Nearly new buying guide: Audi A3 saloon

The 1.4-litre engine produced 148bhp from the 2015 model year and was replaced by a 1.5-litre unit in 2017, although we don’t like that engine quite as much, because it feels more sluggish to pick-up. 

There’s also a 178bhp 1.8-litre turbo petrol, the only engine you could have along with Quattro four-wheel drive (apart from the go-go Audi S3 and Audi RS3 variants, which made 296bhp and and 395bhp). Black-pump fans got a 113bhp 1.6-litre and a 148bhp 2.0-litre.

A facelift came in 2016, bringing a new 114bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that was sprightly yet could surpass 50mpg overall if treated delicately. Other changes include redesigned lights at both front and rear and the availability of digital dials, called Virtual Cockpit. 

The two trim levels were simple but upmarket. Sport had 17in alloy wheels, sat-nav, climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors. S Line added part-leather seats, LED running lights, xenon headlights, a subtle bodykit, smart 18in alloys that, along with firmer suspension, ensures a harsher ride over less-than-perfect surfaces.

Options worth looking out for include heated seats and a very useful adaptive cruise control system that works all the way down to a stop and up again, making slow moving traffic a doddle to navigate.

The saloon shape is slightly less practical than the hatch shape, with a smaller boot opening, but this is rather compensated for by an extra 45 litres of capacity (at 425 litres) and 40:20:40-split folding rear seats. 

The rear leg room isn’t amazing, especially when tall people are in the front, but head room is reasonable enough. 

Overall, this A3 looks as good and drives as well as larger Audi saloons but is cheaper to buy and easier to park into the bargain.

Our top spec

Sport: S Line gives you plenty of kit and looks great, but the stiffer ride could be a deal-breaker. Entry-level Sport has pretty much all the standard kit you will need and will be easier on your back.

Need to know

Audi’s baffling new naming system came to the A3 in 2018. A ‘30’ very much doesn’t mean a 3.0-litre engine, rather a 1.0-litre.

Prices start near £6000. Spend £7000 to £10,000 on good 2014 and 2015 cars, up to £12,000 on 2016 and 2017 cars, up to £17,000 on 2017 and 2018 cars and up to £22,000 on the last examples.

The A3 Saloon came second out of 26 executive cars in What Car?’s latest Reliability Survey. Audi as a brand was 21st out of 32, though.

Buyer beware

Automatic gearbox: The S Tronic ’box is a delight to use, but it features a Mechatronics control unit that has a nasty habit of packing in and costing £1500 or so to repair.

Timing belt: Diesels need a new timing belt at five years or 75,000 miles, while petrols need one at five years or 60,000 miles. Budget about £750 here.

Water pump: The water pump’s plastic housing can degrade and crack, springing a leak. If left as such, the whole unit will need replacing for several hundred pounds.

Diesel filter: Diesels dislike regular short journeys, and the DPF can get clogged up as a result. Unless you do major miles, a petrol should serve you just fine.