Audi A3 Sedan Mild Hybrid 1.0 TFSI S tronic (A) Review

With Oktoberfest looming close, revelers the world over are already looking forward to being fed their usual oversized portions of beer, sausage, and pork knuckle.

This Audi A3 Sedan, however, is quite a different type of German export. Rightly-sized and equipped with a diminutive 1.0-litre engine, it comes across more as a sensible and austere product. Does that make it the ideal option here, with COE and fuel prices being as high as they currently are?

Able drive

If you're looking for a compact that can pin you back against your seat, shop elsewhere.

The 1.0-litre unit in this Audi A3 may only be missing 39bhp and 50Nm of torque when lined up against the larger 1.5-litre variant, but leave the car into its 'comfort' driving mode, and this power is delivered in a lazy fashion.

Acceleration is also hampered further by a gearbox that holds onto the highest gear possible and only lets go if you push the accelerator pedal deep into the carpet.

Thankfully it's not all bad news. The 48V mild hybrid system here works well, with near undetectable start/stop cycles, and a willingness to let the car sail for long distances with engine shut off.

Easy driving like this makes the A3 a staid drinker, returning an average of 15.4km/L, while the three-cylinder is also a quiet operator, two traits you won't find under any festival tent.

Force the car to knuckle down via the drive mode selector and you'll be able to force more urgency into affairs, with more accelerative force coming into play once you've dialed in a few rpms.

Accommodating cabin

This Audi A3 marks itself out as quite the capable family hauler, however.

The optional Sports seats (a $1,103 option) this test car comes equipped with are comfortable items, offering plenty of cushioning with good lateral support for the thighs, and mighty soft head rests.

And passengers at the rear won't feel like they are being stuffed into sausage casings as well, even though this is the smallest sedan there is from Audi, with knee and head room at the back sufficient for two adults. Insulation from road and wind noise, alongside apparent build quality here are all excellent.

Ride quality in the Audi A3 is also commendable. There's high pliancy when driving through gentle bumps although sharp edges and poor tarmac can still make themselves felt in the cabin.

Appealing price

At $193,148, this 1.0-litre A3 Sedan can be had at a sizable discount next to the $219,415 1.5-litre Audi A3 Sedan. It will additionally only attract $392 of road tax a year, as opposed to the $684 you'll have to pay for the 1.5-litre.

And the 1.0-litre is a bit cheaper than the $202,888 BMW 216i Gran Coupe as well, your other option if you're looking for Cat A COE-friendly compact with a premium badge that's new to the Singapore market (all prices as of 24 August 2022).

For what it can offer at that price, it deserves to join the halls and recognised as a quality German product.


Shopping for a premium compact vehicle? There's also these options to consider:

This Audi A3 is also available as a Sportback, with just as refined a ride quality

While the BMW 216i Series Gran Coupe will deliver comfortable motoring and good cabin space

Or you can get the Mercedes-Benz A200 Saloon, with its premium and high-tech cabin

As well as the Mercedes-Benz CLA200, with its equally stunning interior and upmarket exterior design

Want to get a better feel of what this Audi is like to drive? Catch us in this video review here!