Should you buy an Audi A3 Sportback?

For all the reasons you’d traditionally buy an A3 Sportback, yes. It’ll cost you a few thousand more than the equivalent hatch from a non-premium brand but you can see where the cash goes. It’s refined at speed and it has a solidly built and classily finished interior that maintains a good spread of physical controls rather than rely too heavily on the touchscreen.

We rate the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI engine for its blend of efficiency and smooth performance, and think its the best choice if you don’t need the long-distance economy the 35 TDI diesel brings. The infotainment system is good, and the A3 is genuinely enjoyable to drive. Running costs should prove pretty low, and it’ll hold its value better than the likes of the Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308. All this makes it a better choice than the Mercedes A-Class and a strong challenge for the BMW 1 Series.

What is it?

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Ever since it arrived in 1996, the Audi A3 has been a front-runner in the premium family hatchback class, setting the benchmark for what this type of car should be with plenty of room, elegant looks and class-leading build quality.

Over the years, it’s been updated and remoulded to develop its outward character, the latest fourth-generation car having received a more youthful flavour back in 2020 to reinvent its image once again. In 2024, Audi gave the A3 a refresh, updating the front-end styling and the interior, among other tweaks. As ever, the A3’s latest couture is wrapped around familiar oily bits – in essence, it’s a Volkswagen Golf in a posher frock.

On which point, the A3 hatchback is now only available in five-door form, which Audi calls Sportback – three-door hatches were available in previous generations. There’s also the A3 saloon and A3 plug-in hybrid, which we’ve reviewed separately. Plus, we have dedicated reviews of the high-performance A3 derivatives, the 333hp S3 and 400hp RS3. If you want to know more about how we test cars at Parkers, you can read our explainer page.

Condensing the body style range aligns the A3 line-up with its class rivals – the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. But those cars are just one front of the A3’s opposition. As a compact family car, it’s also up against crossover SUVs such as the Audi Q2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40.

For the 2024 facelift, Audi has widened and flattened the front grille and slimmed the headlights, creating an arguably sleeker look. The headlights now house customisable daytime running lights, with four signature styles for owners to choose from.

The engine selection remains unchanged. There are two petrol engines – the 116hp 30 TFSI and 150hp 35 TFSI, both of which are available with a manual or automatic gearbox. There’s a single diesel option, the 150hp 35 TDI, which has an auto ‘box as standard.

Trim level choices include Sport, S Line and Black Edition. They all come pretty well equipped, standard features including an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus built-in sat-nav, multi-zone air con, heated front seats and cruise control. The main difference between the trim levels is their exterior styling details and interior trim.

Over the next few pages we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Audi A3 and rating them in our verdict. Our scores take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run.