Blue pill: testing the new Audi A3

Some consider the compact hatchback to be just a powdered golf. But he's much more than that

With over five million units sold since its debut in 1996, the A3 is one of Audi's most successful models. But lately, like any other compact hatchback, it has been facing a new and relentless enemy: the so-called urban crossovers.

Will the new fourth-generation A3 overcome the temptation to take a high landing? Let's check.
For some companies, a new generation can mean a radical new design. But this is still Audi - a company whose cars, until recently, could only be distinguished from each other with the help of a centimeter tape measure. Things are better these days, and this A3 is easy to tell apart from the larger models in the lineup.

The lines have become a little sharper and more distinct, the overall impression is increased aggression. The grille has become even larger, although here, unlike BMW, this does not scandalize anyone. LED headlights are now standard, with a separate signal light for each equipment level. In short, the fourth generation has undergone many changes, but even from a kilometer away you will recognize it as the A3.

Sharp changes are noticeable only when you go inside. Quite frankly, they leave us with mixed feelings. Some materials have become even more luxurious and expensive compared to the previous generation. Others seem a little more frugal. And we are definitely not fans of the solution to control all functions from the 10-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system.

It is intuitive, high resolution and beautiful graphics. However, hitting it with your finger in motion is more inconvenient than the good old handles and buttons. It's the same with the very curious new touch controller for the audio system..

However, we liked other changes. Analog gauges have given way to a 10-inch digital cockpit that can show you everything you want from speed to navigation maps.

You will immediately notice that the gear lever is no longer a lever. This small switch enrages the animal part of our subconscious, which wants something large and hard to pull and rest on its paws. But in fact, the new system, like in Golf, is very easy to use, and we quickly got used to it.

“Golf” is actually an awkward word in this case because this premium hatchback shares a platform and engines with a more proletarian Volkswagen model. Not to mention the Skoda Octavia and Seat Leon. But don't think the A3 is just a mass product with expensive packaging. Everything here is on a completely different level - materials, soundproofing, attention to detail .. Only the most basic version with a one-liter gasoline engine has a torsion bar at the rear - all other options have multi-link suspension, and more expensive ones are even adaptive and allow you to change the clearance at any time.

In fact, there is another slightly awkward word - "diesel". The A3 comes with two petrol units - a liter, three-cylinder, with 110 horsepower, and a 1.5 TSI, with 150. But we are testing a more powerful turbodiesel. The badge on the back says 35 TDI, but don't worry, it's just a crazy new Audi model labeling system. No one but their own marketers fully understands its meaning, otherwise the engine here is a two-liter, with a maximum output of 150 horsepower, coupled with a fairly well-functioning 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

To be honest, after endless cohorts of hybrids all forging ahead this year, driving on diesel seemed even more refreshing. It is a remarkably quiet and smooth engine with plenty of torque for overtaking. 

We have not been able to achieve the 3,7 liter consumption percentage as promised in the brochure and we doubt anyone else could have done it, unless it is typical for St. Petersburg. Ivan Rilsky. But 5 percent is a very real and very pleasant expense.

What if we benchmark the A3 against its main competitors? In terms of interior lighting, it may be inferior to the Mercedes A-Class. The BMW unit feels better on the road and is better assembled. But this Audi excels in both interior space and ergonomics. By the way, the trunk, which was the weak point of the previous generation, has already grown to 380 liters.

Of course, prices have gone up too. The most affordable version currently on offer is the turbocharged 1.5 petrol with manual transmission, starting at BGN 55. Diesel with an automatic, as our test, costs at least 500 leva, and at the highest level of equipment - almost 63000. And that's before you add another four thousand for navigation, 68000 for a Bang & Olufsen audio system, 1700 for an adaptive suspension and 2500 for the rear view camera.
On the other hand, competitors are not cheaper.

And the basic level includes a lot of things - a digital instrument panel, radar emergency braking and collision avoidance systems, dual-zone climatronics, a radio with a 10-inch display. Everything you really need from a modern car.
Unless, of course, you are holding onto a high seating position.