Review: Audi A3 SE 35 TFSI S-Tronic (2024)

As tested: €41,510

Ever since its launch in 1996, the Audi A3 has been the dream first car of many a young driver, and a classy yet economical staple of the small luxury hatch market. Does the newest generation, the “8Y” continue that trend? 

The Razor-Sharp Looks

The new A3 is a great-looking hatchback. While some of the previous generations got a little slack for being a bit round and bulbous, the current generation looks like it was styled using a scalpel. The 17 inch, “Parrallel” 5 spoke wheels really lift the look, with even this "SE" trim car looking sporty. The A3 in my mind should always be a hatchback and while there is nothing wrong with the saloon variant of the A3, I think the hatch is a more proportional design. While the Mercedes A-Class gives a more luxurious vibe, the A3 leans into its sporty side and beats the BMW 1 series in looks.

The Interior

To sit in, the A3 is overall a premium place, but is let down in one or two key areas. All the touch points feel nice, the leather steering wheel feels very upmarket, and all the buttons have that signature German click to them. The “Audi Multi-Media Interface” system is as great to use as always, with a premium and elegant design. Pair this with the “Audi Cockpit” digital gauge cluster, which is especially impressive on a car of this class, and you almost feel like a you're in a higher class of car. Sadly, Audi manages to give with one hand and take with the other as the A3 comes with no reverse camera or parking sense screen as standard, instead you just get vague beeping as a part of the car gets near something. It is a complaint I have heard many times from other people who have driven it, and it is a real let-down. The use of physical buttons for the HVAC controls is a warm welcome compared to the A6 I tested previously. The interior is slightly let down by hard plastics in the centre console and the plaque to the left of the Infotainment. If you get an A3 or S3 with Quattro AWD then it displays the word “Quattro” there. If you don’t, you get the Audi logo and a long blank line where something would have been if you paid more. It’s like Audi are making fun of you for not working harder in school or something. 

The drive 

The A3 Automatic comes standard with a 150hp, 1.5 litre four cylinder petrol paired with mild-hybrid system. This all goes through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. This hybrid system only really affects start up and stop/start system of the car, with that initial engine shudder as your press the start button now a thing of the past. This powertrain gives a smooth and sporty driving experience. The car is set up to be a little firm but this allows for good control in the corners with the steering being precise, if a bit lifeless. Shifting with the paddles is very quick, although I find it’s best just to leave the gearbox in “S” and let the computer decide. It is a surprisingly quick car. Having driven the 116hp "30 TFSI" manual version as well, you really feel the difference of the added power and torque. I even found myself chirping the tires when pulling away from the lights.

Verdict

Do I like the 2024 A3? Undoubtedly. But for the money you pay I don’t believe you are getting great value. If you MUST be seen in an Audi then go for it, it’s certainly a better-looking car than the new 1 series while also being a hair cheaper. But for the almost same price I was able to configure a Volkswagen Golf R-line Auto, which uses the exact same platform, engine and gearbox. Would you rather have a top trim golf (before getting into Gti’s, etc) or a base trim A3 that has a little plaque to remind you, you couldn’t afford a more expensive trim? I think I’d rather have the VW.