Audi A3 Sportback long term test: report 2

The car Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI 150 S line Run by Claire Evans, consumer editor

Why it’s here So we can find out if the new A3 Sportback continues to possess the winning ways of its predecessor

Needs to Be brawny enough for long, high-speed journeys, practical enough for a family of five at the weekends and economical enough not to dent our finances

Mileage 2822 List price £27,275 Target price £26,841 Price as tested £30,830 Test economy 46.8mpg  Official economy 45.6mpg 

8 October 2020 – Getting out and about 

The Audi A3 and I have both been stretching our legs in the past couple of weeks. Our longest jaunt was a 200-mile round trip to Oxfordshire, which it completed with ease, demonstrating its ability to eat up motorway miles. Its interior may not have the opulent feel of the previous A3 but it’s still very comfortable, especially if, like me, you opt for the four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. 

It’s been helping me to get some exercise too. I’ve recently taken up cycling and I’m pleased to report that I (well, actually, my other half) can fit two mountain bikes into the back of the car with the rear seats folded. After an afternoon on two wheels, hooning around muddy tracks, the A3 was a cosseting place to be on the way home, too. 

Even though the latest A3 is more of an evolution than a revolution in terms of looks, it’s been turning heads on our outings. I’ve spotted quite a few owners of older A3s, and some Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series drivers, checking it out in service area car parks. I don’t blame them; I think its more angular exterior styling is more distinctive than that of the previous model and the more pronounced grille and front air intakes give it an imposing look when it’s in your rear view mirror. I just wish the rear end had more stand-out styling features to make it easier to pick out in car parks. 

Audi has been criticised for removing the rotary dial infotainment controller from its latest models because owners may have to use the touchscreen while on the move. However, I’ve found that I can do most of the simple things I need to, like change radio stations and alter the volume, using the steering wheel controls. Because I can scroll into the relevant menu and see the information that’s on the infotainment screen right in front of me on the dash display, I rarely need to look over to the main screen, let alone touch it. I’m not finding this Audi any worse to live with than older models. 

I’m even getting used to the totally illogical home/volume dial on the centre console of the Audi A3, which you have to gently stroke to use. Shame this is made from such cheap looking, flimsy plastic though.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more on our long-term Audi A3

Read about more long-term test cars >>