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Audi A3 1.6 TDI S Line

Does clean diesel hatch work in sporty spec?

Audi A3 1.6 TDI S Line

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Otis Clay

April 2010

Here's proof that green cars don’t have to be dull. This A3 S line looks like a hot hatch – but with Audi’s latest 1.6-litre diesel and stop-start, it’s cheap to run. For the first time, we’ve tried the eco-friendly motor with the super-efficient seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch box. How does it stand up?

Compared to the manual, there’s no performance penalty – 0-62mph takes only three-tenths longer, at 11.7 seconds, while the 121mph top speed is the same.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Audi A3

 

On the move, the auto works well, changing gears swiftly, while the torquey engine offers great refinement and punch. For extra pace, there’s a Sport mode, which holds on to gears longer before changing up. Plus, steering wheel paddles add to the appeal.

Factor in combined economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, and this Audi looks like a tempting choice. However, the auto doesn’t combine that well with stop-start. Once you’ve come to a halt, there can be too much of a delay between you demanding power and the engine firing up.

S line trim brings seven-spoke alloys, a roof spoiler and leather seats, giving the already smart-looking A3 extra visual appeal. But there’s a price to pay for standing out. When you specify the £1,450 S tronic transmission, this car costs nearly £23,000.

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3 Comments

MPG

Whilst I would love to believe the official mpg figure of 67.3 mpg combined. I think this would be some what less in the real world, especially during auto express test drive.

What mpg did this car return during the test?

Any one out there owning the same model ? Please comment ?

Thanks

By biddy_r on 8 April, 2010, 1:17pm

MPG

Whilst I would love to believe the official mpg figure of 67.3 mpg combined. I think this would be some what less in the real world, especially during auto express test drive.

What mpg did this car return during the test?

Any one out there owning the same model ? Please comment ?

Thanks

By biddy_r on 8 April, 2010, 1:31pm

Audi 1.6TDI

I have owned the A3 Sport Sportback 1.6TDI now for 1 year and had very dissapointing MPG. My old A3 1.9TDI returned a religious 50+mpg every tank. With the 1.6TDI I struggle most of the time to get over 50mpg's!!! Having tried different driving styles the best I've had is 55mpg/tank. Despite being checked by Audi nothing appears to be wrong.

A definate no/no ffor Audi on this one. Performance is lso very sluggish

By JCMCN on 11 February, 2011, 5:28pm

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Audi A3 1.6 TDI S Line
Audi A3 1.6 TDI S Line
Audi A3 1.6 TDI S Line

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FIRST OPINION

    Although this A3 is made up of some great individual ingredients, they don’t come together to produce a must-buy car. Unless you really need an automatic gearbox or can’t live without the head-turning looks of the S line trim, we’d save £4,200 and plump for the five-speed manual SE. It’s good to drive, still looks desirable, has plenty of standard equipment and, crucially, costs even less to run. It’s a winner.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,890
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel
    Power: 104bhp
    Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 11.7 seconds
    Top speed: 121mph
    Economy: 67.3mpg
    CO2: 109g/km
    Equipment: Leather seats, climate control, S line badging, bodykit, seven-spoke alloy wheels
    On sale: Now
     
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