I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a car is to take it far away from the showroom floor. Somewhere remote, scenic, and challenging. So, when I got my hands on the newly facelifted Audi A3 Sportback – specifically the 35 TDI with 150 horsepower and a dual-clutch gearbox – I knew where I had to go. France’s Mont Blanc region, with its twisty alpine passes, unpredictable weather, and postcard-perfect landscapes, was the perfect proving ground.
The Audi A3 has always lived in the shadow of its more practical cousin, the VW Golf, but with a price premium that begs the question: is the extra cash really worth it? Audi thinks so. And after spending a few days carving up mountain roads and cruising through French towns, I have a lot to say.
Let’s dig into the specs, but more importantly, let me tell you what it’s really like to live with this car in one of Europe’s most stunning driving regions.
Technical Specification:
All specs in this article are directly sourced from the official Audi’s website.
| Specification | Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic | Audi A3 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbo Petrol (Mild Hybrid) | 2.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 150 hp (110 kW) | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (S tronic) | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (S tronic) |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.1 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h | 227 km/h |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 5.3 L/100 km | 4.9 L/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions (WLTP) | 121 g/km | 128 g/km |
| Trunk Volume (seats up/down) | 380 L / 1,200 L | 380 L / 1,200 L |
| Curb Weight | 1,400 kg | 1,485 kg |
| Starting Price | €36,600 | €40,150 |
On the Road: Diesel Power in the French Alps
The route was ambitious: Chamonix to Courmayeur, crossing the Mont Blanc tunnel and climbing through winding switchbacks that flicked back and forth like a metronome. I started out in the 35 TDI, and within minutes, the torque kicked in. 360 Nm at just 1,600 rpm is no joke – the A3 pulls like a train even in the mid-range, which is perfect for overtaking slow-moving camper vans on blind corners (with caution, of course).
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is quick to respond. It’s not as snappy as what you’d find on an RS model, but it’s plenty smart. It knows when to hold a gear on a steep incline and when to drop two cogs if you decide to floor it out of a hairpin. I found myself rarely needing the paddle shifters – the electronics had it all figured out.
As for fuel efficiency, the A3 TDI surprised me. Even with spirited driving and lots of elevation gain, I averaged just under 6.0 L/100 km. On flatter stretches and with cruise control engaged, I could easily see the promised 5.0 L/100 km.
Handling and Ride: Firm but Forgiving
One thing you notice quickly when driving a premium compact like the A3 is the ride quality. Audi has managed to strike a balance between firmness and comfort. The suspension isn’t floaty, but it absorbs imperfections well. On cobbled village streets or rough patches of alpine tarmac, it remained composed.
The steering is light but accurate. It won’t give you the feedback of a BMW 1 Series, but it’s predictable and confidence-inspiring. I pushed it through a particularly tight set of corners above Les Houches, and it held its line without any fuss. The front-wheel drive layout does mean you’ll get some understeer if you’re too aggressive, but for daily driving and even the occasional mountain run, it’s more than capable.
Inside the Cabin: Premium, Mostly
Climbing into the cabin, the first thing I noticed was how snug everything felt. The driving position is spot-on, and I appreciated the lower seat height compared to the older model. The steering wheel is chunky, flat-bottomed, and feels great in hand.
However, not everything is perfect. The interior design is clean and modern, but the materials – especially below the beltline – are a bit disappointing. Hard plastics where there should be soft-touch materials remind you that this is still a compact car underneath the badge.
But then there’s the tech. The 10.25-inch digital cockpit is crisp and easy to read, and the infotainment screen is responsive. It took me a bit to get used to the new touch-sensitive volume slider (I miss the old dial), but Alexa integration and natural voice commands made the system feel smarter than most.
One massive plus: climate controls remain physical. Thank you, Audi, for not burying them in a menu.
Practicality Tested: Trunk Space and Cabin Room
During our trip, we carried quite a bit of gear – camera equipment, backpacks, jackets, even a drone. With the rear seats up, the 380-liter trunk felt tight. Fold them down, though, and 1,200 liters is more than enough for a weekend trip through the Alps.
Rear seat space is decent. At 6’1”, I was comfortable in the front, and my colleague, who’s about 5’10”, had enough knee and headroom in the back. The sloping rear window does compromise visibility and cargo shape a bit, but that’s the price you pay for style.
Petrol vs Diesel: The TFSI Drive
Switching to the 35 TFSI, I immediately noticed how much quieter it was. The petrol engine is smoother and less grumbly, especially at idle or low speeds. It feels more refined around town, and the mild hybrid system helps with stop-and-go efficiency.
That said, the torque difference is noticeable. With only 250 Nm, the petrol A3 doesn’t have the same punch when climbing steep roads or overtaking. It’s still brisk – 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds is respectable – but you’ll need to rev it harder.
On sweeping mountain roads, it feels lighter and a bit more playful. If you enjoy winding it out and don’t mind the higher fuel consumption (I saw around 6.8 L/100 km), the TFSI is a fun companion.
The Verdict: A Premium Compact With a Foot in Two Worlds
So, what’s the takeaway after 800+ km through one of Europe’s most dynamic driving regions? The Audi A3, especially in its facelifted form, is a refined, intelligent, and capable compact car. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it earns your respect with how well it does everything.
It’s not perfect – the interior materials could be better, and the price creeps dangerously close to mid-size territory when optioned up. But the level of tech, the excellent dual-clutch gearbox, and the diesel’s real-world efficiency make a strong case.
If you value brand cachet, subtle luxury, and want a car that feels like a shrunken A4, then yes – the Audi A3 justifies its premium over the Golf. Just don’t expect five-star thrills. This is a mature, measured kind of excellence.
Is the Audi A3 worth the premium over a VW Golf?
If you prioritize interior design, advanced tech features, and brand image, the A3 makes a compelling case. Mechanically, it’s very similar to the Golf, but the Audi feels more refined overall.
Which engine is betterin Audi A3 – TFSI or TDI?
For long-distance drivers or those who value torque and efficiency, the TDI is the better choice. If you drive mostly in urban environments or prefer a quieter, more refined experience, go for the TFSI.
How does the Audi A3 handle in the mountains?
Very well. The suspension is balanced, the dual-clutch gearbox is responsive, and the car feels composed even on tight, twisty roads.
