Audi A3 Sportback Review 2024
Audi A3 Sportback At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 15–33
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure
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.
Audi A3 Sportback handling and engines
- Engines range from 30 TFSI S tronic to 2.0 TFSI 333 quattro S tronic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 35–60 mpg
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Handling and ride quality
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Engines
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Safety
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Towing
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.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
2.0 TFSI 310 quattro S tronic | - | 4.8 s | 187 g/km |
2.0 TFSI 333 quattro S tronic | - | 4.7 s | 198 g/km |
30 TDI | - | 10.1 s | 112–120 g/km |
30 TDI S tronic | - | 10.1 s | 121–127 g/km |
30 TFSI | - | 10.6 s | 124–132 g/km |
30 TFSI 116 | - | 9.7 s | 135–136 g/km |
30 TFSI 116 S tronic | - | 9.9 s | 129–130 g/km |
30 TFSI S tronic | - | 10.6 s | 123–129 g/km |
35 TDI | - | 8.5 s | 122–124 g/km |
35 TDI S tronic | - | 8.1–8.4 s | 119–139 g/km |
35 TFSI | - | 8.4–8.7 s | 132–143 g/km |
35 TFSI S tronic | - | 8.1–8.4 s | 128–141 g/km |
40 TDI S tronic | - | 6.8 s | 155–157 g/km |
40 TFSI S tronic | - | 6.9 s | 168–170 g/km |
TFSIe PHEV | - | 6.8–7.6 s | 30–31 g/km |
Audi A3 Sportback interior
- Boot space is 280–1200 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4311–4351 mm |
Width | 1966–1984 mm |
Height | 1426–1468 mm |
Wheelbase | 2365–2637 mm |
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Practicality
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Quality and finish
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Infotainment
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.
Audi A3 Sportback value for money
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Prices
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.
Audi A3 Sportback 2024: Running Costs
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.
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Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowAudi A3 Sportback models and specs
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.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4311–4351 mm |
Width | 1966–1984 mm |
Height | 1426–1468 mm |
Wheelbase | 2365–2637 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1220–1610 kg |
Boot Space | 280–1200 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 9300–12000 miles |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £27,870–£49,920 |
Insurance Groups | 15–33 |
Road Tax Bands | A–J |
Official MPG | - |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until July 2024
On sale until December 2022
Model History
- March 2020: Audi A3 priced from £24,900
- September 2020: Audi A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid announced
- December 2020: Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI plug-in hybrid announced
- April 2024: Revised Audi A3 Sportback priced from £32,035
- May 2024: Entry-level Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI model arrives, priced at £28,920
March 2020
Audi A3 priced from £24,900
The new Audi A3 will go on sale next week with prices starting from £24,900 and first deliveries from May.
A premium alternative to the Volkswagen Golf - with which it shares a platform - the fourth-generation A3 has made its digital debut following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show.
It features a tech-heavy cabin with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit standard across the range, as well as a 10.1-inch touchscreen media display with navigation.
In the UK, the new Audi A3 will initially be offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS and a manual gearbox and a 2.0-litre diesel combined with an automatic gearbox, also producing 150PS.
A mild-hybrid version of the 1.5 TFSI will follow shortly after launch using a 48-volt system to provide an extra 50Nm of torque and allow the A3 to coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds. Further petrol and diesel engines will follow, as well as a plug-in hybrid model.
The A3's dimensions have grown slightly, with a marginal increase in width and length compared to its predecessor. The height has remained the same but the seats are positioned slightly lower, contributing to improved space for passengers.
The boot has a capacity of 380 litres, increasing to 1200 litres with the rear seats dropped. The boot floor can be adjusted to different heights, while an electric tailgate will be offered and operated using a foot motion.
Standard equipment on the A3 Sportback Technik, which starts from £24,900, will include the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 10.2-inch touchscreen media system with navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels, Audi's pre-sense driver-assist system and lane departure warning.
The Sport trim is priced from £26,300 and will add 17-inch alloy wheels, various styling upgrades, dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. S line models (from £28,200) feature 18-inch alloys, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights with dynamic indicators, front leather sports seats and privacy glass.
The Edition 1 starts at £31,240 and will feature 19-inch alloys, black exterior styling features, matrix LED headlights, Alcantara sports seats, Audi's Virtual Cockpit plus and ambient lighting. Topping the range is the £36,340 Vorsprung, which builds on the Edition 1 with a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, sport seats in Fine Nappa leather, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, and Audi phone box with wireless charging.
September 2020
Audi A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid announced
New Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e can travel under purely electric power for up to 41 miles. The plug-in hybrid will be available to order in the UK later this week in Sport or S line specification with prices starting from £33,060 OTR, and will reach its first customers here towards the end of the year.
A 1.4 TFSI serves as the combustion engine for the compact plug-in hybrid model. The four-cylinder petrol engine offers peak power of 150PS and makes more than 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque available in the range between 1,550 and 3,500 rpm. It works with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor which is lighter and more compact than its predecessor and has a greater power density. It produces 80 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque, and as before is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic transmission.
Together, the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor deliver a system output of 204PS. When they join forces to deliver maximum boost, system torque reaches 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). The compact plug-in hybrid model sprints from rest to 62mph in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 141mph. In the WLTP test cycle, it proves capable of returning up to 282.5 mpg with CO2 output of no more than 31g/km. A six-speed S tronic transfers the output from the engine and motor to the front axle. The dual-clutch transmission is equipped with an electric oil pump that maintains oil supply and enables gear changes to continue even when the TFSI is deactivated temporarily.
The lithium-ion battery is located below the vehicle underbody in the area of the rear seats of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e.
The new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e always starts electrically and, if required, the driver can then ensure that electric drive is always prioritised throughout the journey using the EV button. WLTP test data confirms that up to 41 miles can be covered using the electric motor alone, meaning that the majority of everyday journeys can be completed with zero local emissions.
Fully electric travel is possible at speeds of up to 87mph, while at the other end of the scale the statutory e-sound of what is known as the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System is emitted at low speeds to warn surrounding pedestrians and other road users that the vehicle is approaching.
When the A3 PHEV is in hybrid mode, the two power sources divide the work intelligently. In the interest of efficiency, the drive management system selects freewheeling with deactivated TFSI in most situations when decelerating, allowing the car to coast. Two special modes can be selected via the MMI operating system: “Battery hold” and “Battery charge.” In “hold” mode, the available battery charge is held at the current level. In “charge” mode, as much electricity as possible is supplied to the battery.
Sport and S line versions of the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e are factory fitted with 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels respectively, but as wheel size can bring about minor variations in the compact hatchback’s electric-only driving range customers have the option to go up or down in size depending on their preferences. Thus the S line can be fitted with a 17-inch wheel as a no cost option so business users can still qualify for the six per cent BIK banding, The wheels are carefully controlled by a sophisticated multi-link suspension system combining refined ride comfort that complements the plug-in hybrid’s hushed electric-only cruising with excellent stability and composure for occasions when the full 204PS output is put to good use on more challenging roads.
When the time comes to charge the new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e it can be plugged into a domestic AC wallbox using the Type 2 cable supplied. A full recharge of a completely empty battery takes a little more than four hours, and the driver can decide when this takes place by using the myAudi app to define activation and deactivation times, meaning that cheaper off-peak electricity supply periods can be factored in.
The app can also be used to remotely activate and modulate the climate control via a smartphone or tablet so that the driver can return to a car that is not only fully charged but also perfectly temperate inside. When outside temperatures are low, electric heating elements warm up the interior, while the electrically powered air conditioning cools the interior down when outside temperatures are high.
December 2020
Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI plug-in hybrid announced
Sporty plug-in hybrid combines 1.4 petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 245PS and 400Nm of torque. Electric range of 37 miles. Exclusive S line Competition specification including black styling package and graphite grey alloy wheels with red brake calipers. UK pricing to be confirmed.
April 2024
Revised Audi A3 Sportback priced from £32,035
The Audi A3 Sportback has been given an update, including design changes, upgraded lighting, and an improved interior. First deliveries for the new model are due in early May.
The latest A3 Sportback models will initially be available with a choice of two engines. The 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units powering the 35 TFSI and 35 TDI each offer 150PS and work with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Both can be specified with the three existing Sport, S line and Black Edition trims, all of which have been enhanced as part of the update.
An entry-level 30 TFSI and highly-efficient 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will join the model line-up later in the year.
On the outside, the A3 Sportback gets a wider, slimmer, and frameless Singleframe grille and flush, two-dimensional Audi ring logo. New front and rear bumpers, revised wheel designs and new colours Arkona White, Arrow Grey, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red and District Green complete the changes.
In the cabin, new fabrics and inlays, remodelled air vents, and an improved S tronic gear shift lever design are the key changes. All A3s also get Audi phonebox wireless inductive phone charging, the more sophisticated Audi virtual cockpit plus and the new onboard Audi app store.
The new A3 is equipped to incorporate ‘Functions on Demand’, a collection of additional features that can be purchased for the car and added via the myAudi app after it has been delivered. In the UK, adaptive cruise control and high beam assist will initially be available on demand and can be ‘booked’ for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently.
Audi A3 Sport models start at £32,035 and get front seat heating and a 10-speaker, 180-watt Audi sound system. A3 S line models start at £34,315 and feature a new flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and multi-coloured ambient interior lighting. Range-topping A3 Black Edition models start at £36,015 and get new decorative inlays in recycled Impressum.
The option packs available for the A3 Sportback have also undergone improvements. The Technology Pack (£1,495) now includes a reversing camera, a head-up display, adaptive cruise assist (incorporating the functions of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and active lane assist) and a SONOS premium audio system.
The Technology Pack Pro (£4,995) adds Matrix LED headlights, advanced key hands-free vehicle locking and unlocking, a panoramic glass roof, and powered front seats and mirrors. It also brings further safety-focused driver assistance systems.
May 2024
Entry-level Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI model arrives, priced at £28,920
Audi has added a new entry-level model to the A3 Sportback range. Powered by a 116PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, the new 30 TFSI becomes the entry point to the A3 line-up priced at £28,920.
The updated, fourth-generation A3 Sportback has been on sale in the UK since mid-April. However, this expansion of the powertrain line-up brings the starting price of the model range down to £28,920.
The 116PS 1.5-litre engine offered in the 30 TFSI is available with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic gearboxes. It can be specified in conjunction with Sport or S line trims, both of which have been enhanced as part of the A3’s upgrade.
The powertrain joins the existing 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units found in the 35 TFSI and 35 TDI each offering 150PS. Alongside the seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, the 35 TFSI can now also be ordered with the option of a six-speed manual transmission.
What to watch out for
Report of battery cut out on 2021 Audi A3 1.5 TSI. Dealer has suggested that the problem may be caused by driving over a hump or pothole in the road. Audi dealer says this is a "common problem which is being taken up with Audi as the switches are too sensitive".