Audi A3 Saloon Review: Premium Compact Executive Driving with Leasing

Introduction

The Audi A3 Saloon leasing has quickly established itself as one of the most stylish compact executive cars available. Offering a sleek four-door alternative to the A3 Sportback, it combines sporty performance, premium interiors, and the prestige of Audi engineering. Perfect for professionals, young families, and company car drivers, the A3 Saloon competes directly with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon.

However, while its design and performance are impressive, many drivers find outright purchase less appealing due to high upfront costs and inevitable depreciation. That’s where Audi A3 Saloon leasing comes in. Leasing provides predictable monthly costs, low initial payments, and the flexibility to upgrade every few years. For those who want access to Audi’s latest technology and design without the financial burden of ownership, Audi A3 Saloon leasing is the ideal solution.

This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the Audi A3 Saloon, from performance and technology to safety and practicality — and highlights why leasing is the most efficient way to enjoy it.

At a Glance

Body Style: Compact executive saloon
Engines: Petrol TFSI, Diesel TDI, Mild Hybrid (MHEV), Plug-in Hybrid (TFSI e)
Power Outputs: 110–310 hp (S3 Saloon)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic automatic
Drive Options: FWD, quattro AWD
0–62 mph: From 4.8 to 10.6 seconds (engine dependent)
Top Speed: Up to 155 mph (electronically limited)
Boot Capacity: 425 litres
Fuel Economy: 38–282 mpg WLTP (depending on engine)
Emissions: From 30 g/km CO₂ (plug-in hybrid)
Leasing Costs: From ~£330/month

Leasing makes the A3 Saloon attainable for both private and business users, with Audi A3 Saloon leasing options tailored to different budgets and specifications.

Key Features

Highlights of the A3 Saloon include:

Exterior: Coupé-like silhouette with sharp LED headlights and Audi’s signature grille.
Interior: Premium cabin with digital cockpit and advanced infotainment.
Technology: MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Connect, and Virtual Cockpit available.
Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, park assist.
Trim Levels: Technik, Sport, S line, Black Edition, Vorsprung.

With Audi A3 Saloon leasing, trims like S line and Vorsprung are accessible without the steep upfront cost, making premium features more affordable.

Range & Batteries

The A3 Saloon engine range offers something for every driver:

Petrol TFSI: 1.0L, 1.5L, and 2.0L options delivering 110–190 hp.
Diesel TDI: 2.0L units producing 116–150 hp, perfect for high-mileage drivers.
Mild Hybrid (MHEV): Improves efficiency and reduces emissions.
Plug-in Hybrid (TFSI e): 1.4L engine with 13 kWh battery, producing 204 hp, with up to 37 miles electric range.

For drivers considering long-term efficiency, Audi A3 Saloon leasing ensures you can move seamlessly from petrol or diesel into a plug-in hybrid, and eventually a full EV, without worrying about resale value.

Performance & Drive

The A3 Saloon is engineered for both agility and comfort:

Engines: Smooth petrol engines for urban and motorway driving, efficient diesels for long trips.
Sport Models: The S3 Saloon produces 310 hp, sprinting from 0–62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
Ride Quality: Suspension tuned for balance, with adaptive damping available on higher trims.
quattro AWD: Provides additional grip and stability for challenging conditions.

Leasing makes it easier to try different powertrains. Whether it’s the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid or the thrill of the S3, Audi A3 Saloon leasing offers choice without commitment.

Charging

For the plug-in hybrid A3 Saloon (TFSI e):

Battery: 13 kWh lithium-ion
Electric Range: Up to 37 miles (WLTP)
AC Charging: 0–100% in around 4 hours with a home wallbox
Running Benefits: Lower BIK tax for company car drivers, reduced running costs

For those unsure about committing to an electrified model long-term, Audi A3 Saloon leasing provides a flexible way to test plug-in technology before moving fully electric in future.

Running Costs & Emissions

Fuel Efficiency: 38–55 mpg for petrol and diesel, over 200 mpg for plug-in hybrid.
Emissions: From 30 g/km CO₂ (PHEV) to 150 g/km (performance models).
Maintenance: Fixed-cost Audi service plans reduce unexpected expenses.
Insurance: Group 20–35 depending on trim and engine.

With Audi A3 Saloon leasing, running costs are predictable, and servicing can be bundled into monthly payments for convenience.

Interior & Technology

The A3 Saloon’s cabin is a class leader:

Digital Displays: 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch).
Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging.
Luxury Features: Leather upholstery, ambient lighting, heated front seats.
Options: Bang & Olufsen premium audio, panoramic sunroof, adaptive interior lighting.

Audi A3 Saloon leasing ensures drivers can enjoy these premium options in affordable monthly instalments.

Practicality & Boot Space

Boot Capacity: 425 litres, competitive for the class.
Rear Seating: Comfortable for adults, though tighter than the A4 Saloon.
Storage Solutions: Multiple compartments for everyday convenience.
Versatility: Split-folding rear seats expand cargo options.

With Audi A3 Saloon leasing, drivers enjoy premium practicality without the cost of ownership, making it a perfect choice for young families or business professionals.

Safety

The A3 Saloon comes with excellent safety credentials:

Euro NCAP: 5-star safety rating.
Standard Safety: Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, pre-sense front.
Driver Aids: Adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring.
Optional Tech: 360° camera system, traffic jam assist.

With Audi A3 Saloon leasing, access to the latest driver-assistance packages is affordable, and upgrading every few years ensures the latest safety standards.

Options

Audi offers multiple trims and packs:

Technik: Entry-level with LED headlights and digital cockpit.
Sport: Adds larger alloys, comfort features.
S line: Sporty styling and lowered suspension.
Black Edition: Gloss black details, unique alloys.
Vorsprung: Range-topping trim with panoramic roof, B&O sound, and advanced driver aids.

Through Audi A3 Saloon leasing, even high-spec trims become attainable thanks to lower monthly payments compared to outright purchase.

Rival Cars

Key competitors for the Audi A3 Saloon include:

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé: Sporty but less refined interior.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon: Luxurious tech, but higher leasing costs.
Mercedes CLA: Sleek design, but less practical.
Tesla Model 3: Electric rival, but lacks Audi’s build quality.

Thanks to strong residuals, Audi A3 Saloon leasing often offers lower monthly costs compared to rivals, making it one of the best-value choices.

Verdict & Next Steps

The Audi A3 Saloon is a sophisticated, stylish, and practical compact executive car. With a strong range of engines, hybrid options, premium interior design, and advanced safety features, it delivers everything expected from Audi at a more accessible size.

But the smartest way to drive one is through leasing. Audi A3 Saloon leasing provides predictable costs, low initial payments, no worries about depreciation, and the flexibility to change vehicles every 2–4 years.

For private buyers, it means affordable access to premium luxury. For businesses, it brings tax benefits, reduced risk, and fleet flexibility.

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