We’ve been impressed with the new A3 in a couple of different diesel guises, but this is our first time behind the wheel of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol model.
Putting out 122hp, the three-door A3 won’t have you pining for more potent versions, especially when you factor in a 15% BIK banding thanks to emissions of 120g/km. And being petrol, that undercuts all but the 105hp 1.6 TDI diesel because of diesel’s current 3% BIK penalty.
The Audi also beats its BMW 1-series rival for whole life cost, thanks to a better RV and emitting 12g/km less CO2, which along with being a couple of hundred pounds cheaper, spins out to a 3.5p per mile victory for this Sport spec against a BMW 116i 3dr Sport model.
The new A3 is a big step forward in driving terms over its predecessor, but the balance sheet case is just as strong, and in the case of this TFSI petrol model, it makes a lot of sense for those drivers not covering big miles.
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