Audi A3 Sportback

By Bill McCarthy

In the huge range of premium cars in the Audi stable, the A3 perhaps stands out as the most aspirational for those looking to step up a level. It is not hard to see why. It’s been around for a few years, and the latest version of its compact sportback offers the iconic four-ring badging, premium quality, practicality, and excellent fuel economy.

Both the sportback and saloon have been refreshed recently with upgraded lighting, and an enhanced cabin with new infotainment and driver assistance technologies. 

While the drive to electrification goes on, even at a slightly slower pace, the firm still has faith in its diesel products, with this model powered by a clean and greener two litre diesel engine. 

While EVs are due to be the only show in town from 2035, a diesel could last 20 years or more, so still offers a sound alternative.

Sharp exterior look

This latest, prettier, A3 sports a striking honeycomb grille and trapezoidal LED headlights flanking a wider slimmer grille.

The ionic Audi rings are now flush to the grille, with a revised bumper and stylish 20-inch optional alloys on this model.

A new colour palette gives a wider range of options.

Premium interior

The Audi interior has always been one of the best around, particularly this S line version and the latest cockpit is packed with high-end fixtures and fittings, soft touch finish and upgraded technology.

There are high-end materials and new fabrics with aluminium interior elements and door sills with aluminium inserts at the front, illuminated, with ‘S’ logo.

The now familiar virtual cockpit features a central MMI touchscreen for infotainment, and a digital cockpit display to deliver real time driver information.

An onboard Audi app store also allows accept to third-party apps via the MMI touch display

A standout feature is ‘Functions on Demand’, allowing owners to purchase additional features post-delivery.

On the road

On the road, the diesel engine is a bit of a firecracker. Not new but still feeling fresh, lively and refined.

The 150PS two litre unit powers the car to 60mph in just eight seconds. Lively enough for most, while the seven-speed DSG transmissions effortlessly slips through the gears. 

Being a diesel, the extra torque means mid-range acceleration is good, particularly helpful on motorways when overtaking. That extra grunt also allows for better towing capability.

Best of all, economy is excellent with a claimed 53.3mpg, a figure easily matched, despite a lot of motorway driving, combined with more sedate stuff around town.

The upgraded and slightly stiffer suspension on this model delivers an agile and surefooted performance, dismissing sharp bends with ease with the pin sharp steering keeping the car firmly in the direction you point it.

Grip is huge, limpet like when needed. It really is an excellent drive.

Practicality and safety

With generous legroom and a decent boot space of 380 litres (expandable to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded), it is really practical for everyday use.

Safety features a comprehensive with parking assist, a full range of airbags, and features like adaptive cruise control, distraction and fatigue warning, hill-hold assist and lane departure warning with emergency assist.

Factfile

• Audi A3 Sportback 35 TDi S-Line S-tronic
• Price: £39,735 
• Engine: 150PS 1,968cc turbo diesel, driving front wheels via a 7-speed automatic  transmission 
• Max Speed: 141 mph  
• 0-62 mph: 8.1 seconds  
• Combined MPG: 55.4 
• Insurance Group: 21  
• CO2 Emissions: 134 g/km  
• BiK Rating: 33%  
• Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles