £300-£400 via an independent garage.
Answered by Dan Powell

Are there any worthwhile saloons in the UK?

"I'm thinking of replacing my Volkswagen Bora, which I have owned for fourteen years. I'm looking for something similar (saloon with boot) there seems little choice other than a BMW, which I do not want. When on holiday abroad, I have seen the Dacia Logan saloon, which seems exactly what I want, but it would appear that Dacia don't want to sell me one on these in this country. Can you offer any suggestions, please?"
The UK is very much a hatchback market - the saloon with a boot concept is more popular in France and Germany. Sounds to be like you'd be more than happy with another Bora - but you could also look at an Audi A3 saloon.
Answered by Keith Moody

I'm considering a petrol Audi A3 saloon - is it easy to adjust to after being used to the torque of a diesel?

"I've owned two diesel Audi A4 which I have been very pleased with. I'm now considering an Audi A3 saloon with the 1.4 petrol engine. I was pleasantly surprised with the performance during a short test drive but should I be aware of anything as I have got very used to the torque of a diesel engine?"
It's a lovely engine, sweet at low revs and very smooth, but over the next year it will gradually be replaced by VWG's new 150PS 1.5 TSI.
Answered by Honest John

Should I wait for the 1.5 TSI engine to replace the 1.4 TSI when buying an Audi A3?

"I note that Volkswagen have replaced the 1.4 TSI engine in the latest Golf with a 1.5 TSI engine, but Audi have retained the 1.4 TSI engine. How does the 1.5 TSI engine compare to the 1.4 TSI engine? I would like to buy an Audi A3 Sportback or saloon, should I wait for them to change to the 1.5 TSI ? "
The 1.5 TSI is a new, more efficient engine. Details of it in Dan's road test here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-15-tsi-evo-2017-road-test/ The A3 will inevitably get this same engine after a few months.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Audi A3 Saloon (2013 – 2020) cost?