Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A3 review - better than a BMW 1-series? - Interior and Tech

Audi’s posh Golf is a massive sales hit and it’s not difficult to see why, though rivals drive better

Evo rating
RRP
from £20,365
  • Beautifully designed, impeccably built and competitively priced premium hatch
  • All just a bit too grown up and sensible, needs a more playful side

Interior and Tech

Unquestionably one of the biggest draws of the Audi A3 is its interior. Even the entry-level models have an interior that’s exceptionally upmarket, bettering anything in its class, and many classes above it. Tactile materials, neat metal or gloss black detailing and the indulgent, obviously considered design of all the elements make for a cohesive whole. It’s difficult not to smile when you twist the air vents to open them, the A3’s cabin intelligent as much as it is contemporary and beautiful.

It's become even more appealing since the most recent update, as Virtual Cockpit is now available in some A3s. Just like the TT in which it debuted, this replaces conventional instruments with a high-tech TFT screen that displays both car data and useful info from the navigation system or infotainment setup. In terms of feel-good factor it immediately lifts the A3 above anything else currently available in the class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The seats offer fine comfort and plentiful adjustability, while the operation of the entertainment and information is all neatly integrated into Audi’s intuitive MMI controller. Space in the back, and access on this three-door, is a touch tight, though the boot’s class competitive on space - though doesn’t offer a completely flat loadspace with the seatbacks down. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Manthey front
Reviews

Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2025 review – the ultimate Nürburgring toy

Did the 992 GT3 RS need to be made more extreme? Posssibly not. We're glad Manthey Racing has done it, though.
28 Apr 2025