AUDI A3 SPORTBACK REVIEW

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

A3 buyers can choose from five petrol engines, but the basic 101bhp 1.6 needs to be worked hard. The 123bhp 1.4 turbo is a better bet, while the 158bhp 1.8 and 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo versions are properly quick. For the speed-crazed, there's the 261bhp 2.0 S3. A 1.6 (with start-stop) is the cheapest diesel, or there are two strong 2.0-litre units developing 138bhp and 168bhp.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

The A3 is competent, rather than entertaining, to drive. Body control and grip are strong, but the light steering is short of feel. On entry-level and SE versions, the ride is firm without being uncomfortable, but models fitted with sports suspension jolt too much over bumps.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The 1.6 petrol sounds throaty at high revs, but you'll have little to complain about with the other engines. Some wind- and road noise are present on the motorway, but it's not excessive. Unfortunately, sometimes you can't make clean gearchanges - there can be stiff resistance to the change.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The A3 is marketed as a prestige hatch, but it's hard to justify the price premium over the closely related Volkswagen Golf; the five-door Sportback costs more again. On the positive side, strong desirability means resale values are solid, and running costs are competitive.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

Audi applies the same high standards of build to the A3 as it does to its more expensive models. There's a well-crafted feel throughout, and the engines should all give years of trouble-free service, although the car's quality and reliability were only rated as average in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Twin front, side and curtain airbags are standard, and rear side airbags are available as an option. Electronic stability control and electronic brakeforce distribution are also fitted to all cars. Every A3 has deadlocks, central locking and an alarm to deter theft.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The seats are supportive and there's a wide range of adjustment to help the driver get comfortable. However, taller people may find that the strut on the centre console digs into their left knee. The dashboard layout is a bit fussy, too, so it's tricky to tell some of the buttons apart at a glance.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

The three-door A3 offers loads of space for the driver and front passenger, but those over six-feet tall won't relish long journeys in the back. The boot is a good size and shape with the seats in place, but folding down the rear seatbacks leaves a stepped loadbay. The five-door Sportback is spacious for four occupants and has a larger boot than the three-door model.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

Five trims are available, with the standard model getting alloy wheels, electric windows, air-conditioning and a CD player. However, you have to upgrade to SE for a multifunction steering wheel. Sport adds sports suspension, front sports seats, an MP3 input socket and climate control, while S line cars feature larger alloy wheels, a muscular bodykit, part-leather upholstery and sporty interior trim. S3 gets full leather trim, four-wheel drive, firmer suspension and xenon headlights.