Audi A3 Sportback Mild Hybrid

The Audi A3 comes with a pleasing compact sedan silhouette and looks like it will have no problem blending right into city traffic. And underneath all this are underpinnings that are sound for the class. But will you be wanting for more?

Audi's hatchback embodies all that makes Audis so great, high build quality and fit and finish, alongside a sense of overall capability, whether it is the drivetrain or chassis.

The Audi A3 Sportback is the perfect little hatch for those looking for something more premium than a Golf.

Owned the Audi A3 Sportback Mild Hybrid 1.5L for about 5 months now. Considering Audi has discontinued the A1 and Q2, this A3 is now Audi's entry level vehicle. However, the car itself definitely does not feel entry level. The interior is well decked out, the MMI system is flawless, the gear shifter frees up space, and there are mostly soft touch materials used for anywhere chest level and above which allows you to appreciate the plushness of the car.

Drive-wise, from standstill, the 1.5 mild hybrid system requires some revs to build up acceleration. Below 2K and you will find it sluggish and falling behind others from the traffic light. However, once it is up to speed, the engine gives enough punch when needed, and I have rarely needed to exceed 2.5K rev to change lanes or overtake on the highway.

The mild hybrid system is fairly helpful, and activates mostly without you realising it. A trip from Punggol to Toa Payoh via KPE could clock up to 21KM/L in smooth expressway traffic with the occasional traffic light stops in the town included. But in heavy traffic or expressway jams, expect fuel efficiency to drop to 13KM/L for the same trip which is still decent.

Handling wise it absorbs the bumps and ruts of Singapore's roads well, and the handling is fairly nice. Although it is not a performance vehicle, going around twisty roads and bends is still enjoyable and puts a smile on my face at how well it handles.