Audi A3 review – can it match the BMW 1-series?
The Audi A3 was the first truly premium hatchback to hit the market, but new competition has diluted its appeal
The premium hatchback segment was arguably created by Audi in 1996 with the original A3, and its subsequent sales success made it a key model in the range. Now in its fourth generation, the A3 competes in a marketplace flooded with premium rivals, with alternatives like the BMW 1-series and Mercedes A-class now almost perfectly matching the Audi in terms of packaging and price.
Like the original, the current A3 combines solid foundations with plenty of niceties, but no longer costs ostensibly more than its mainstream rivals. But while Audi hasn’t seen the need to fundamentally change its hatchback, the A3’s platform-mates like the Volkswagen Golf and Cupra Leon have closed the gap considerably. Is it really still the premium hatch benchmark?
> BMW 1-series review – Munich’s Audi A3 rival gains focus
Engine, gearbox and technical highlights
The A3 is available with a wide variety of engines, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in two states of tune, plus a 2-litre diesel and a plug-in hybrid – the former is even available with a six-speed manual. The 1-litre three-cylinder that once sat at the bottom of the range is no longer available, but this isn’t something we’ll miss.
The 1.5-litre petrol is available with 114bhp or 148bhp in either manual or automatic forms, with the sole 2-litre diesel producing 148bhp. A 201bhp hybrid is the only plug-in version on offer, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with an electric motor and a 26kWh battery pack. Given the battery is almost twice the size of the one that came before it, the A3 can manage an impressive electric-only range of up to 88 miles (WLTP). All A3s are efficient, with the hybrid achieving an average of 60mpg in our testing and the most powerful 148bhp turbo petrol easily matching its 45mpg claimed rating.
There are two transmission options – a six-speed manual and seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch. The S-tronic is nothing unusual with unobtrusive shifts and responsive paddles, and while it does hesitate at low speeds like most dual-clutch boxes, it’s not as sloppy as some others that prioritise clutch life over response. The manual isn’t one we’d recommend, with the action less precise than we’d like for a ‘premium’ offering – it is one of the only cars in its class to come with three pedals though, so if that’s something you’re looking for, the A3 might be for you.
Performance, ride and handling
If you’re looking for a fun driver’s car, you’ll have to stump up the premium for the S3 and RS3. The standard car isn’t fast by any stretch, with the entry-level 114bhp petrol hitting 62mph from a standstill in 9.7sec when equipped with the manual, and oddly, a slower 9.9sec with the automatic. Opt for the more powerful 148bhp petrol and it takes 8.4sec and 8.1sec to cover the 0-62mph sprint with the manual and automatic respectively.
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The more powerful 201bhp plug-in hybrid is the quickest of the standard range, hitting 62mph from a standstill in 7.4sec. From a roll it does feel a bit gutless, but the ability to run in smooth, silent-running electric mode for a good portion of each journey makes this less of an issue.
The 1.5-litre petrol is refined, responsive and has plenty of torque at low revs, but reaching for the redline is not something you’ll do often. Thanks to a torque curve that flattens off from 1500rpm though, and the A3’s lithe 1325kg kerb weight (1285kg in manual-form), it feels quicker than its numbers suggest.
In contrast to the modest output of its powertrains, the A3’s steering is positive and encourages you to push on where you might not expect to – there’s the same lack of feel you get from most Volkswagen Group cars on this platform, but the A3’s front end response is better than in an ordinary Golf. The additional 390kg of the plug-in hybrid can be felt if you carry too much speed, but body control is good, and in most scenarios you can find a satisfying flow to match the more relaxed nature of the electrified powertrain.
The A3 of this generation was lacking in refinement in its earlier forms, but incremental updates over the years have slowly brought it up-to-speed with its rivals. The latest BMW 1-series is still the better option, with much more dynamic polish, but then it is significantly newer than the Audi.
Interior and tech
The A3's cabin was completely redesigned for this generation, but despite this, it fails to better its predecessor. The previous generation A3 set a benchmark for interior design and quality, regardless of class or price point. It was packed with sleek detailing, resolved shapes and a true sense of premium that wasn’t reliant on expensive or indulgent materials. The same can’t be said for the current car.
With an interior architecture based around that of the Golf and its other platform mates, it feels more generic than before. The dash is striking and angular but the materials fall behind those used on the previous model, and while the aesthetic might seem to mimic the technical look of higher-priced Audi models, this lack of material quality makes it seem cheap and unresolved.
While the cabin of the BMW 1-series is fresh and contemporary, the Audi A3 feels like it’s falling behind. The integration of the central infotainment display isn’t as neat as in some rivals, and elements like the dedicated cruise control stalk feel as if they’ve been lifted straight from the 2000s. What this ageing architecture does mean, though, is that there are plenty of physical controls, with banks of buttons for climate control, vital car functions and even physical buttons on the steering wheel.
While an unsophisticated low speed ride on some surfaces can spoil the illusion, refinement is strong overall, with high speed wind and road noise in the plug-in hybrid we tested some of the best in the segment. Given it doesn’t have much cabin sound to compete with, the optional Sonus sound system is also stronger than those in some of its rivals as a result.
Price, specs and rivals
The Audi A3 range starts at £30,830 for the Sportback, rising to £31,425 for the saloon in standard Sport trim. The plug-in hybrid A3 TFSI e is only available in Sportback hatch-form and starts from a much higher £39,885 price point – optioned in Black Edition trim, this is the most expensive standard A3 on sale at just over £43,000. If you're looking for something with more serious performance credentials, the S3 starts from £49,495 in Sportback-form with the range-topping RS3 at £62,400.
The standard A3 range consists of the entry-level Sport, middling S-line and range-topping Black Edition, all bringing more standard kit to the table for a premium of around £2000 between each. Opt for Sport and you still get niceties like heated front seats, parking sensors and the 12.3-inch digital dash. S-line brings lowered sport suspension, sportier styling and interior features like ambient lighting to the table, with the Black Edition adding puddle lights and black trim. Both Sport and S-line trim levels can be configured with any of the five available combustion-only powertrain options, with the Black Edition omitting the less powerful 114bhp petrol.
Hatchbacks are becoming increasingly rare, but there are still a fair few alternatives to the Audi A3. The latest BMW 1-series is a stronger offering and starts from £32,625, with the Mercedes-Benz A-class slightly cheaper at £31,550. Look within Volkswagen Group and the Seat Leon can be had from a much more affordable £25,345, with even the entry-level Cupra Leon, a much more stylish alternative, costing just a hair more than the A3 at £32,140.
Audi A3 Sportback (150PS TFSI S-tronic) specs
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Power | 148bhp |
| Torque | 184lb ft |
| Weight | 1325kg |
| 0-62mph | 8.1sec |
| Top speed | 140mph |
