Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 170 S line Start/Stop 5dr Review

For S line models' sporty style and lowered suspension are a natural fit for the 2.0 TDI 170's brutal pace, while the cabin features part-leather trim, sports seats and metallic dash inserts.

Against This is a lot of money to pay for an A3, albeit one with so much pace and equipment. S line suspension settings bring a fidgety, restless quality to the ride.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

You get sporty looks and power to match, but an equally hard-hitting price tag. Running costs are affordable and there's lots of kit, but there are wiser ways to spend so much money.

What Car? readers say

4.016129

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.1 secs
Top speed: 139 mph
Average mpg: 60.1
Tank range: 727 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Audi A3 Sportback range

The full Audi A3 review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Only the most basic engine disappoints
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Competent, but steering is overly light
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
1.6 petrol is too noisy
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Expensive to buy, but holds its value well
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Classy cabin; should prove reliable
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Strong on both fronts
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Good driving position; dash tricky to read
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Good in the front; not so good in rear
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Disappointing given the high price

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The A3 shares many of its parts and engines with the cheaper VW Golf, which is a mixed blessing. It means crisp handling and some fine engines, but you’ve got to question where all your extra money is going, since neither brand performs particularly well in our reliability or satisfaction surveys.

The entry-level petrol and diesel models are relatively cheap to buy and own, but the petrol unit is short of power and refinement. The 1.4 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI engines are better bets: both supply plenty of overtaking punch but are clean and frugal.

Entry-level trim supplies the basics, but if you’re paying this much, you may as well upgrade to SE, which adds some the kind of niceties you expect at this level. Sport and S line models have lowered suspension that makes the ride firm, so make sure that you’re happy to trade sporty looks for comfort. Sportback five-door models give a little extra practicality over three-door cars, but neither is particularly spacious.

Reader test team says:

Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 5dr

Three months and 5000 miles down the track. Nice car, handles well, the petrol engine is quiet but makes a satisfying growl when worked harder. My…

Mark Denison

2 out of 5 stars

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 170 quattro Sport S/S 5dr

Great car offering a really enjoyable drive. Grips exceptionaly well and accelerates at a good lick.The only downside is i had to specify loads of…

nick harris

4 out of 5 stars

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 140 Black Edition S/S 5dr

Having driven an A4 Avant S-Line for 3 years I was wondering how I would get on with the A3 Sportback. Had the A3 SB BE new from March 2011 (now Sept)…

Michael Higgins

5 out of 5 stars