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
Price
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.

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. 

Most Popular

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal
Exhaust
News

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal

In a landmark case, a car tuner has been fined for modifying a vehicle and making it unfit for the road
24 Nov 2023
Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
Features

Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8

In the current issue of evo we pit the formidable BMW M3 CS against two highly-specialised supersaloons. Here are some of our favourite snapshots
25 Nov 2023
Ferrari’s next hypercar could downsize to a V6
Ferrari F250 – front
Spy shots

Ferrari’s next hypercar could downsize to a V6

The next Ferrari hypercar will bring the firm’s motorsport and road car programs closer than ever, potentially through a V6 hybrid powertrain
27 Nov 2023