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August 24, 2021
A Car Born for the Autobahn – Test Drive the New Audi A3 Sedan | Audi
Audi A3 Sedan | Audi A3 Sedan
A Car Born for the Autobahn
The Audi A3, a premium compact, entered its fourth generation with a full model change in 2020. In April 2021, the model was introduced to Japan. This time, we test drove the sedan variant equipped with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, the "30 TFSI."
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Even with a 1-Liter 3-Cylinder, a Surprisingly Enjoyable Drive
There are many reasons to recommend the new Audi A3 Sedan. Its style strikes a balance between refined elegance and sporty flair. It boasts abundant comfort features and safety assistance systems. Furthermore, its surprisingly enjoyable performance, exceeding expectations despite its small displacement, is a major draw.
The A3 Sedan, launched in Japan in April 2021, is offered in three variants: the "30 TFSI," the "40 TFSI," and the sportiest "S3." The numbers indicate the approximate output and the model's positioning.
In this lineup, the 30 features a 999cc 3-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 81 kW (110 ps) and 200 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. The 40, on the other hand, is a 1,984cc 4-cylinder engine producing 140 kW (190 ps) and 320 Nm, paired with the quattro all-wheel-drive system.
For those who value the ease of driving, quietness, and comfort of a sedan, coupled with the desire for a practical daily driver, the A3 Sedan 30 TFSI, with its 999cc 3-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive system, is an excellent choice.
The engine output of the 30 TFSI is modest, perhaps not noteworthy in an era of increasingly powerful cars. However, upon driving it, my initial underestimation completely vanished.
In a word, the 30 TFSI is thoroughly enjoyable. The engine power is more than sufficient for daily use. Despite the car's 4,505mm length, it never feels underpowered. The spacious interior, including the rear seats, makes any concerns about the 1-liter displacement unfounded.
You'll be surprised by its brisk acceleration in city driving and how quickly it gains speed on the highway. The low rolling resistance tires and the aerodynamically efficient body also contribute significantly.
It's remarkably smooth. While the A3 sits at the lower end of Audi's lineup, its execution is superb.
It offers such comfortable high-speed travel that it truly makes you feel it's a car born in the land of the Autobahn. In other words, it's a car I'd highly recommend to those who frequently use highways.