Audi A3 Saloon (2021) Review

If you’ve been eyeing the Audi A3 Saloon 2021, specifically the 1.5 TFSI S-Line with the S-Tronic gearbox, I’ve had the pleasure of driving it for about a week now, and I’ve got plenty of thoughts to share. Having driven a couple of A3s and an A4 in the past — all in S-Line trim — I’ve grown quite familiar with the brand’s overall feel, engine options, and, of course, Audi’s well-regarded gearboxes.

So, let’s dive in.

The Downsides: Build Quality Takes a Hit

Let’s start with the elephant in the room — Audi's build quality. Audi has traditionally stood out as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group, and that reputation was largely built on superior interior quality. However, in the 2021 A3 Saloon, Audi seems to have dropped the ball in places.

While the critical areas still feel solid, the overall build quality doesn’t quite hit the same mark as previous models. Take the door panels, for example — cheap, hard plastics reminiscent of lower-end Skodas. Gone are the soft-touch materials that Audi used to be known for. This was a shocking revelation, considering Audi’s role as the "luxury" choice in the VW Group lineup.

One particularly annoying detail is the bonnet design. Unlike the A4, where the bonnet curves invisibly over the wings, the A3’s bonnet has unsightly gaps along the top, which inevitably collect leaves. For those of us living in leafy areas like Dorset, this design flaw is downright frustrating. It feels unauthentically Audi, which is a brand famous for over-engineering the smallest details.

Despite a few disappointments with the interior materials and small design quirks, the Audi A3 Saloon 2021 remains a fantastic car to drive.

Interior Shortcomings

There are a few more things that just don’t scream Audi. For example, inside the door pockets, the rough edges feel unfinished. In previous models, they were lined with felt to ensure a quiet, refined ride. Now, they feel cheap, almost like Audi cut corners to save a few bucks. While the top of the dashboard remains soft-touch and plush, the contrast with the lower-quality plastics makes this feel even more noticeable.

It’s a worrisome trend — if Audi’s interiors are no longer superior, what sets them apart from VW or SEAT, which come in at lower price points? Audi should tread carefully here because losing that premium feel could risk the brand losing its identity.

What Audi Got Right: Driving Dynamics

Now for the good stuff, and there’s plenty of it. Despite the interior gripes, Audi’s driving dynamics remain top-tier. The 1.5 TFSI engine, while modest on paper, is surprisingly fun. It’s rev-happy and vocal, making even mundane trips around town feel exciting. Paired with the S-Tronic automatic gearbox, the car delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. If you enjoy driving in a spirited manner, the S-Tronic really supports that, keeping you engaged behind the wheel.

Though this A3 has the sport suspension (which I wouldn’t have personally ordered, preferring the standard suspension for long motorway journeys), the handling is stellar. You can throw it into a corner, and it sticks with confidence. The grip, the brilliant driving position, and the snug sport seats make this A3 feel incredibly well-planted.

Practicality and Comfort

Speaking of the seats, the S-Line sport seats are a dream — grippy, supportive, and comfortable over long distances. Despite the sporty suspension, I found the ride to be fairly comfortable for daily driving, especially considering that previous S-Line models could feel harsh on British roads. The 18-inch wheels (standard on the S-Line) seem to strike a good balance between style and ride comfort, but I suspect larger wheels might make the ride less forgiving.

On the practical side, rear legroom is generous for a compact saloon. At 5’10”, I found plenty of room for a six-footer behind me. The boot is also decently sized, easily accommodating a week’s worth of shopping. And, if you’ve got kids, the Isofix system is well-designed and easy to use, one of the best I’ve come across.

Infotainment and Tech

Audi has nailed the infotainment system. The touchscreen sat-nav and infotainment interface are, in my opinion, the best on the market right now. The layout is intuitive, it’s responsive, and the graphics are sharp. The only downside is the hassle of dealing with user profiles — switching between users can be a bit cumbersome, especially when you’re changing cars between drivers.

The steering wheel remains a highlight. Audi has kept the tactile buttons and dials, avoiding the fully touch-sensitive controls some other manufacturers are moving towards. It feels great in your hands, looks premium, and works flawlessly.

Lights, Camera, Action!

One thing I absolutely love about the A3 Saloon is the lighting. The LED headlights perform brilliantly on dark country roads, offering clear and precise illumination. The dynamic rear indicators — those “sweepy” ones — are still a nice touch and add to the car's modern, premium feel.

Final Thoughts: A Great Saloon, But Audi Needs to Be Careful

Despite a few disappointments with the interior materials and small design quirks, the Audi A3 Saloon 2021 remains a fantastic car to drive. The steering, handling, and overall driving experience are top-notch. It’s a car that’s equally at home on twisty country roads and on long motorway journeys.

From an exterior design perspective, it’s a real head-turner. I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best-looking saloons on the market right now — definitely more appealing than the current A4 or its rivals like the Mercedes C-Class or A-Class Saloon.

However, Audi should remember what made the brand special in the first place: premium interiors, cutting-edge design, and an attention to detail that sets it apart from the likes of VW and Skoda. They’re treading on thin ice by cutting corners in places, and while the car’s performance is stellar, buyers might start to question the value of paying extra for the Audi badge if that premium feel continues to slip.

All in all, the A3 Saloon gets a big thumbs-up from me. Just remember, Audi — it’s your unique brand identity that keeps your customers coming back. Don’t let that slip away.

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