Audi A3 Diesel Engine Does The Job Remarkably Well

The best Audi A3 diesel engine is the 1.4 turbo. This engine for Audi A3 diesel is punchy, smooth and affordable to buy and run. The 148bhp 2.0-litre Audi A3 diesel engine is very strong across the rev range, and while the 181bhp version has a more defined surge as the turbo kicks in, it’s still an absolute peach. There are three suspension settings: SE, lower Sport and lower-still S line. The SE’s standard suspension provides the best balance, and the good news is that you can specify it at no extra cost with every version.

The manual gearshift is quick to respond, while the positively weighted clutch and brake pedals also help make the Sportback feel like a quality piece of engineering. The cabin is built from the sort of high-grade materials you’d usually expect to find in an executive saloon, while beautifully weighted switchgear and a super-slim infotainment screen add to the impression that no expense has been spared. The entry-level SE spec comes with Bluetooth, a USB socket, voice control and manual air-conditioning. Sport models add dual-zone climate control, sports seats and sports suspension.