Audi A3 Sportback review

• For: Good to drive, wide range of engines, image
• Against: Interior less premium than before, options get expensive
• Verdict: Arguably the leading premium family hatchback

Now into its fourth generation, the Audi A3 was the car that kickstarted the trend for premium family hatchbacks back in 1996.

The design of the latest car is bold, with plenty of sharp angles and surfacing. The A3 has grown only slightly in size, but offers usefully more room inside. Audi has ditched the three-door hatchback version, leaving only the five-door Sportback and four-door A3 Saloon. 

Making the A3 more engaging to drive was a key part of the current car’s brief. It feels more agile than its predecessors, although the overall driving experience leans (probably rightly) towards refinement rather than B-road fun. 

Engine choices range from a diminutive but peppy 1.0-litre petrol through to a 2.0-litre diesel. Manual and S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmissions are available, with Audi’s trademark Quattro all-wheel drive offered on selected models. 

The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol is likely to hold mass appeal, but the 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid is a strong contender for the best drivetrain in the range. It offers up to 40 miles on electric power alone, making the A3 diesel models harder to justify.

The related S3 and RS3 hot hatchbacks are there for those who want extra performance, or the Audi Q3 offers a similar package in an SUV-style body.

Inside the A3 are more strong lines, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen integrated neatly into the dashboard. It responds with speed and precision, and complements the digital driver display. Audi has helpfully included physical buttons for functions like the air conditioning, but some of the plastics feel a little cheap. 

Entry-level cars appear relatively affordable, but beware the options list; it’s as costly as it is vast. Adding too many extras can result in a very expensive hatchback.

Despite strong competition – not least from its German rivals, the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class – the Audi A3 is an impressive car that’s hard to overlook.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2020
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC