For This engine is strong, smooth and quiet and the chassis is exceptionally well balanced. Running costs are low and SE trim comes with most of what you need.
Against It’s not cheap and the low-speed ride is a shade firm, but otherwise, it’s hard to fault.
What Car? says
All the power, refinement and comfort you’d expect from a car at the top of its game. Fuel consumption is encouragingly low and you get all kit you need, while the desirable badge and gorgeous cabin make it even more appealing.
What Car? readers say
No reader reviews found
View the whole Audi A3 Sportback range
Cheaper
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 S line 5dr -
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 Sport 5dr -
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 SE 5dr - £18,525
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 SE 5dr - £19,825
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 SE ACT 5dr - £20,675
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr - £20,775
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport 5dr - £21,050
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 Sport ACT 5dr - £21,900
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 5dr - £22,000
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 SE 5dr - £22,125
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 S line 5dr - £23,200
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 Sport 5dr - £23,350
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 S line ACT 5dr - £24,050
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 S line 5dr - £24,150
- Sportback 1.8 TFSI 180 Sport 5dr - £25,030
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 S line 5dr - £25,500
More expensive
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 S line 5dr -
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 Sport 5dr -
- Sportback 1.2 TFSI 105 SE 5dr - £18,525
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 SE 5dr - £19,825
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 SE ACT 5dr - £20,675
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr - £20,775
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 Sport 5dr - £21,050
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 Sport ACT 5dr - £21,900
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 Sport 5dr - £22,000
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 SE 5dr - £22,125
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 S line 5dr - £23,200
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 Sport 5dr - £23,350
- Sportback 1.4 TFSI 140 S line ACT 5dr - £24,050
- Sportback 1.6 TDI 105 S line 5dr - £24,150
- Sportback 1.8 TFSI 180 Sport 5dr - £25,030
- Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 S line 5dr - £25,500
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
Petrol buyers can choose between 1.4- and 1.8-litre turbo engines, but the 1.4 is our favourite. It keeps the price reasonable and is gutsy enough to let you enjoy the A3’s agile handling.
There are also two diesel engines: a 148bhp 2.0-litre and a 103bhp 1.6. The smaller of the two emits just 99g/km of CO2, so it attracts temptingly low company car tax bills.
Both diesels are smooth and flexible, but if you can stretch to it we’d recommend the 2.0 for its punchier power delivery.
There are three trims, each with a different suspension setting: SE, lower Sport and lower-still S line. For us, the SE’s suspension provides the best balance of comfort and control, and the good news is that you can specify it at no extra cost with every trim level.
SE trim undoubtedly offers the best value for money, too, but you might want to add one of two optional extras, such as automatic light and wipers and climate control.
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 SE 5dr
A brilliant version of a brilliant car. In fact, this version is our favourite A3 Sportback.
Read reviewAdvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2013
