2026 Audi A3 S Line TFSI Review

The Germans are good at maximising their offerings from each model line. With the A3, Audi offers more than 10 different engine configurations including petrol and diesel, mild and plug-in hybrids and further performance variants for the S3 and RS 3. It can be had in sedan and hatch bodystyles, the latter with an allstreet persona that would probably go well here too. Think Subaru Crosstrek, a hatch with a raised ride height and some SUV-inspired body styling. But alas, New Zealand is a tiny market, and Audi is pitched at the premium end of it. So no point over complicating things by offering too many models. So it’s but three variants we get, the regular S line, the S3 and RS 3. New Zealand Audi buyers gravitate to the sports models (S and RS) and ones that look like sports models (S line). We actually drove this entry level (for NZ) A3 back in early 2025, the review waiting patiently to get a run in print. And now it has. Except a couple of things have changed since this facelift version of the fourth generation A3 debuted in NZ. It’s more expensive now as the NZD continues its struggles against the Euro. Where it was $71,990, it’s now $74,490. And it’s no longer dubbed the 35 TFSI but rather the S line TFSI 110kW. Which makes more sense. The equipment levels are largely the same according to the spec sheet, and while the RRP has risen, the price of the options hasn’t.  

This front driver uses the 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol, which gets a helping hand from a mild hybrid setup. In this case it’s a belt-mounted starter-generator adding a few Newtons at low speed to help mask any turbo lag. It also facilitates longer idle stop periods (and quicker restarts) along with more engine-off running under very light loads. And it’s smooth enough too come time to reintroduce the four-pot when you need to accelerate again. But sometimes not quite though. We like that there’s no waiting around for things to happen from stopped, it’s away quickly and the seven-speed twin-clutch is neither too slow nor too sharp with the changes. It’s a good commuter then. 

There’s Audi’s Drive Select system, but you can leave that in the Auto mode to sort itself. When you need a bit more action from the powertrain, simply toggle the gear selector to initiate the transmission’s S mode. That’ll see it hold gears a tad longer, while being more easily persuaded to drop a cog. The amount of urge dished up is fine, the engine and trans willing, while the chassis has a bit of character to it. The steering is eager, even relaying half decent messages too. The tester was fitted with slightly more rubber than standard, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport 235/35R19s helping it hold a spirited line. The flip side is an extra helping of tyre roar on coarse chip highways. And you feel a few more of the lumps and bumps around town. But the 19s do fill those arches well.  

We like how the sensors will slow the car automatically as you approach slowing traffic ahead, without the need to engage the active cruise. Such tools may help some drivers smooth out their driving, and save a little gas rather than roaring up behind people and braking heavily.  

You’ll hold no grudge against the suite of safety helpers, all have been well tuned. Well, the lane keeping occasionally decides to take over the steering, but only on highway roads when you have encroached on the line. And it can be quickly defeated.  

Being a hatch, and a compact one at that, there is okay rather than abundant space in the rear. Think two adults rather than three, and with just enough knee room, and no more. The boot offers good cargo space for the intended market, practicality coming via the usual split folding of the rear seats, expanding the 380L space out to 1200, and there’s a powered tailgate. 

The S line deal sees the A3 with a more dynamic look outside and in. The sports seats up front are only partially leather clad but snug you comfortably, can warm you up in colder months and the electric adjustment and generous movement of the steering wheel allows you to set a well-connected driving position. There is no surround view camera unfortunately, just sensors and a reversing monitor, though there is a parking system if you really find it that difficult. Don’t expect a lavishly-lined interior, there is still a fair amount of plastic on display, though the construction is solid. While the storage is limited, the charge pad for the phone is easily accessible, the cup holders useful too. And being an updated rather than all new model, there are still a smattering of buttons to help execute some of the minor functions. Though still expect to do most of the work via the screen. It’s a decent operator however, as is the A3 overall. It’s very well sorted. It is expensive for a hatch, even against its usual alternatives, with the 120i and A200 both being cheaper, though the Benz is in run out mode. And its close cousin the Golf, is also quite good for even less.  

Audi A3 S line TFSI 110kW 

$74,490  /  5.4L/100km  /  122g/km
0-100 km/h 8.1s
Engine  1498cc  IL4 / DI / T
Max power  110kW@5000rpm
Max torque  250Nm@1500-3500rpm
Drivetrain  7-speed twin-clutch, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1325kg