Interior and Tech
Like the three-door, this is where the Sportback will really win over buyers. The third-generation A3’s cabin architecture is magnificent, with the quadruple round air vents, central row of ‘toggle’ buttons, neat MMI controller with the 5.8-inch QVGA colour screen that folds out of the dash, and a level of fit and finish that feels hewn, rather than manufactured. Higher-spec models with more toys fitted feel every bit as luxurious as an A7 or A8, which is no mean feat for a C-segment hatchback.
Cost options run like this: if you want Milano leather in an SE, SE Technik or Sport, it’ll cost you £1115; half-Alcantara and leather is £795 in the Sport only; and there are some upgrades to the S line seats that max out at £795. Equipment from much larger cars, such as adaptive cruise (£575), magnetic ride (£995), LED lights (£795 or £2000 as part of a full pack) and a panoramic sunroof (£950), is all welcome but will skew the price of the Sportback into an expensive realm. Although do go for the 14-speaker, 705W Bang & Olufsen 5.1 surround option at just £750 – it offers superb clarity of sound.
