Audi A3 Sportback review

The Audi A3 Sportback may just be the very definition of a well-rounded family hatchback. Indeed, it has such a breadth of talent that it was our overall What Car? Car of the Year in 2013, and has remained a consistent price point winner in our awards ever since. And that’s not just in Sportback form, which is the subject of this review, but also in its other guises of A3 Saloon and A3 Cabriolet.

It's not hard to see why. Audi makes the execution of a beautifully crafted interior something of a trademark, and the A3 Sportback is one of its exhibits. It’s not just a cut above its rivals in this family car class, but would not look out of place on something at the luxury end of the market.

There's a broad line-up of engines to choose from. These start at a tiny 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol and run to 2.0-litres, in both petrol and diesel form. It’s a shame that the e-tron hybrid model that used to be offered was killed off as part of the change over to WLTP fuel testing, and won’t be replaced until the next generation of A3 arrives. Other models that are temporarily off sale include the sporty S3 and RS3, although we expect at least the former to make a return in 2019.

The A3 Sportback shares its basic underpinnings with the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia, but it does cost a bit more to buy. Just remember, though, that you could save yourself thousands by checking out our new car deals here. That point applies to the A3's other, more premium rivals, too, cars that include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series.

For now, though, if you simply want to learn more about the A3, stick with us over the next few pages for our comprehensive review.