Audi A3 Sedan 2021 Review

The compact luxury sedan market in Southeast Asia has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with consumers pursuing both brand appeal and practical configurations along with driving experience. The 2021 Audi A3 Sedan has become a popular choice in this segment. With its core positioning as "a younger entry-level luxury," the car not only continues Audi's family design DNA but also features technological upgrades. We had the chance to test the actual model to focus on evaluating its static qualities, dynamic performance in meeting the entry standards of a luxury brand, and its practicality for daily use.

In terms of exterior design, the 2021 A3 Sedan adopts Audi's latest family design language, with an overall style that is sharper than the previous generation. The front grille has a larger hexagonal design with a honeycomb pattern inside, flanked by angular LED headlights with high recognition. The daytime running lights in the headlights adopt a segmented design, resembling "little arrows" when illuminated, which is one of the iconic features of the new A3. The body side has smooth lines, with the waistline transitioning from the front fender to the rear, giving the car's proportions a sleek appearance. The 17-inch five-spoke wheels have a simple style that aligns with its sporty orientation. At the rear, the ducktail-style spoiler and dual exhaust outlets (decorative, though) enhance the sporty feel, while the LED taillights have internal structures echoing the headlights, offering clear illumination effects. Overall, the exterior of the new A3 Sedan maintains a sense of luxury while incorporating detailed designs that convey a younger aesthetic, making it suitable for young consumers seeking individuality.

Entering the cabin, the first impression is its enhanced technological vibe. The dashboard is angled toward the driver, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display as the visual centerpiece. The screen has high resolution, smooth operation, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch fully digital virtual cockpit that provides rich information and supports switching between different modes, such as full-screen navigation or a tachometer layout in sport mode. The three-spoke steering wheel has a leather-wrapped finish with a comfortable grip, and its multifunctional buttons are reasonably laid out: the left controls media and phone functions, while the right handles driving assistance systems. In terms of interior materials, the upper dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, while the inner sides of the door panels are leather-wrapped with silver accents, offering a mid-to-upper-level tactile quality within its class. The seats are a mix of fabric and leather materials, providing good support. The driver’s seat supports 6-way manual adjustment, while the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustment. Though it lacks power adjustment, it is sufficient for daily use.

Regarding space, the 2021 A3 Sedan measures 4500mm×1810mm×1420mm, with a wheelbase of 2630mm, which is standard for a compact sedan. The front-row space is relatively spacious; for a 175cm tall passenger seated in the driver’s seat, there is one fist of headroom and ample legroom. Rear-row space is average for a compact sedan; passengers of the same height seated in the rear have about four fingers of headroom and two fists of legroom. However, the raised middle floor in the back seats might make longer rides uncomfortable for a middle passenger. In terms of storage, the door panels can hold two water bottles, and there's a wireless charging pad below the center console (if optional). The center armrest box has limited space but can accommodate small items. The trunk offers a capacity of 425L, with a fairly regular opening that fits two 20-inch suitcases, making it adequate for daily use or short trips.

In terms of power, the version we tested is equipped with a 1.0T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 110 horsepower and a peak torque of 200 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. During actual driving, the power response during start-up feels quite brisk, and the low-end torque output is sufficient. In urban driving, starting and following other vehicles is very smooth. During acceleration, the gearbox shifts quickly, although there is occasionally a slight lag when shifting at low speeds. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, with RPM maintained above 2000, giving a better sense of acceleration. However, it is still a 1.0T engine, so for high-speed overtaking, you'll need to step on the accelerator in advance as the power reserve is not abundant. If you have higher requirements for power, it is recommended to choose the 1.4T version.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel has a relatively light feel, making low-speed driving very agile and suitable for city parking and turning corners. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, so there isn’t an obvious stiffness. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension offers adequate support, providing a certain level of confidence. However, at high speeds, there is a slight degree of play in the steering wheel, and the directional precision is not as good as that of sporty sedans.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted actual tests. For urban conditions, the fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L/100km, while on highways, it is about 5.2L/100km, with an overall average of around 5.8L/100km. For a 1.0T engine, this level of fuel economy is relatively efficient, making daily operation costs low. Regarding driver assistance systems, this car is equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. When driving on highways, adaptive cruise control automatically follows the car ahead, and lane-keeping assistance slightly corrects the direction, enhancing safety during long drives.

As for driving comfort, the sound insulation is considered good in its class. While driving in urban areas, tire noise and wind noise are not noticeable. At high speeds, the wind noise becomes slightly more prominent but remains within an acceptable range. The seat comfort is quite satisfactory, and even during long drives, it does not cause fatigue. The rear seats have air conditioning vents and come with two USB ports, making it convenient for rear passengers to charge devices.

In summary, the core highlights of the 2021 Audi A3 Sedan are its youthful and stylish design, tech-savvy interior features, and fuel-efficient performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the A3 Sedan offers a better sense of technology in its interior, featuring a virtual cockpit and a more user-friendly touchscreen experience. In terms of pricing, it might be more advantageous (though the specific price has not been announced yet, based on the pricing of the previous generation model, it is expected to be similar to or slightly lower than competitors). However, in terms of power, the 1.0T version delivers an average performance. If you are looking for more power, you should opt for a higher displacement version.

This car is suitable for young professionals or small families who value the texture of a luxury brand, prioritize technological features and fuel economy, and primarily use it for urban commutes and short trips. For budget-conscious consumers who aspire to own a luxury brand, the 2021 Audi A3 Sedan is a good choice.

Overall, the 2021 Audi A3 Sedan performs well in terms of design, technology features, and practicality. Although power is not its strong point, as an entry-level luxury sedan, it strikes a good balance between luxury, technology, and daily usability. If you are looking for a youthful, stylish, and well-equipped luxury compact sedan, this car is worth considering.