Audi A3 Sportback Review 2023

The Audi A3 Sportback is an upmarket relation to the new Volkswagen Golf, set to rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series. It has a high class interior including a clever Virtual Cockpit instrument display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen media display in the centre of the dash. It features the usual array of Volkswagen Group engines including a 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel, as well as a plug-in hybrid. All models are generously equipped with the range made up of Sport, S line, and Black Edition models. While the Audi A3 represents good value for money, you do pay more for the higher quality finish compared to the Volkswagen Golf. Read on for our full review of the Audi A3 Sportback.

The Audi A3 Sportback is a strong alternative to premium hatchbacks like the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Now in its fourth generation, Audi’s best-selling model was updated in 2020, with fresh new looks and a tech-packed interior.

Just like the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia (all of which it shares a platform with), the biggest change over its predecessor is to the Audi A3 is its interior. It features a driver-focused cockpit, with a 10.25-inch digital display as standard in place of regular dials, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen across the range.

The Audi A3's cabin is ultra modern and just as premium as you’d expect from an Audi, although it doesn't quite have the wow factor of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which feels like an ultra-modern baby Benz. That's not to say you'll be disappointed with the Audi A3 - everything you touch feels like it's made out of quality materials, just like in a bigger (more expensive) Audi.

Talking of bigger... there's marginally more space in the new Audi A3 than in the old model, and we doubt any front-seat passengers will be left wanting more room. The same can’t be said for those in the back. As you'd expect from a car of this size, rear space is limited. If you’re looking to regularly carry rear-seat passengers, you should look at the Skoda Octavia instead. Also, there's no three-door model any longer.

Buyers can initially choose from three trim levels: Sport, S line, and Black Edition. All models are well-equipped, with even the entry-level model getting rear parking sensors, cruise control and LED headlights.

The Audi A3 offers three engines: petrol 1.0 litre with 110Ps or a 1.5-litre with 150PS combined with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 2.0-litre 150PS turbodiesel with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

Which one you should pick depends on how many miles you cover, but the diesel suits the A3 well and makes light work of motorway journeys. It's also incredibly refined, helped in part by a new acoustic windscreen fitted as standard across the range.

For those seeking the lowest emissions, the plug-in petrol-electric hybrid TFSI-e model emits as little as 26g/km of CO2 and can return a claimed combined consumption of 256.8mpg. At the other end of the scale is the rapid S3 with its 310PS 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and is aided by Quattro four-wheel drive for supreme grip in all conditions.

The new Audi A3 is more expensive than mainstream alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3, but with a superb cabin you can see where your money's going. We reckon it's one of the best family cars you can buy right now.

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the Audi A3 Sportback.

You can get a pair of adults in the back and - as there's no longer a three-door model available, though there is a saloon - rear-seat passengers needn't worry about access. If you're looking to regularly carry rear-seat passengers, though, it’s fairly cramped back there so you'd be better looking at an SUV like the Audi Q3 or maybe the more affordable Skoda Octavia.

The A3's 380 litres of boot space is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (370 litres) and BMW 1 Series (380 litres). There's a handy adjustable boot floor, while the rear seats drop down easily if you need more space, although they don't sit entirely flat. Again, if boot space is a priority, look at the Octavia, but 1200 litres ain't bad in the Audi A3 Sportback.

In typical Audi fashion, the A3 Sportback has a quality cabin with lots of plush materials and gloss black finishes. Its minimalist approach means it doesn’t quite have the visual impact of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (with its oversized air vents and ambient lighting), but it feels extremely well built and comfortable.

It also feels a lot less dated than its predecessor, helped by clever features like the toggle-like gear selector. Technik models feature cloth seats, but even these feel upmarket, while Sport adds part-leather upholstery.

All Audi A3 models get Audi's 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard. This is a digital display where you'd ordinarily find dials behind the steering wheel, plus it can be customised to show whatever you wish to prioritise (navigation, for example).

There's also Audi's 10.1-inch MMI infotainment display in the centre of the dash, aimed towards the driver and not perched on top like an afterthought like the old model. It's a simple system to use - fast to respond and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A lack of physical buttons means it can be irritating to use on the move, however.

There are three distinct strains to the Audi A3 Sportback: the mainstream hatch, the plug-in hybrid TFSI-e, and the hot hatch S3. There’s also the RS3 model, but this hyper hatch is reviewed separately.

Starting with the core models of the A3 Sportback, the range gets going with the Sport trim, which comes in 30 and 35 TFSI forms costing £26,360 and £27,925 for the manual versions, respectively. To these, you can add the DSG seven-speed automatic gearbox for £1550. The 35 TDI turbodiesel comes with the S tronic auto as standard within its £31,375 price tag.

Next in the A3 Sportback line-up is the S line trim, which will put a further £2280 on the price of a Sport model with the same engine and gearbox. The Black Edition trim only comes in 35 TFSI and TDI forms, with prices set at £32,005 and £33,555 for the petrol version with manual or auto transmission, respectively. The diesel comes in at £35,455.

Moving to the plug-in hybrid TFSI-e version of the A3 Sportback, it’s offered with 40 TFSI-e power in Sport and S line trims costing, in order, £34,895 and £37,175. The S line Competition trim comes with a more powerful 245PS engine in place of the 204PS unit in the other two trims. As a result, the Competition’s price begins at £38,925.

Finally, there’s the hot hatch S3 with its potent 310PS 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine and all-wheel drive. It goes from £41,545 for the Black Edition model and £47,545 in Vorsprung trim.

The starting point for the Audi A3 Sportback's engine range is the 1.0 litre 110PS turbo petrol in the 30 TFSI. It offers 50.4mpg with the manual gearbox and almost 4mpg better with the DSG auto. 

The 35 TFSI officially returns between 46.3 and 49.6mpg depending on a number of factors, including options and trim level. It’s worth bearing in mind that the most efficient model is the Sport with its small 17-inch wheels, although the difference wheel size makes is negligible in the real world.

The 35 TDI returns between 57.6 and 60.1mpg although, as with all cars, what you see in real life will depend on factors like your driving style. Visit Real MPG for an idea of real-world economy.

Go for the S3 and you'll have to accept its performance comes at a cost, which is fuel economy of 34.4mpg. IN the TFSI-e plug-in hybrid, however, you can enjoy combined consumption officially claimed at up to 256.8mpg. However, this will depend on how much you charge the battery and how you drive the car.

Insurance should be reasonable, although exact insurance groups are yet to be announced. The premium Audi badge might make the A3 marginally pricier to insure than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, for example - so it might be worth getting a quote, especially if you’re a new driver.

As a brand, Audi ranks a fairly average 18 out of 36 in the HonestJohn Satisfaction Index, which might be an indication of reliability issues. Audi drivers are likely to have higher expectations than equivalent SEAT or Skoda drivers, though, which might influence this score.

As usual, wheel size makes a big difference - look for a model with smaller alloy wheels if ride comfort’s important. S line models feature sports suspension, lowered by 15mm. This provides a firmer ride.

In terms of handling, the latest A3 remains surprisingly composed during cornering, although the steering doesn't provide quite as much feedback as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. This will suit the majority of buyers, though - it's an easy car to drive and good visibility helps around town. It's also perfectly suited to motorway driving, thanks to the relaxed nature of the steering and hushed wind and road noise.

The S3 is the only one of the Audi A3 Sportback range reviewed here to come with Quattro all-wheel drive. It gives this hot hatch fantastic grip and stability in corners, and it allows the S3 to deploy its full 310PS of power more often and capably than you might imagine.

The 30 TFSI comes with a 110PS 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine which is ideal for most needs, especially if you're not a regular motorway user. The S tronic auto makes it even easier to use with no ill effects on fuel consumption. In fact, it makes the A3 even more frugal.

With the 35 TFSI petrol, you upgrade to a 150PS 1.5 litre petrol engine. It gives the A3 a welcome added turn of speed and is, probably, the best all-round bet for most drivers' needs.

The diesel is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder which also makes 150PS in the shape of the 35 TDI. It's paired exclusively with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is the engine we've spent most time with and it's a very eager yet refined unit - the acoustic windscreen fitted as standard makes a surprising difference to noise levels on the move.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the TFSI-e combines with an electric motor to offer either 204PS in the 40 TFSI or 245PS with the 45 TFSI. Both are brisk and offer up to 36 miles of electric-only driving, though you have to take full advantage of this if you want to get near the impressive official consumption figures.

In the S3, there's an extremely chirpy 2.0 litre turbo petrol with 310PS on hand and it's coupled to a seven-speed S tronic DSG auto 'box. It also has Quattro four-wheel drive.

All models get Audi's Drive Select system, which lets you choose from multiple drive modes. In the real-world, this is best left in 'comfort' or 'auto' modes - otherwise the automatic gearbox is needlessly holding onto low gears and the steering is pointlessly heavy.

The Audi A3 has was testedd by Euro NCAP and achieved a top score of 5 out of 5 stars. It’s loaded with safety kit including Audi’s pre sense front - Audi’s automatic braking system - on all models.

The optional Driver Assistance Package adds useful lane change and exit warnings. The former alerts the driver to a vehicle in their blind spot when changing lanes, while the exit warning will warn you of vehicles and cyclists approaching from behind when the car’s at a standstill.

While the Audi A3’s compact dimensions means it’s unlikely to be a popular tow car, it should be up to the job of towing a light trailer or even a small caravan. With its 360Nm of torque, the 35 TDI will be the pick of the range for towing. With this engine, the A3 Sportback has a 1600kg towing capacity, while its 1410kg kerb weight means inexperienced towers should be able to lug around 1200kg going by the widely-accepted 85 per cent rule.

To begin with, we’ll focus on the main three trims of Audi A3 Sportback, which are Sport, S line, and Black Edition. The Sport comes on 17-inch alloy wheels, standard suspension, and has Audi’s Drive Select system with Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, and Individual modes. Inside, there are front sports seats with height adjustment and lumbar support, platinum grey trim inlays, and dual zone climate control. A leather steering wheel feels good in the hands, and there’s Routine cloth upholstery.

Choose the Sport and you also get Audi’s 10.1-inch MMI infotainment screen and the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit dash display. This is all coupled to sat-nav, voice control, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Other tech includes cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.

Move up to the S line trim and you’re treated to 18-inch wheels, and firmer sports suspension that sits the car 15mm lower to the ground. You’ll also find improved LED lights at both ends of the car, and S line styling touches. Sports seats and leather upholstery are notable inside, along with the black headliner and aluminium pedals.

Topping out this corner of the Audi A3 Sportback range is the Black Edition with its 19-inch matt grey alloy wheels and black styling pack. A flat-bottomed steering wheel marks out the interior.

With the TFSI-e plug-in hybrid, you have the same Sport and S line trims, but there in place of the Black Edition is the S line Competition offering. It brings you 18-inch alloy wheels, black exterior details, and red-painted brake calipers.

The S3 is sold in two trims – Black Edition and Vorsprung. With the Black Edition, you have 19-inch wheels, S Sport suspension, and the S3’s own body kit with deeper bumpers, badges, roof spoiler, and grille. The seats are trimmed in Nappa leather and the fronts are heated, while the cabin inlays are in dark spectrum aluminium. The S3 also has a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

For the Vorsprung model of S3, Audi provides a twin-spoke 19-inch wheel design, Matrix lighting with dynamic indicators, and automatic main beam function. A panoramic glass roof is included, as well as electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors with carbon fibre-effect caps, power tailgate, and windscreen with heat insulating glass. Electric seat adjustment is part of the Vorsprung package, and you also benefit from seat position memory.