The Audi A3 is available as a three-door hatchback and five-door Sportback, offering more space thanks to extra length in the wheelbase creating more rear passenger room and boot space.
It’s up against a plethora of premium rivals including the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class, but the A3 has established itself as a well-rounded and capable, if expensive, choice for families.
Performance
We tested the top-of-the range 2.0-litre TDI delivering 182bhp with Audi’s four-wheel drive Quattro system and its six-speed semi-auto S tronic gearbox. It’s not cheap, but proves itself as a capable and comfortable cruiser, accomplishing the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 143mph and ample power for overtaking.
There’s not much in it versus similar rivals on the speed front, with the Golf GTD 2.0-litre TDI with the DSG ‘box, achieving 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds while the BMW 1 Series 120d xDrive M Sport does it in 7.2 seconds.
For most buyers it’s the smaller engines, such as the 1.6-litre TDI (0-62mph in a respectable 10.4 seconds), that make the most sense thanks to better running costs, while still providing enough pace to satisfy the majority of owners.
Ride and Handling
We’d recommend the lower spec SE for a more comfortable ride.
The brilliance of the A3 hatch carries through to the Sportback with a poised and easy driving experience, despite that longer wheelbase. Our top S Line trim is a little too firm over bumps and potholes, so we’d recommend the lower spec SE for a more comfortable ride. And the four-wheel-drive system makes for excellent grip around bends, but our experience of the standard car is also impressive, with good traction and minimal body roll across the range. Steering is well-weighted, if somewhat artificial, and the car feels fluid and agile, although the BMW 1-Series has the edge when it comes to driving feedback. We’d recommend the lower spec SE for a more comfortable ride.
Interior and Equipment
The Audi A3 sits on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia, and all three share a similar engine line-up.
Audi interiors are hard to beat, with excellent quality finishes throughout. All models have air-con, a retracting screen to control the infotainment system and Bluetooth, while the S line trim adds a sports steering wheel and part leather seats. Audi loves offering optional extras, and there were plenty on our test car including cruise control (£335), light and rain sensors (£150) and heated front seats (£260), so you can see how the cost of your car can rise quickly. With 35mm of extra wheelbase length over the three-door A3, there’s loads of room in the rear, making it comfortable for six footers, while boot space is easily accessible, and at 380 litres, matches the Golf and is slightly more than the 1 Series which has 360 litres. That said, if you opt for the Quattro system, you’ll lose 40 litres of luggage space.
Cost
When you consider that the more basic 1.6-litre TDI in SE trim emits just 99g/km and offers 74.3mpg, you may well go for the cheaper option.
Our test car emits 129g/km CO2 and delivers combined fuel economy figures of 64.2mpg. Still, when you consider that the more basic 1.6-litre TDI in SE trim emits just 99g/km and offers 74.3mpg, you may well go for the cheaper option. The 2.0-litre TDI 182bhp unit is more frugal than its BMW and Golf counterparts, claiming an average of around 59mpg. But while the 1 Series falls into the same road tax bracket, the Golf wins with emissions of 119g/km CO2. Both of these cars are also more affordable at the offset: the BMW 120d xDrive M Sport costs £27,900 while the Golf GTD with DSG is priced at £27,180. When you consider that the more basic 1.6-litre TDI in SE trim emits just 99g/km and offers 74.3mpg, you may well go for the cheaper option.
Our Verdict
The Audi A3 is one of the best cars in its segment, deserving of the many accolades it has won. While we thoroughly enjoyed our test car, we’d suggest opting for the cheaper, more frugal engines, with a mid-range trim, which will be more cost-effective and have better ride comfort, too. We’d also go for the Sportback version over the three-door, because the extra practicality of its rear doors, larger seating area and bigger boot makes it a more useful car, without spoiling its handsome looks or driving abilities. Doing so should also ensure the best residuals when it comes time to trade it in, an area where the A3 scores highly thanks to its desirability with buyers.