2018 Audi A3 – UK’s Most Desirable Car In The Used Car Market
Audi introduced the A3 premium hatchback in 1996 to compete with the BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and more affordable Volkswagen Golf MK7 and the Mazda 3. The third-generation Audi A3 is available in both three-door and Sportback five-door flavours featuring a number of diesel and petrol powertrains, plus S3 and RS3 high-performance models. The German automaker also offers it in saloon and cabriolet body styles, but we will specifically discuss the hatchback here because it enjoys more popularity in the UK market.
The 2018 Audi A3 boasts lively acceleration, dynamic handling, a balanced ride, spacious front seats, and a high-tech infotainment system. Audi facelifted the A3 in 2016 and adorned it with new headlights and tail lamps, slicker bumpers, and, most important of all, a modified and bigger Audi single-frame grille.
2018 Audi A3 Review
Powertrains
Third-Generation A3 Launch:
The third generation came with the updated mills comprising a 1.4-litre TFSI generating 121bhp, a 1.8-litre TFSI with 178bhp, and a 2.0-litre TDI pumping out 141bhp.
The least-powered base 1.4-litre TFSI petrol is capable of taking you from zero to 62mph in 9.3 seconds and tops out at 126mph. Offering a 200Nm of torque, you need to be cautious while overtaking on B-roads, but your motorway trips would be comfy at their best.
The most robust 178bhp 1.8-litre petrol mill can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.2-secs on its way to a top speed of 144 mph.
The 2.0-litre diesel isn’t sluggish at all, with 0 to 62 mph in 8.6-seconds and a top speed of 134 mph. It is quicker at pulling and overtaking with 320Nm of torque.
All the powerplants get assistance from a six-speed manual gearbox, excluding the 178bhp 1.8 TFSI that mates to Audi’s seven-speed S Tronic semi-automatic gearbox.
2018 A3 Engine Choices:
The 2018 A3 came with a range of four-cylinder turbocharged engines, an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder, and the most potent 2.5-litre five-cylinder in the RS 3.
The 1.0-litre 30 TFSI (combined 49.6mpg claimed fuel economy) generates 113bhp and 200Nm of torque, the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI creates 148bhp, and the 2.0-litre petrol 40 TFSI churns out 187bhp.
As far as the diesels are concerned, the 40 TDI is the more powerful as well as refined, but it is thirstier than the 30 TDI generating 108bhp at 3,250-4,000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,750-3,000rpm. The 2.0-litre diesel in the 35 TDI (claimed 56.5mpg) yields 148bhp and 340Nm, while the 40 TDI (44.8mpg) delivers 181bhp and 380Nm in its more robust setting.
The 2.0-litre TFSI mill in the S3 puts out 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, while the RS 3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder is the most powerful, with 395bhp available from 5,850-7,000rpm and a monstrous 480Nm from 1,950-5,850rpm. The 0 to 62mph figures for various powerplants are as follows:
· 30 TDI models – less than 10 seconds
· S3 Sportback with twin-clutch automatic – 4.7 seconds
· RS – 4.1 seconds
Safety
The 2018 Audi A3 is an exceptionally safe car, and that’s evident from its five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The safety credentials are enhanced by its available radar-controlled cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill-hold assist, and a pre-sense system. Another highly desirable safety tech is a self-park system that assists you in parking in tight spots.
Prices
The prices for the third generation vary as per the trim level, engine choice, and of course, the condition. The 2012/13 models start at around £5,000, while the 2018 models go for at least £13,000 and upward of £20,000 or more.
Since it is one of the most desirable cars in the UK market, be ready to pay a little extra to buy this family car. Visit Hilton Car Supermarket for the most affordable Audi A3 deals.