Imagine embarking on a lengthy road trip, perhaps a journey covering 1,500 kilometers with several passengers, a scenario recently highlighted in a detailed video review of the Audi A3 35 TFSI. The choice of vehicle for such an extensive drive significantly impacts the overall experience, influencing passenger comfort, driver satisfaction, and crucial fuel efficiency. This precise journey underscores the importance of a comprehensive vehicle assessment, moving beyond mere aesthetics to delve into real-world performance and practicality. We often find ourselves weighing style against substance, particularly when considering a premium compact like the Audi A3 35 TFSI. Building upon the insights provided in the accompanying video, this article aims to meticulously dissect whether the Audi A3 truly presents a superior alternative to its segment rivals, such as the Golf 8, or if its premium badge merely conceals a few compromises. We will explore its design, interior comforts, technological advancements, and the critical driving experience, offering an expanded perspective on what this 2020 model brings to the road.
Evaluating the Audi A3 35 TFSI: A Design Perspective
The visual appeal of a vehicle often forms the initial impression, and for many, the Golf 8’s design has been a point of contention. In contrast, the Audi A3 35 TFSI, even in its near-base Advanced trim, garners significant praise for its sophisticated aesthetics. Audi has notably refined its design language, particularly evident in the prominent Singleframe grille and the artfully suggested silver air intakes. This front-end treatment conveys a commanding presence, elevating the car’s overall perceived value.
A significant improvement in the new Audi A3 is the standardization of LED headlights across all models. While the basic LED units might lack the advanced visual animations of their Matrix LED counterparts, they still provide excellent illumination and a modern look. These headlights also incorporate a distinctive jagged lower edge, designed to facilitate specific light animations for higher-tier models like the S3 or future RS3, showcasing Audi’s thoughtful approach to scalable design. Furthermore, the subtle bonnet slit, reminiscent of the iconic Audi Ur-Quattro, adds a heritage touch, with the S-Line variant offering a more pronounced triple-slit configuration for a sportier appeal.
The side profile, a common critique point for the Golf 8 due to its lack of visual breadth, emerges as a significant highlight for the Audi A3 35 TFSI. Despite its actual dimensions (1.81m width), cleverly integrated shoulder lines create an illusion of substantial width, giving the vehicle a strong, planted stance. This design choice contributes to a more assertive and premium road presence, distinguishing it from many compact competitors. The A3’s slightly longer stature (4.34m length) compared to the Golf 8 hints at potential benefits for interior space, which we will examine further.
At the rear, the standard taillights, while functional with partial LED technology, do not possess the dynamic flair of optional upgrades. A notable point of contention for some discerning buyers is the presence of “fake” exhaust tips, merely decorative elements rather than functional outlets. This design choice, though common across the industry, can detract from the authenticity expected in a premium vehicle. Nevertheless, the 35 TFSI badging, which technically represents a 35 eTFSI given the 1.5L mild-hybrid system, accurately reflects the advanced powertrain nestled within this compact Audi.
Interior Comfort, Practicality, and Advanced Technology
Upon opening the optional electric tailgate, which can be conveniently operated with a simple foot gesture, the Audi A3 35 TFSI reveals a generous 380 liters of trunk volume. While this figure on paper mirrors that of the Golf 8, many users perceive the A3’s cargo space as significantly larger and more usable in practice. Audi’s commitment to quality is evident in the softer, more premium-feeling carpets lining the trunk floor, contrasting sharply with the rather inexpensive-feeling hat shelf, made from thin, fabric-covered cardboard. Practical storage solutions include small compartments on either side, two lashing eyes, and a 12-volt power outlet, complemented by dual LED trunk lights for enhanced visibility.
The option to utilize the spare wheel well for additional storage or accommodate an optional Bang & Olufsen subwoofer further enhances versatility. Moreover, the load floor can be adjusted upwards, creating a near-flat loading surface when the rear seats are folded, making the Audi A3 35 TFSI exceptionally adaptable for various hauling needs.
Stepping into the rear seats of this five-door Sportback, passengers are greeted by acceptably wide-opening doors, facilitating easy entry and exit. The seating position is somewhat upright, which might not be ideal for extended journeys, a sentiment echoed by passengers on a recent 1,500-kilometer trip. While the standard seats offer adequate lateral support, they prioritize practicality over plush comfort. Nevertheless, the rear cabin provides ample legroom for a compact car, offering sufficient space for adult occupants. Practical amenities include electric windows, storage pockets, and a useful net behind the front seats. Uniquely, the front seatbacks are plastic-clad, allowing rear passengers to comfortably press their knees without disturbing the driver or front passenger. Two USB-C ports and air vents enhance connectivity and comfort, though the absence of a standard rear center armrest, which typically houses cupholders, is a notable omission for a premium offering, requiring an extra purchase or makeshift solution.
The interior material quality in the rear of the Audi A3 35 TFSI, particularly on the door cards, has been a significant point of concern. The pervasive use of hard plastic, even for the door handles which mimic aluminum, detracts from the expected premium feel. Only the armrest area provides a slight softness and a touch of fabric, marking a noticeable step back in quality compared to previous Audi models and even some more affordable competitors, such as the Skoda Kamiq, which offered softer door panels and metal door handles at a lower price point. This cost-cutting measure, also observed in other VAG group vehicles, is perhaps a consequence of shifting investments towards digital technologies rather than tactile luxury, an interesting trend within the automotive industry.
Driving Dynamics and Mild-Hybrid Performance
The heart of the Audi A3 35 TFSI is its 1.5-liter eTSI engine, featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This innovative powertrain, paired with a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission, delivers a remarkably smooth and refined driving experience. Unlike traditional starter motors, the belt-starter generator ensures an almost imperceptible engine start, contributing to enhanced driving comfort. The S-Tronic gearbox is particularly noteworthy, offering seamless shifts even under load, eliminating the jerking often associated with older DSG systems. This combination allows the engine to switch off at speeds as low as 20 km/h, or even “coast” on the highway at 160 km/h, without any noticeable disruption to the driver or passengers. This technological integration represents a significant advancement in powertrain refinement.
Despite the advanced mild-hybrid technology, the real-world fuel consumption remains largely consistent with non-hybrid versions of the 1.5L TSI engine. Data from Spritmonitor, for example, indicates an average consumption of approximately 7.22 liters per 100 kilometers for the Audi A3 M EM 2390 over 1,435 kilometers, closely mirroring the 7.37 liters per 100 kilometers observed in a Skoda Kamiq with a similar engine. This suggests that the primary benefit of the mild-hybrid system in the Audi A3 35 TFSI is not a drastic reduction in fuel consumption, but rather a substantial improvement in driving comfort and powertrain smoothness, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic, where engine restarts are exceptionally fluid.
From a chassis and steering perspective, the Audi A3 35 TFSI strikes a commendable balance between dynamism and comfort. The suspension setup is slightly firmer than that of the Golf, imparting a more engaging feel, though the overall character remains composed and safe rather than overtly sporty. It allows for high cornering speeds while maintaining a sense of stability, making it an excellent companion for both spirited drives on winding roads and relaxed cruising on the motorway. The motor, with its 150 PS, offers sufficient power for everyday driving, accelerating briskly off the line and providing ample thrust for city and country road maneuvers. However, at higher speeds, such as during overtaking on the autobahn above 130 km/h, the acceleration can feel a touch less immediate, a consequence of the vehicle’s weight. The acoustic glass further enhances the driving experience by significantly reducing cabin noise, making conversations easy even at speeds up to 160 km/h, and providing a noticeably quieter ride than some competitors, including the Golf 8.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Infotainment Systems
The Audi A3 35 TFSI integrates several sophisticated driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, operated via a dedicated stalk, performs commendably, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance from preceding vehicles. A particularly intelligent feature is the predictive ACC, which utilizes navigation data to anticipate road conditions, automatically adjusting speed for curves, roundabouts, and local speed limits. This system, while generally effective and contributing to fuel efficiency through regenerative braking, occasionally exhibits minor inconsistencies, such as abrupt accelerations or misinterpretations of traffic signs, requiring driver vigilance. The inability to adjust ACC speeds in finer increments (e.g., 5 km/h steps) at higher velocities is another minor ergonomic consideration, a feature often found in competing models like the Golf.
The lane-keeping assist system in the Audi A3 35 TFSI functions effectively, offering gentle corrective steering inputs when the vehicle unintentionally drifts from its lane. Unlike some more intrusive systems found in other vehicles, such as the Skoda Kamiq, this system largely avoids frustration, even in complex scenarios like construction zones. However, on narrow country roads requiring slight deviations to pass oncoming traffic, the system can provide minor resistance, a characteristic shared with many similar systems. Generally, the Audi A3’s driver assistance package offers a high level of support, though ongoing software refinements could further enhance its consistency and precision, particularly regarding traffic sign recognition anomalies.
The interior focal point is the 10.1-inch MMI infotainment display, which impresses with its high resolution, vibrant colors, and fluid animations. While visually appealing, the system’s operational logic can sometimes be less intuitive than desired, with certain functions requiring multiple steps or being somewhat hidden within submenus. Connecting a smartphone via Bluetooth or Android Auto, for instance, occasionally requires re-pairing after an engine restart, and the integrated navigation system, despite claiming LTE connectivity, sometimes struggles with real-time traffic updates compared to popular alternatives like Google Maps. The inability to display Android Auto navigation directly in the Virtual Cockpit is also a minor drawback.
In a notable distinction from the Golf 8, the Audi A3 35 TFSI retains a dedicated, physical climate control panel, a highly appreciated feature for its ease of use and haptic feedback. The buttons, though not always genuine metal, provide a satisfying click, reflecting a high level of tactile quality. Conversely, the placement of the hazard warning light switch is somewhat low and can be awkward to reach, especially with a phone in the central console. Below the climate controls, dual USB ports (one Type-C and one standard USB) and an inductive charging pad offer versatile connectivity for modern devices. The shift-by-wire DSG lever is compact and modern, while the new Audi volume control knob, despite initial skepticism, performs surprisingly well. However, the omission of an Auto-Hold function as a standard feature, requiring an additional €77.99, is a significant point of criticism, considering its widespread availability in the compact segment, including the Golf 7 since 2012.
