Audi A3 2016 review
Overview
The Audi A3 8V received its facelift in April 2016, with UK order books opening in May — Parkers codes every updated variant ''(05/16 on)''. The changes run deeper than the tweaked styling suggests: a wider single-frame grille, sharper LED headlights with jagged daytime-running-light signatures, new bumpers and the option of the Virtual Cockpit digital dials. Three-door hatch, five-door Sportback, saloon and cabriolet bodies continued.
The headline addition is the 1.0-litre TFSI three-cylinder turbo with 115bhp and 200Nm — 0–60mph in 9.6 seconds, up to 62mpg and 104–107g/km of CO2, with the SE 3-door listed at £20,225 when new and the range opening from £19,365. The 1.4 TFSI CoD 150PS (147bhp, cylinder-on-demand) remains the sweet spot at 56mpg, while diesels run from the 1.6 TDI to the 2.0 TDI 150 (147bhp, 340Nm, 0–62mph in 8.2 seconds, 53.5mpg) and the 184PS quattro, topped by the 310PS S3.
Trims were SE, Sport and S line, and even the SE brought xenon headlights with LED running lights, the pop-up MMI display, Bluetooth, DAB and dual-zone climate; Sport added sports seats and 17-inch alloys, S line the body kit and lowered suspension. The Sportback''s 380-litre boot (425 litres in the saloon) is usefully bigger than an A-Class''s, Euro NCAP awarded five stars in 2014, and Audi''s three-year/60,000-mile warranty applied.
Buy carefully around the gearboxes and the 1.4 petrol. S tronic dual-clutch cars need documented oil services (around every 38,000 miles) — neglected boxes can develop mechatronic faults and low-speed judder. The 1.4 TFSI can use oil via PCV-valve issues, and EA211 engines are known for water-pump and thermostat-housing coolant leaks. A full Audi service history is the best insurance on any 8V.
UK price from: £20,225
Specifications
| Engine | 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol (TFSI) |
| Power | 115 bhp |
| Torque | 200 Nm |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 128 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 60 mpg combined (NEDC) |
| CO2 emissions | 107 g/km |
| Boot space | 380 litres (Sportback); 425 litres (saloon) |
| Kerb weight | 1,150 kg |
| Insurance group | 19 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Features
- 1.0-litre TFSI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol (115bhp, 200Nm)
- Six-speed manual gearbox; seven-speed S tronic automatic optional
- Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (facelift)
- Pop-up MMI display with Bluetooth, DAB and SD-card navigation
- Dual-zone climate control and cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Optional Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- Three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer warranty
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £58.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £13.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £22.99 | Activated carbon type |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £26.99 | |
| 12V battery | £119.99 | AGM type recommended |
| Engine air filter | £19.99 |
Pros
- Beautifully built cabin that still feels premium a decade on
- Refined, willing 1.0 TFSI — proof downsizing can work
- Strong residuals, especially Sportback and S line cars
- Sharp facelift styling with distinctive LED signatures
- Frugal: up to 62mpg and low CO2 keep tax and fuel bills down
Cons
- S tronic needs strict servicing — mechatronic faults are expensive
- 1.4 TFSI can suffer oil consumption and coolant leaks
- Options were pricey, so base SE cars feel sparsely equipped
- S line''s lowered suspension rides firmly on 18-inch wheels
