Audi A3 Sportback (2013 – 2020) Review

Audi A3 Sportback (2013 – 2020) At A Glance

4/5

+More practical version of the A3 has more passenger space and a larger boot. Wide choice of engines including impressive 1.4 TFSI. Well-equipped as standard.

-Not the most exciting of designs. Sportier models on large wheels return a hard ride.

Insurance Groups are between 15–32
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure

The Audi A3 Sportback of 2013 is a 5-door family hatchback for drivers seeking a little more status than from a Ford Focus or even a VW Golf.  Sharing engienes, drivetrains and MQB inegrated subframes with the VW Golf BII, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia it's good to drive, refined and extremely practical, this five-door version of the A3 is great for long and short hauls, while its efficient range of petrol and diesel engines make it surprisingly cheap to run. 

There is more than enough space for four large adults inside and the upmarket interior provides lots of comfort, with low levels of wind and road noise. Admittedly, the low speed ride can get bumpy on performance models, with sports suspension and larger wheels, but all A3s are good on the motorway and its sure footed nature gives the impression you're driving a much larger car .

All A3 Sportback models get a seven-inch colour screen that pops out of the dashboard, while Audi's excellent MMI infotainment system, with a large control wheel located in the centre console, makes it easy to use the on-board infotainment system.

Audi updated the A3 Sportback in 2016 and significantly increased the level of equipment, with LED daytime running lights, cruise control, DAB and automatic xenon headlights all included as standard. The 110PS 1.0-litre TFSI petrol was also added to the range, while the 180PS 1.8-litre petrol was replaced with a 190PS 2.0-litre unit. 

The engine range is split between efficient petrol and diesel engines, which offer a good balance between power and economy. 

The 1.6 TDI has a claimed 74.3mpg, but feels lacking in power. The 150PS 2.0 TDI is a much better engine in comparison and will provide a claimed 70.6mpg. Both the petrols - 1.0 TFSI and 1.4 TFSI - will officially exceed 60mpg too, although it is the latter that feels best suited to the A3 with a full boot and four passengers.  

All models are good to drive, with lots of front-end grip and a well-balanced ride that lets you push it along with significant gusto. The steering does lack feel, but sportier versions - with sports suspension and larger wheels - will easily navigate twisty roads with minimal of fuss. 

In our view the A3 Sportback is one of the best upmarketshatchbacks around. Admittedly, some will take issue with its nondescript styling, but even the A3's dull lines cannot dilute its outstanding build quality and rewarding drive. 

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI Road Test

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 2014 Road Test

Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TSI 115 DSG 2016 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Audi A3 Sportback (2013 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

78%

Real MPG

28–70 mpg

MPGs submitted

789

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

How much does a cambelt change cost?

"What is the average cost for changing the cambelt on an A3 2018 Sportback 1.6 petrol engine?"
It will depend on whether you use a franchised dealership or an independent. We would expect the cost to be £500 to £600 but always check with the garage beforehand.
Answered by Alan Ross

Does my car need to be dealer serviced to maintain full service history and warranty?

"I have a 2016 Audi A3 sportback S-line. Very pleased with it, but it's now due its first service. Do I need to go through Audi? I have an excellent local garage who will inevitably undercut the prices Audi will charge. Will not getting it serviced affect resale value and the warranty? Should I just suck it up and pay through the nose to Audi?"
Of course it will. Audi dealers will not take it in part-exchange. You will miss any technical service updates that would routinely be carried out during the course of an (expensive) Audi service. And, to remain under warranty, you would need to prove by a very detailed invoice that the service was carried out precisely to Audi standards using the correct fluids, parts and filters. You have paid well over the odds to get an Audi (rather than a Golf or a Leon or an Octavia), and now you are seeking to save money on servicing. "Excellent local garages" are for cars well out of manufacturer warranty. That's what they do best.
Answered by Honest John

How do I sell a vehicle on behalf of someone else?

"My daughter and family have gone abroad for three years. My son-in-law has asked me to sell his Audi A3 and he's signed and dated the logbook. We've moved into his house to care for it, so my bank statement, driving licence, etc are all send to that address. I made an appointment with We Buy Any Car but have been told they cannot buy it as I have a different surname and I'm not a blood relative. How do I sell the car without the hassle?"
You use the signed V5C to register the car in your own name. Then you can sell it. However, once registered it will need to be kept off the road and SORN'd, or you will need to MoT, insure and tax it.
Answered by Honest John

Should I wait for the 1.5 TSI engine to replace the 1.4 TSI when buying an Audi A3?

"I note that Volkswagen have replaced the 1.4 TSI engine in the latest Golf with a 1.5 TSI engine, but Audi have retained the 1.4 TSI engine. How does the 1.5 TSI engine compare to the 1.4 TSI engine? I would like to buy an Audi A3 Sportback or saloon, should I wait for them to change to the 1.5 TSI ? "
The 1.5 TSI is a new, more efficient engine. Details of it in Dan's road test here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-15-tsi-evo-2017-road-test/ The A3 will inevitably get this same engine after a few months.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Audi A3 Sportback (2013 – 2020) cost?