The new Audi A3 continues to remain sensible and stylish, befitting folks who are eyeing their new premium city runabout.
In Singapore’s bustling premium compact segment, you’ll find yourself choosing between machines that look like they’ve all been through the same finishing school. Crisp cuts, polished manners, understated charm. But look closer, and the subtle differences emerge.
And so, into this increasingly crowded catwalk rolls the facelifted Audi A3 Sedan, freshly coiffed and armed with quiet confidence. But with the latest BMW 1 Series hatchback already making waves, and a new 2 Series Gran Coupe prepping its runway debut, Audi’s offering has its work cut out. Let’s not forget the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class just peeking around the corner.
Even non-premium siblings like the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia have returned to the party with a new lease on life, wearing the same MQB Evo bones underneath.
And yet, the A3 arrives not to out-shout, but to outlast. In the quiet confidence of its sedan silhouette, it asks a simple question: “What if you wanted something that simply works, and looks like it belongs?”
Subtle styling
The new changes won’t knock your socks off, but there’s a confidence in the details of the new A3. A redesigned grille lends more visual presence, though the oversized openings seem to promise more power than this mild-mannered executive can actually deliver.
The rear bumper bulges a little more, adding muscle to the otherwise modest physique. Headlights now offer a trio of daytime running light signatures which animate as you unlock the car.
And it’s still familiar
Step in, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like an old friend who’s picked up a new hobby. Audi’s cabins have long stood as benchmarks, but the recent influx of ultra-luxe interiors has raised the bar. To its credit, the A3 still holds its ground.
Microfibre fabric inserts line the dashboard, and perforated door linings glow softly with ambient light. Still, one might ask: is this enough for a brand that prides itself on Teutonic polish? The jury’s still out.
Audi’s 10.1-inch infotainment screen remains a bright spot; responsive, intuitive, and now bolstered with an in-car app store for everything from Spotify to some questionable weather apps you’ll probably never use. Behind the wheel, the 12.3-inch digital cluster delivers crisp, clear information with typical Audi finesse.
Here’s where Audi deserves applause. Unlike certain other brands that have sacrificed all physical controls on the altar of minimalism, the A3 remains mercifully tactile. Climate control buttons? Present. Driving modes? Click away. Heated seats? One tap. There’s even a proper switch for safety assists.
Gone are the haptic nightmares of other VW Group offerings; here, sanity prevails. Even the gear selector’s been updated to something tidier, though the glossy black panel surrounding it is a fingerprint magnet of the highest order.
For a compact sedan, the A3 delivers on the essentials. Up front, there’s enough room for lanky Singaporean limbs. In the back, two adults can ride in comfort, but the middle seat is best left for short trips or shorter friends.
Boot space is respectable at 380 litres, matching the 1 Series and A-Class like-for-like, and up to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded.
What sets the A3 apart is a thoughtful touch: the loading lip is flatter than rivals, and underfloor storage is a neat bonus.
It’s calmly confident on the roads
The new 1.5-litre engine produces a decent 114bhp and 220Nm of torque, enough to give the A3 a light-footed feel in town and assured composure on the highway. It’s no pocket rocket, but it gets on with the job with grace.
Power delivery is smooth, and the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox slips through the ratios like a maître d’ at a five-star restaurant. There’s even a fuel-saving ‘sailing’ mode that works discreetly in the background. Around corners, the A3 remains composed and willing. The steering is quick, turn-in is crisp, and body control is admirably neutral, all of which whisper ‘sporty’ without actually raising your pulse.
The brakes, however, are a different story. Out on expressways, they offer solid modulation. But in town, where it’s stop-go every few metres, they’re grabby and can feel a touch overeager. Not a dealbreaker, but you’ll need to recalibrate your right foot.
How about the competition?
Should you buy this over a Golf? If badge prestige matters, the A3 wins hands down. Even though both cars share a similar skeleton, the Audi’s dynamics feel more considered, more premium. It’s a Golf in a dinner jacket, one that knows how to command a room.
Against the BMW 1 Series, the A3 is less playful but more well-rounded. And while the ‘older’ Mercedes A-Class dazzles with interior flair, it lags behind in driving dynamics and refinement.
In this trio, the Audi emerges as the quietly confident all-rounder.
And that leads to…
The Audi A3 Sedan isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and it doesn’t need to. What it offers is a deft balance between everyday usability, restrained luxury, and just enough verve to keep things interesting behind the wheel.
Most will be drawn in by the four-ring badge and what it represents: style, sophistication, and substance. But the real clincher is how well this car does the boring stuff. The school runs. The weekday commutes. The weekend jaunts. It does it all, and does it well.
No gimmicks. No drama. Just solid, sensible Audi-ness. Wrapped up in a suit that fits better than ever.
Technical Specifications
Audi A3 Sedan
Engine: 1.5-Litre 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 114 bhp
Torque: 220 Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed (A) S tronic
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 16.1 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$216,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
