Audi A3 Saloon review

We know that beneath the surface the A3 shares much with the Golf, Leon and Octavia. But while those cars have always looked and felt pretty similar inside (for better and for worse), the A3 tends to forge its own path.

The previous-gen car was a real highlight, with superb material quality, expensive-feeling switchgear and a thoughtful, calming layout. Which is why it was a bit sad when everything changed for Mk4, which - initially at least - felt a bit cheaper than an Audi ought to.

What happened?

Audi had to make room for its latest MMI infotainment system, which uses a hefty but crisp 10.1in display integrated into the dash rather than perched tablet-style on top. The driver display (sorry, virtual cockpit) is even bigger at 12.3in. Such is the way these days.

The interface is excellent, but a touchscreen is always going to be fiddly and you have to live with smeary fingerprints all over your screen’s glossy surface. At least you still get physical climate controls beneath, albeit with digital readouts.

Overall the dashboard is busy and oh so serious, although you do have to give Audi some credit for its confident lines and how everything slots together like a jigsaw puzzle. No more round vents marooned in the dash.

Anyway, the cabin remains a nice enough place to while away the hours, with a good driving position and comfortable, supportive seats. Although, the sports seats’ integrated headrests on the S line trim might make rear-seat passengers feel a bit claustrophobic. Splashes of microfibre have lifted things somewhat, but does it reach the level demanded by Audi’s exacting clientele?

Is it roomy?

The A3 Saloon’s 425-litre boot is actually bigger than the Sportback’s. It’s just… a much less useful shape. You can fold the rear seats down and thread long things through up to the backs of the front seats, but the hatch gives more flexibility.

For people sat in the back legroom is fine, but headroom is a tad compromised over the hatchback because of the lower roofline. Thou hath been warnethed.