The automotive world is awash with cruel stereotypes, and Audi drivers get more than their fair share. Audi TT? Bought by deep-pocketed hairdressers. The R8? Even deeper-pocketed mid-life-crisis sufferers. A8? Jason Statham wannabes.
But the Audi A3? Well, that’s bought by everyone else.
The unsung hero of the Audi lineup is actually the brand’s best-selling model in Australia (by a country mile, no less), shifting almost twice as many units as its nearest competitor, and more than 6,500 total in 2016.
The A3 range was overhauled last year, with Audi stealing technology and features from its more expensive models - including its impressive virtual cockpit - and refreshing the exterior styling in an effort to keep its most popular model exactly that.
Explore the 2017 Audi A3 Range
So we spent a week with the $39,900 A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic (catchy, no?) to see how it measures up.
![The Sportback - a kind of cross between a hatchback and a wagon.]()
The Sportback - a kind of cross between a hatchback and a wagon.
Read the full 2017 Audi A3 review
Audi A3 2017: 1.4 Tfsi Sportback COD
| Engine Type |
Turbo 4, 1.4L |
| Fuel Type |
Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency |
5.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating |
5 |
| Price From |
$19,690 - $24,970 |
| Safety Rating |
|
Verdict
Good looking, engaging and with plenty of space inside, the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic is a tempting premium proposition. And it’s more tempting still if you’re willing to tick a couple of options boxes along the way, and pay a bit extra.
Pricing Guides
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$22,389
Based on 63 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
Range and Specs
| Vehicle |
Specs |
Price* |
|
1.4 Tfsi Sportback COD
|
1.4L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 7 SPEED AUTO S-TRONIC
|
$19,910 - $25,190
|
|
Sportback 1.0 TFSI
|
1.0L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 7 SPEED AUTO S-TRONIC
|
$20,240 - $25,630
|
|
Sportback E-Tron Hybrid
|
1.4L, Premium Unleaded/Electric, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC
|
$14,850 - $19,470
|
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Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold.
But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul.
And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard.
When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House.
But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others.
More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as
a guide only and is based on information provided to
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manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.
Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete,
current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information
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