Audi A3 Sportback review

Driving position 

The Audi A3 Sportback offers a highly adjustable and driver‑focused cockpit, which is something Audi has done very well for decades.  

You can get eight‑way power-adjustable front seats, complete with height and lumbar adjustment, helping drivers of most sizes find an ideal setup with ease. 

The cabin layout is designed around the driver, placing major controls within natural reach. Audi describes the interior as ‘driver‑centric’, with a modern dashboard and logically arranged centre console that prioritise visibility and intuitive control. 

Supportive sport seats are available on S line models, offering additional bolstering for longer trips or more spirited driving. These seats also feature upgraded materials and embossed detailing that enhance both comfort and cabin ambience. 

Tech and features 

Audi A3 trims  

– Sport 

– S line 

– Black Edition 

If you’ve been in a modern Audi recently, then you’ll be familiar with its interiors, and if you haven't, then it’s safe to say they're some of the best. 

In the A3, you’re greeted by a large 10.3‑inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’, offering crisp graphics, configurable layouts and integrated navigation right in front of you where the dials are.  

This upgrade was formerly part of a paid Technology Package but now comes as standard.  

In the centre of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Just like the driver’s display, it’s very crisp and easy to use. 

When you compare it side-by-side with the BMW 1 Series’ cabin, it’s very close. The BMW’s is more classic, whereas the Audi’s is leaning towards a more high-tech look. 

Engines and power 

Audi A3 performance stats  

– Power: 116hp, 150hp or 204hp 

– 0-62mph: 7.4 to 9.9 seconds 

– Top speed: 155mph 

– Driven wheels: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) 

In terms of engines, the Audi A3 starts with the Sport trim, which gets a 116hp 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.  

Then, there’s the 150hp unit, which can be had in petrol or diesel form, plus automatic gearboxes. 

Sitting at the top of the range is the 204hp TFSI e plug-in hybrid. It’s the best choice for city driving and offers up to 88 miles of electric-only range. 

But saying that, even the other models are great in towns and cities, and this is helped by their small footprint. 

Even on a faster motorway journey, the engine range doesn’t struggle and feels composed and comfortable all the time. 

Handling and ride comfort 

Audis have always handled well, and the A3 is no different. 

Its chassis offers good control and responsiveness, but if you want the ultimate sporty driving experience, a BMW 1 Series may be better and far more entertaining on a B-road. 

Versions equipped with sport suspension (including S line) deliver a firmer ride and slightly reduced comfort, especially at lower speeds or on rough surfaces.  

In contrast, standard‑suspension models are noticeably more compliant and better suited to typical UK road conditions. Refinement also drops with sportier setups, where cabin noise and road harshness become more apparent. 

One thing we do like is that its mild hybrid system contributes to smoothness at low speeds, and the car’s stability at motorway pace is a strong point. 

Boot space 

Audi A3 boot space:  

– Boot space: 380 litres (280 litres in the PHEV) 

– Incl. Rear seats folded: 1,200 litres 

In its standard form, the Audi A3 has a 380-litre boot with a wide opening and a deep loading area. It’s very similar to the VW Golf’s boot, which is most hatchbacks’ benchmark. 

Fold down the rear seats and overall space grows to 1,200 litres, which is ideal when you’re transporting larger items. 

Boot space drops to 280 litres in the plug-in hybrid due to the batteries, so this is something to consider. 

Rear seats 

The A3 Sportback has impressive rear‑seat space for a hatchback of this size, providing decent comfort for adult passengers in most situations.  

Legroom is great, but headroom is compromised. You’d be better off in a Golf, which is based on the same platform and has a bit more headroom in our experience. 

The two outer rear seats are supportive and comfortable, but the middle rear seat is quite tight, particularly in when it comes to foot space and shoulder room. This makes it suitable only for short journeys or smaller passengers. 

Storage solutions 

There are a bunch of practical and well‑thought‑out storage options throughout the cabin.  

For example, the door bins are generously sized and can comfortably hold a medium‑sized drinks bottle, and there’s a useful glovebox and various smaller storage areas, such as beneath the central armrest. 

The cupholders between the front seats double as extra storage and can also be used to hold small accessories when not carrying drinks. 

Audi A3 dimensions  

– Height: 1,441mm 

– Width: 1,984mm (incl. mirrors) 

– Length: 4,352mm 

– Kerb weight: 1,400kg 

Safety 

The Audi A3 comes equipped with a strong suite of standard and optional safety features. 

Entry-level cars get features such as LED headlights, enhancing visibility at night and in poor weather conditions, plus a selection of driver aids, such as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. 

Premium Plus models add a 360‑degree camera view and Park Assist Plus, which help with low‑speed manoeuvring and reduce the risk of parking mishaps. 

Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and lane‑following assistance are available through the Driver Assistance Plus package on certain models, further helping you stay safe out on the road. 

Fuel economy 

Fuel economy is rated between 47.1mpg and 941.6mpg (the latter is inflated due to it relying on electric-only range from the PHEV). In the real world, you can expect to see around 50mpg for the petrol, 57mpg for the diesel and around 45mpg for the plug-in hybrid. 

But you can drive up to 88 miles on electric power alone, so this is the pick for city drivers, or those with short to average work commutes. 

Reliability 

Every new Audi comes with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, and because it’s part of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG), we have every faith in the longevity of its cars. 

And just like every other car, it’ll need a service and MOT at some point, and luckily, we offer both of those at cinch at over 100 locations nationwide. Now that’s handy.