Audi A3 review

It won't be long before Audi ventures into Formula 1, and we expect the German car maker to make swift progress up the rankings. After all, the brand is nothing if not competitive – as the Audi A3 demonstrates. 

The A3 has long been comfortable, enjoyable to drive, spacious enough inside for most families and available with a decent range of engines. Still, to ensure competitiveness, Audi treated its family car to a mid-life facelift last year. 

As part of it, the A3 gained a new frameless grille, a sharper front bumper design and updated LED headlights with configurable light signatures to give it a sportier "RS look". Inside, the driver is treated to ambient lighting and a higher grade of materials. 

Audi A3 video review

The engine line-up remains more or less unchanged, although we’ll have to wait until later this year to sample the heavily revised plug-in hybrid version. Here we're reviewing the hatchback version – officially called the A3 Sportback. To read about the saloon see our Audi A3 Saloon review.

So is the Audi A3 good enough to maintain or improve its position among the best family cars? Read on as we test it against rivals ranging from the BMW 1 Series and Ford Focus to the Mercedes A-Class and Skoda Octavia...

If you want a petrol Audi A3 Sportback, the best choice is the 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI, which officially manages 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. It's a highly flexible engine that feels lively and pulls strongly from low revs. We've yet to try the entry-level 1.5-litre 30 TFSI, but we suspect its 114bhp could feel underwhelming in a premium family hatchback like this.

The 148bhp 2.0-litre 35 TDI diesel has more torque (pulling power)  and gets from 0-62mph quicker, taking 8.3 seconds. It’s strong low down in the rev range and that’s great for overtaking on a motorway – but we’d still recommend the 35 TFSI for cost reasons. If you want hot hatch performance, see our Audi S3 review or, better yet, our Audi RS3 review.

Company car drivers will be best off with the 40 TFSI plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Officially, it can travel 88 miles on electric power alone, reducing your fuel and BIK tax bills in the process. On top of that, it’s pretty sprightly, with its total power output of 201bhp aiding a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds.

The A3 in Sport trim has smaller wheels and softer suspension than versions higher up the range, giving you the most forgiving and comfortable ride. The Mercedes A-Class is even more cushioning over potholes but can become bouncier at times (over a series of bumps on an undulating B-road, for example).

On S line trim or higher, the A3 has a stiffer suspension set-up and bigger wheels (18in on S line and 19in on Black Edition) but remains impressively cushioning most of the time. Indeed, S line is slightly suppler than the equivalent BMW 1 Series M Sport, and when you do hit rough stuff, the A3 recovers its composure quickly, with little bobbing or bucking afterwards.

The A3's handling is predictable, secure and engaging. That even goes for entry-level Sport versions, but is most evident on S line and Black Edition models with their stiffer sports suspension. They grip the road really well, with a lovely balance that leaves the car utterly unflustered by quick changes of direction and mid-corner imperfections.

It certainly makes the A3 sportier to drive than the A-Class. In fact, among family cars only the Ford Focus is more fun. The A3's steering is reassuringly weighted and responsive. If you like really quick-feeling steering, you might prefer the 1 Series (which feels a little more alert to your inputs).

The TFSIe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) carries some extra weight, mainly from the battery pack, so it's not quite as agile as other versions. That said, it’s still among the best-handling PHEVs on sale.

All the A3 Sportback’s engines are impressively quiet most of the time. Higher powered versions with their standard fit automatic gearbox sometimes flare the engine revs if you’re a bit too enthusiastic with the accelerator but it’s smooth through the gears.

The A3 produces less suspension and wind noise than the Mercedes A-Class but road noise can be more intrusive at higher speeds, especially with bigger wheels fitted. It's quieter on a motorway than the BMW 1 Series though.

“While S line versions of the A3 are noticeably stiffer in their set-up, I found that the ride remained pretty forgiving and therefore comfortable.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

The Audi A3 provides a great driving position, with a standard front armrest, and loads of steering wheel and seat adjustment. Plus, following its mid-life facelift, powered lumbar adjustment is now standard on all models. It makes quite a difference on long journeys.

All the controls and screens you use frequently are clear and within easy reach, helped by the central section of the dashboard that's angled towards the driver. The A3 has simple physical switches for the climate controls, making them much easier to adjust than the touch-sensitive controls in the VW Golf and touchscreen-based controls in the Ford Focus and Peugeot 308.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus digital driver's display comes as standard and shows all your driving information on a crisp 12.3in screen, with various lay-outs to select from. It’s so good you don't really need the optional head-up display.

The A3's slim front pillars help provide a clear forward view out but the chunky rear pillars and small windows can make the view over your shoulder a bit tricky.

At least front and rear parking sensors are included on all versions, and you get a parking assist feature that can detect a suitable space and will manoeuvre you in. A rear-view camera is optional as part of the Technology Pack.

Bright LED headlights come as standard, and you can option matrix LED lights that can be left on full beam at all times without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The A3 Sportback's infotainment touchscreen is a good size – 10.1in – but can require some drivers to stretch forward to reach it. Some of the icons are on the small side, which can make it a bit fiddly to use.

On the plus side, the screen is sharp with good graphics, and the menus respond quickly. It's also packed with features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a wireless phone-charger and built-in sat-nav.

You get a 10-speaker stereo, unless you upgrade to the punchy 15-speaker Sonos surround-sound stereo that's available as part of the Technology Pack.

As part of the A3’s mid-life facelift, the interior underwent a rather clever refresh. We say clever because the changes, though minor, have had a significant impact. Notably, the prominent plastic ledge on the dashboard has been replaced with a tactile fabric crafted from recycled polyester, lending both a refined appearance and a high-quality feel.

Audi has also incorporated additional interior lighting strips, and we particularly appreciate the new perforated door panel inserts, which allow the ambient lighting to softly illuminate the cabin in the evening. 

Those changes stop short of being completely transformative though. There are still some cheaper-feeling hard plastics – on the centre console, for example. Overall, the A3 compares favourably with the Mercedes A-Class in terms of showroom appeal but there are family cars that exude a higher sense of quality. For example, the BMW 1 Series and the cheaper Mazda 3 feel more luxurious.

“I’m glad you’re able to sit nice and snug inside the A3, rather than being unusually perched up like you are in some cars of a similar size.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

The Audi A3 Sportback has more than enough leg and shoulder room for tall adults up front, with enough head room even for someone well over 6ft tall.

The minimalist dashboard design doesn’t conceal many cubbyholes, but there are storage areas ahead of the gearlever and under the central armrest, plus a couple of cupholders in the centre console. The front door bins are each big enough for a large water bottle.

If you're more than 6ft tall you should have room to get comfy in the back of the A3 Sportback but you won't exactly be sprawling out in luxury. You'll find a similar amount of space in the back of a Mercedes A-Class and a little bit more in a BMW 1 Series. The cheaper Ford Focus and Seat Leon – and even more so the Skoda Octavia – are a lot bigger in the back.

A middle passenger will have to sit with their legs on either side of a tall hump on the floor, while the slightly raised seat base means they’ll sit with their head bruising the roof lining if they’re close to 6ft.

There's not much storage space in the back, but you do get door pockets that can hold a small drinks bottle and two cup holders in the fold down armrest on S line trim and above. The optional Storage Pack includes a lockable glove box and a luggage net in the boot, but it feels a little stingy that you have to pay extra for map pockets on the backs of the front seats.

The A3 Sportback’s rear seatbacks split in a flexible 40/20/20 arrangement on mid-level S line trim and above.

However, the seats don’t move back and forth to allow you to prioritise between passenger and boot space, or recline for added comfort (features you get on some family SUVs, including the Audi Q3).

The front passenger seat is manually adjustable, including for height, but it gets powered lumbar support as standard.

The A3 Sportback's tailgate opening is a decent size and the 380-litre boot (on non-PHEV versions) is similar in size to the 1 Series' boot. Both can fit five carry-on suitcases under their parcel shelves. A non-PHEV A-Class can go one better with six, but the Skoda Octavia beats them all for boot space.

When you fold down the A3's back seats they lie at a slight angle, but not enough to cause major issues with loading bulky items. You get an adjustable boot floor, which can be raised to reduce the load lip at the boot entrance and ensures there’s no step caused by folding down the rear seats.

The A3 Sportback PHEV does without the height-adjustable floor and its battery eats into the boot space quite a lot, reducing the volume to 280 litres. That can still take five carry-on cases (matching the Mercedes A250e) but with more of a squeeze.

“For the average family, I think there’s enough space on offer here. It’s proved sufficient in my experience.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

As part of the A3 Sportback’s mid-life facelift, Audi increased the levels of standard equipment, yet it still works out slightly cheaper than equivalent versions of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.

The A3's engines deliver fuel economy and CO2 emissions in line with its family car rivals. Our favourite engine, the 35 TFSI, officially averages 53.3mpg when paired with our recommended Sport trim. 

The 40 TFSIe PHEV will be by far the cheapest version to run as a company car because its 88-mile official electric-only range puts it in one of the lower BIK tax brackets. You'll pay even less BIK tax for an electric car.

The entry-level A3 trim – called Sport – is very well-equipped, with cruise control, three-zone air-con, heated front seats, power-folding door mirrors, 17in alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It's our recommended trim.

For a sportier look and driving experience, S line trim is worth considering. It includes 18in alloys, sports suspension, S line front and rear bumpers, rear privacy glass, stainless-steel pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and customisable multi-colour interior lights.

Black Edition trim is steeply priced considering its offerings. It primarily adds a black exterior styling package, 19in wheels and door-mounted LEDs that project the Audi logo on to the ground as you exit the vehicle.

The £1495 Technology Pack adds a Sonos sound system, a head-up display and a reversing camera. The £4995 Technology Pack Pro has all of that plus matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof and electrically adjustable front seats.

The A3 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty and three years’ roadside assistance, which is the industry norm. You can pay a little extra to extend your A3 Sportback's cover for up to five years or 90,000 miles.

We’d be tempted to do so, because the A3 finished in 19th place out of 25 cars in the family car section of our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey – below the BMW 1 Series in third, and the hybrid and petrol versions of the Mercedes A-Class in second and 14th. The A3’s 87% reliability rating is a bit concerning. 

As a car brand, Audi placed 24th out of 31 manufacturers we ranked for reliability – above Seat but below BMW, Ford, Mercedes and Skoda.

Every A3 has automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-departure warning and traffic-sign recognition as standard.

In common with most family cars, the model received a five-star rating after safety testing by Euro NCAP. The Seat Leon was found to be better at preventing injury to adults up front and children in the rear. The 1 Series and A-Class were given five stars too, but were tested under earlier, less stringent criteria, so it's difficult to compare their results directly.

“I think £40,000 is a bit much for a family hatchback, even a premium-badged one. Pair the Black Edition trim with the Technology Pro Pack, though, and that’s basically what you’re looking at.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

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