Audi A3: The premium family hatchback
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- The Audi A3 has long been the most-rounded of the premium family hatchbacks. But with new versions of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class now on the scene, Audi needed to up its game. The new 2020 Audi A3 is the result - but is it as good as its rivals? Rebecca Jackson finds out in this CarGurus UK review.
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The cabin looks better than the last model. Doesn't matter if a few plastics in lower sections are hard if the mechanical bits are the same or better than before.
The drop in build quality over the previous model:
-Hard plastics on the door cards in the back
-No plastic trim around windows leaving exposed body paint inside
-No chrome handle on glove box or handbrake button
-No carpet under the spare wheel
-Only one light in boot (previous model had 2)
-Lower spec models no longer get independent rear suspension affecting ride quality
-Volume knob replace with a gimmick that only works with motion gesture
This new model sadly does not match the old model's build quality thanks to Audi's cost cutting.
There is much more missing!
- No turn-signal indicator on the inside of the side-mirrors
- One single (badly placed) LED in the boot-space (there were two very well placed leds on the left and right side)
- Real leather on various often touched arm-rest surfaces
- Soft touch interiour plastics all over the place, also in the second row
- Loosing the MMI controller with touch/zoom/write/dial/push controls is a big one for me
- direct buttons for almost all driving functions
I'm holding on to my 2017 ModelYear
I've had mine for over a month now, always driven a 2017 A3 before it, and I cant say I mind any of this. The new interior looks great and feels (where it matters) fine to me. The biggest drawback to me on the new A3 is its ugly boring ass, and I had/have the sedan versions.
Yes, a lot of cost-cutting items had been removed, that's clear VAG is not as rich as it was, i can add the CD/DVD player (the SD card reader) inside the glove box and the paint restricted /removed inside the hood and other many points. that's a shame, mean and what's really annoying for me is that all the viewers ignore it and tell you the opposite. By the end the precedent generation (particularly models of 2018/2019) is clear better value.
@@smijas Soft touch plastic is plus my dog not a minus.
@Chaz from UK nice brain
I've owned both and this new gen is definitely better. Own it to believe it.
Nice to see you back Rebecca and nice to see a “normal” car being reviewed rather than those aimed at the motorway mile crunchers!! More reviews like this please!!
Ah Rebecca my favourite car reviewer 5,4& a half of sheer delight,lovely car also btw! ⭐️💚
What annoys me with these reviews is you always drive the high specs, never the low-mid range that the average person is going to drive.
How is the 35 TDI high spec? lol
It’s an A3!
@@warawutboonprasert4067 What he means is the optional equipment level like heated seats and reversing cameras. The average buyer does not care what engine they have as long as the car moves.
If you are not buying at least an S Line why on earth are you spending that much on a basic entry level car
lol...its a A3..everything is a option! Even the backup camera and electric folded side mirrors…
@pf1133 , Yes, a lot of cost-cutting items had been removed, that's clear VAG is not as rich as it was, i can add the CD/DVD player (the SD card reader) inside the glove box and the paint restricted /removed inside the hood and other many points. that's a shame, mean and what's really annoying for me is that all the viewers ignore it and tell you the opposite. By the end the precedent generation (particularly models of 2018/2019) is clear better value.
I keep thinking about this car I think I am in love whit it I don’t understand why people hate this car
Because they went cheap with the interior material and partly the design, cheaper than thier previous model and obviously cheaper than their rivals BMW and Mercedes.
- The two seperate cup holders were eliminated and moved onto the passenger side right in front of the armrest. Additionally to have functional cup holders you have to fold out the spacer rings.
- The cup holder compartment is right in front of the armrest, making either one useless if you wanna use one of them - meaning either you wanna use the armrest or the cupholders.
- The material of the center center console, specifically the top side of the area where the also the Cup holders are found is cheap scratchy hard plastic. Previously you had a higher quality looking soft matt finish.
- They removed the MMI Controller and the Shortcut buttons, which was better while driving, according to Audi it is cheaper for them to only offer touch screen.
- the backside of the armrest reveals the big barrel of the folding mechanics, although this is consistant design flaw in the Audi A3 range, one that shouldn't exist.
- Overall there is much cheaper material used in the cabin and trunk.
- they eliminated the traditional exhaust on most of the trim levels, you now only have a cheap rusty thin steel pipe and tip hidden under the car.
- the rear was shortend on the sportsback compared to the previous model.
- armrest is very slim and short, can only be used by one person comfortably.
- unnessecary and bad integrated over the top air vents on the driver's side.
Just a few of the flaws I know and listed, the exterior design itself is pretty good but the limosine/saloon model looks much better. Hence why the rushed the presentation of the saloon shortly after the sportsback
Great review except that camera angle when viewing the rear seats was awful...why put a baby seat in the way! It was impossible to view the legroom.
With the move to touch screen with no other option to control the infotainment functions, despite anything else about it, I'll be keeping my previous gen A3. I can't work out how any car maker decides touch screen is a good idea while you're trying to drive.
Totally agree.
Mazda make a similar point about the 3 and the CX30
Who cares if the door bins are a bit scratchy and a but less quality around certain bits of the cabin. I'd rather have a bit more cheaper bits down low if it means the price doesn't sky rocket.
As a current (2 years old) S3 driver I'm really sad to see the interior going backwards in terms of quality and design. The virtual cockpit and rotary control on the older car are almost perfect...WAY better/safer to use whilst driving than any touchscreen...and no fingerprints!
Also...those new airvents look bad..the whole thing looks like it's been designed by bean counters...come on Audi!!
And many of us dont agree with you 😘
@@maretomcic
Well I agree that the 'look' is subjective (I still prefer the more cohesive look of the previous gen)..but the reduction in quality is not.
Drove an 2018 Mercedes A class exec pack auto. Fun to drive and quick ,but noisy engine and lots of either wind noise of resonance at 60 to 70 mph.
New audi is much smoother , quieter and better handling. Bought sport sportback 35 in Atol blue last week. New tech takes some getting used to after my A 3 2016 saloon, but it's a great car to drive, and in my opinion slightly better handling. This is despite salesman telling me that neither my old sport model nor the new one has adaptive suspension, even though the brochure says it has, and you can feel the difference on the road between sport and comfort mode.
I loved my old Audi, but I think this might just be better...
Rebecca & the car are Gorgeous xx
Pity there is no manual handbrake. Not a fan of the electric ones. Does it come with a spare tyre?
Audi cost cutting on the interior quality.
Driven a new 1 series and was impressed by the quality. Also like the look on the A Class interior. So, would probably choose either of those over the boring looking A3.
Why did you test legroom with the baby seat in the way? Other than that, it’s a great video
Previous generation A3 superior in looks and interior quality for me. Pains me to say it, but gopping front grille aside, the new 1 series now seems to be better than the A3.
I do love the comfort Levels of the new A3, A far cry from the previous generation .
As a Canadian I envy your European cars, I do think this one looks better than the BMW 1 series.
I really came here for the car.. ok that's a lie, I came here for Rebecca..
Shantanu Inamdar simp
simp
Rebecca’s new look!!
Having test driven the edition 1, cost cutting and lower quality material is evident. The build quality isn’t as good as the last A3. The gap between the bonnet and the bumper makes the bumper look like it’s sticking out or not fixed. Also to many fake vents and plastic everywhere.
I feel the same about the golf 8 too. Which is a shame as I loved my mk7.5 GTD when I had it.
Test drove the 1 series and the interior feels and looks a class above.
You actually managed to test drive a 1 Series? I've been trying for weeks and the dealerships are either too busy, don't have any cars to drive or can't be bothered to set something up.
Angelo yeah Halliwell Jones 👌🏻
New 1 series is better in every way. Maybe a3 goes a bit better over bumps but thats it.
Front end styling looks heavy handed and over styled. I prefer the cleaner front end of the previous gen.
It's a worse looking Megane. Well done VAG.
z00h there’s no way audi is worse than that
You talking about the girl or..?
Jonathan Chua the car is good man but the girl too but the car more
I enjoyed watching the Video 😊 Review. BMW 1 Series Is the best
Nice to see Rebecca again, she looks great👍
This is how I will rate her reviews:
Rebecca > Car
OR
Car > Rebecca
Looking good Rebecca...car too 😁
Jack The Lad simp
blabbydog simp
@@christaylor3911 simp
Jack The Lad keep begging it with the females and keep getting rejected buddy 🤮
@@christaylor3911 u funny man lol @ u
End of an Era- Literally!
With the drop in quality from Audi and VW and with Skoda raising the bar, the Octavia genuinely looks more tempting.
And not just from a value standpoint, to me you get better looks with an Octavia over the golf or A3. Obviously more space too, and cheaper.
No brainer then really...
There is also the Seat, they are all too much alike these days especially considering the base A3s no longer have IRS.
The problem with buying the Octavia is... you end owning a dull Skoda. That for me is just un cool. Would rather spend a few extra quid on the smarter A3.
You have not money...poor man...
@@mick2181So what have you, sad individual?
A3 👌 I watched an old carbuyer review with Rebecca still looks exactly the same today 🤗👌
Would be nice to see more of the car.
What car?
The side profile is spectacular , damn audi .
front yes, back yes, side im not so sure looks like a stretched A1, maybe the sportback will be better from the side, out of audi, Bmw and mercedes there isn't one that i totally like the look of
On touchscreens: Government research into the safety of them and their part in distracting drivers, and the reverse in the decline of road deaths in the last ten years despite car safety improvements. watch for a reverse in this VAG driven reduction in interaction options. Mazda have already acknowledged the issue by not offering it at all. So, it’s more than a bit distracting. As for the new A3, nice car but not a step on from the old car. I’ve driven it and compared it to my current 2019 Polo and experience of owning three previous A3’s. The sport suspension hates rippled tarmac and harsher/broken road surfaces generate more tyre noise than you really want. Basically don’t fall for the S line badging and big wheels, try the sport trim instead.
LMAO or Mazadas are just cheap pos so they are using it as an excuse to not offer a touch screen?
@@mememachine5244 The Study was recently announced, after Mazda's decision. It may be a cost move, but then VAG offering touchscreens with everything is also a cost move as cost per unit will be dropping rapidly as units produced grows. The smart option is offering a choice of interface to the user, which only the premium (quality or price) manufacturer's can consider offering.
Great review!
But i testdrove the new A3 a couple of weeks ago and god it was so dull! :/
Bmw 1 series much more fun to drive, better seats and a bit more quieter inside also.
I subscribed the moment i saw rebecca on the thumbnail...
Hard plastics at the back doors and some low quality materials are unacceptable for audi. BMW 1 serie is much better!!!
Why doesn't Audi fit the 2 litre petrol engine? The 1.5 engine is not very good to drive.
Agree. The two litre petrol engine is really good.
What's with all these comments about the girl!!! You people never seen a woman before?
This cutting costs for interior build quality is present on all manufacturers, they are fooling people with their new glossy plastics, digital clusters and LEDs all over the place.
People have gone stupid, they forgot to ask more for their money. Build quality should go up not down.
I think that social media has made it easier for manufacturers to fool us, nowadays it seems that looks are all that matter. Sad.
And about the new 1 Series, it resembles with a shark that just got out of the ring after it's been knocked out.
Well said and spot on description on the design of the new BMW one series 😂
Plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel? I don't think so! I sat in one of these and the steering wheel adjustment is crap. You can't get it low enough or close enough to you, hence you have to sit closer to the dashboard than you'd really want to... hang on, that's the same issue the last car had. Nice one Audi. What happened to advancement through technology then?
Would be nicer to have world common car standards, so any car made anywhere could be sold and used anywhere. Never going to happen, however.
Nice to see and hear Rebecca! 🌞
Standards mean emissions, crash , and lighting mandates.
Can anyone tell the difference between Ibis & Glacier white?
The only reason customers are willing to pay top dollar for an Audi or VW is because you got excellent build quality... Dilute that quality as with this and the latest Golf and watch your customers run..
Agree, I've been very tempted at times but with the cost cutting coming in no chance when they are pleanty of other makes out there.
Such a beautiful review. :-)
Looks better than the Golf 8
That’s true of most cars 😂
Jagman Very true
Why are all these German hatchbacks looking more like the Hyundai i30 lately. Still a fan of the older A3's...
The chief designer at Hyundai came from Audi
Brilliant in S trim.
She doesn't say anything about trim levels and kit onboard?
Judging by street prices and discounts in the Audi A6 and A4 it seems Audi is not really competing with Mercedes and BMW anymore. This video is further evidence: build quality not worthy of premium class.
Had this car as a loaner when I had to leave my A4 35 Avant with the dealership last week. I wasn’t impressed by the quality....hard plastics galore, rattling in the front and the rubber insulation strip from the driver door was loose which meant I had to press it back into place every time I got in and out of the car...the car had 1500km on the clock at that time. Apart from that, the usual Audi characteristics were there...dead silent interior while driving, nice ambient lighting in the dark, amazing head lights...but yeah, I feel like Audi is cutting corners a tad too extremely those past few years, I hope they get back on track soon.
Very good unbiased review. well done.
This generation of A3 is poor, styling is bland, poor quality materials - much preferred the previous gen. Was hoping for something a bit more bold...dunno what to get next now?! Keep my previous gen A3 or move to Merc?
I feel the same way as you. I’ve got the A3 Saloon Black Edition and Audi haven’t done enough for me to trade my car in for the new A3. Looks like I’m going to get the new Mercedes E Class Coupe next. I know it’s not in the same class but it’s the only car that’s caught my eye.
I always used to laugh at those idiots saying the A3 was just a fancy Golf, because they obviously never did a proper comparison. But with this new generation I'm afraid they are finally correct...
I moved to merc.
If you are sticking to this class of car, the Merc or 1 series would be my preference.
At least it looks a million times better than the horrid new BMW 1 series
Hard plastic lower down is probably chosen for durability rather than cost.
Everything’s about money!
I've just sold a previous model A3 1.4 tfsi Sport saloon and bought a 1.5 new one, both S Tronic. Nothing wrong with the quality for me even though there is less real metal inside. If these are modern plastics, I'm not complaining. The 1.4 is slightly more refined to drive though.
What's going on with these huge gaps in the wheel arches these days. Golf, A3 and 1 series all looked jacked up
I'm in love with Rebecca 🥺
Not a big fan of the dash design and layout especially touch screen controls. The simplicity and physical buttons on the 1 series are far better IMO.
No. It's nowhere near at the top of its class,where BMW 2 series is the king. King of looks,handling,style, interior and engineering. It can compete with 1 series though.
Got the last A3 and just ordered a new golf 8 tired of hearing about plastic quality and how aggressive the front looks lol
Audi is better than VW my friend....
Is the test car ibis white or glacier white?
This one is Glacier white - it looks great!
The latest Audi models don’t seem to have much personality to me, they all look pretty much the same inside. I’m on my second A3 which is an 18 plate and I will be keeping hold of it. I love the interior personally but that aside I can’t stand all the touch screen and am still surprised it’s being so widely used when it seems obvious to me that it’s much more of a distraction. To my eyes the new A3 interior looks more dated than the previous one but we all see things differently.
Great honest review Rebecca, thank you, for me the BMW 1 series gets my vote in this class 😊
Just tell me about the engines and how it's to drive. The rest is all the same with modern cars, crap you don't need.
Great review. I'm afraid they've ruined the A3 interior. Those naff air vents look rubbish compared to the 'turbine' style vents in the previous gen and the shiny, black plastic on the lower console will look like trash once it gets bumped by phones, watches, keys and coins. As for the exterior, too many design elements that do nothing like fake vents below the bonnet line. Very cheesy.
Maybe move the child seat out the way so we can actually see how much leg room there is in the back
The menu on the screen looks really dark. Lower material quality is obvious to the eye aswell.
They really dropped the ball with this generation
This is VW killing the Audi brand!
You mean killing it
Haha! The S3 is better than ever.
And the S5.
RSQ8.
Thank you VW!
The decline in interior touch point quality seems to be a trend at both Audi and VW. I think abandoning the MMI command dial is to reduce costs is a massive backward step. Given that the Skoda Octavia is petty much the same car under the skin but is cheaper, offers way more space and now loses nothing to Audi in interior quality I really see no reason to pay more. Audi should buy a Mazda 3 to learn about interior quality.
shit mazda !
How? Mazda does everything right. A proper brand with real values at least @@mick2181
My old 2014 A3 felt and looked more expensive and feels more like an Audi compared to the brand new 2020 model. Who would’ve thought that?
Audi has downgraded a lot on the new gen sadly. My old was so solid, robust and handled like a mini GTI (thanks to the 1.8 TFSI and S-Line suspension)
Compared with the sunroof, B&O sound system, adaptive steering etc, it was the best car I’ve ever owned.
150000 km’s and interior looked like brand new.
Looks, well: The old gen A3 was really symmetric designed, and with the S-Line it looked agressive and clean. I feel the new one just looks like a mess, S-Line or not.
Will the new gen be better to drive? Probably. But in all honesty, I’d save my money and buy a full spec second hand A3 8V again compared to a new one.
8V feels and looks more modern and expensive. And that’s such a shame compared to that the fact a soon 9 year based A3 car feels more expensive than a brand new one that left the factory.
Sorry Audi, you’ve dissapointed me on so many levels. 8V for life!
I own the same, i have a 14plate a3 sline and i still love it
Keep it up Rebecca :)!
Manual tilt n telescoping steering wheels with lots of plastics either glass black or not. I'd rather buy an Elantra
Audi better
Audi have taken one step backwards with the exterior styling of this car and 2 steps backward with the interior both in terms of quality and design. The A class and 1 series (apart from it's front end looks) are way better propositions.
Funny A3 Sline gets the AMG A45 front bumper
Honestly why would anyone buy an a3/s3/rs3 over the Benz/BMW alternatives.
Perfect example of a copy and paste video, all comments taken from other videos and repeated virtually word for word
Rebecca changes her employer every few months. I think I have seen here on 5-6 different channels if not more, over the past few years.
British women reviewing car is always more fun I wonder why
I’m sticking to my 8V model this looks so cheap inside 🤢 will have to try the new 1 series or A class
Ahhhh Rebecca!!!!!
No thanks. Far too small for a 6”2. I had to sell my 1 series as I had trouble getting in and out the car.
Love this new A3, getting mine in 3 weeks. Why does it matter if there is a bit of plastic around the car! Doesn’t make any difference at all, people will find flaws in anything.
Wandering Bathtub so should we just say that everything is perfect? That would be a really interesting and helpful review.
David Rodriguez yes everything is perfect except the fact they removed the swivel wheel
And? You are happy with this car, are you?
Getting mine in one month they say... and the feeling to drive this car must be great... did have a test last week and I think I will love it. The mild Hybrid is a great option too and the handling is very comfy. There are many things like a Lamborghini desing and this is much wanted. Inside it's very quiet and people are yelling at all, so what...
@@tomandme5574 congratulations 🥳
@@yes8032 thank you so much... from the Country of Audi 😉 the old one is 22 years old but still ok
The new BMW 1 series has an ugly front, but it does have better finishes, and therefore perceived quality is greater than the A3. Its a mistake that Audi are now skimping on interiors, as this was there hallmark in the sector.
Could've been a better review... remove the baby seat so we could actually see and give more detail of the other engines. not everyone is going to go for the top spec, large engine
I brought a new a3 and after 1000 miles I hate it. To many faults all computer based and and the dynamic light system don't seem to work I have hit 1 animal and barely missed a few others due to poor lights you just can't see far enough on dipped beam at 30 mph and it gets worse at high speed. Also the driver aids lane assist radar breaking seems wrong as it constantly fights the driver so badly that after driving 200 miles I was in pain neck shoulders.
What spec car did you have
1:55 safety first!
It should be called A1+
I imagine this looked quite nice until they started adding the unnecessary ‘styling’. The interior in particular looks a mix of the usual Audi elegance smothered with a box of assorted black Lego.
Looks like a Hyundi
Love seeing your reviews pls do the a class
“However u will find enough knee room”.ah..no we can’t when u have clearly blocked it to see anything in the backseat.
Tenzin
So you don't think that there's enough knee room just because you can't see it? How stupid can you be?
Leave the A3 alone - no one said.
Is she married? If not, she will be soon.
How much i like Rebeca beauty and quality.what a beautful woman
Good to see Rebecca missed her on the TV presenting love the fact that you've got a motorsport heritage behind you. Unfortunately not keen on the A3 or the the BMW you M1 cars find them ugly and the shapes repetitively boring, it would be good to see comparison test with cheaper vehicles like say the Civic or Yaris, Hyundai, I'm guessing you could buy one of them and with the change have a very decent holiday for years to come, these cars must lose value?
Not as much as a Peugeot or Hyundai
Cabin quality was the reason to buy it. Gone,
I thought she got married, well I guess it’s not my business
If so he's a lucky man
Some body pump a baby out of her a year ago.
hahaha this is interesting feels like a friend telling you about Audi new baby
Top of the class? It's an Audi.
A Daewoo Matiz is better overall than any Audi ever.