What’s new: Audi‘s replaced its 1.6-litre FSI engine with a new 1.4-litre TFSI that’s got more power yet is more economical and slightly cheaper.
Excellent: The 1.4 is a really impressive engine. While 125PS doesn’t sound like much for an A3, the turbocharged unit provides plenty of performance and is more than happy at motorway speeds.
Good: Despite the smaller capacity, the new turbocharged engine offers an additional 10PS of power. Decent RVs mean a 41.6 pence per mile figure.
Average: Despite the slight power increase, the smaller turbocharged engine only provides a 4g/km reduction in CO2, which is one BIK band, and just 0.7mpg improvement in economy.
Poor: At £18,175, this A3 costs virtually the same as the BMW 116i SE, which has economy 5.2mpg better and is two BIK bands lower.
Verdict: Great engine in a classy package, but a 116i would be cheaper to run, both for the driver and the company.
