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4.2 out of 5
Richard Audi A3 Sportback S3 TFSI Quattro 5dr [Nav]
Published on: 17 March 2017
This review was originally published in 2023. Vehicle specification correct at time of publication. For the latest Audi A3 Sportback lease deals and full vehicle specs, visit our Audi A3 Sportback model page.
The Audi A3 Sportback is a premium hatchback with a sharp, sporty, stylish exterior. It is packed with super-advanced tech and a luxury interior, offering a first-class, driver-oriented experience.
Rivals to the Audi A3 Sportback include the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia.
Our Audi A3 Sportback review covers:
The Audi A3 Sportback sporty exterior is sure to catch your eye while on the road with its Titanium Black front grille and the newly designed Audi Singleframe, which has a honeycomb look. Plus, with its revolutionary driver assistance technology, you enjoy a smooth driving experience.
The A3 Sportback's interior boasts spaciousness, with ample legroom in the front and back for all passengers. Compared to its rivals, the A3 offers a similar amount of space to the Mercedes A-Class, although the BMW 1 Series is slightly roomier inside.
As for boot space, the A3 Sportback offers 380 litres, the same size as the boot in a BMW 1 Series. Plus, it's easy enough to flip down the back seats to extend the boot space to 1,200 litres if more room is needed.
The A3 Sportback has a striking interior that compares well with the A-Class for appeal and quality materials. Apart from the R8 supercar, the A3's interior is one of Audi's sportiest interiors, as it's been inspired by the one inside the Lamborghini Urus.
Inside, you get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard and a 10.25-inch screen behind the steering wheel, which is much better looking than the Mercedes A-Class's small screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so it's simple to mirror your phone and use its display on the car's big screen.
Four trim levels are available, including Technik, Sport, S Line and Edition 1.
The entry-level Technik model comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, with crystal clear graphics instead of those old analogue dials. You also have LED headlights as standard and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.
Sport models add 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, leather upholstered seats and dual-zone electronic climate control.
S Line models have more aggressive styling, deeper bumpers, a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and sports suspension. It also adds LED rear lights, leather sports seats, privacy glass, dark aluminium interior trim and LED interior lighting.
The top-of-the-range Edition 1 models come with 20-inch wheels finished in black, high-intensity 'laser' LED headlights and a 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital driver's display. It also adds electric seats trimmed in Nappa leather, piano black interior trim and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.
Audi offers the A3 Sportback with the choice of petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
Petrol engines consist of a 109bhp 1.0-litre 30 TFSI and a 148bhp 1.5 litre 35 TFSI. If you don't travel with the car loaded up and mainly just drive around town, the 1.0-litre 30 TFSI is fine however, if you tend to travel more on motorways and do more miles, the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI is a better option.
Diesel models range from two 2.0 litre engines with different power outputs. An entry-level 114bhp 30 TDI diesel and 148bhp 35 TDI, which is noticeably better and proves particularly relaxed on motorway runs.
There are also two plug-in hybrid variants available, consisting of 40 TFSIe and 45 TFSIe. They both offer punchy performance from the petrol engine and motor combined, with the 40 TFSIe capable of doing 40 miles on a charge.
The Audi A3 Sportback is great to dive and has a faultless driving position with loads of adjustment and huge windows that give brilliant visibility. It is partially good to drive around town thanks to the car's digital instrument display that transforms into a massive map behind the steering wheel at the touch of a button.
However, rivals like the BMW 1 Series are slightly sportier hatchbacks to drive, but the A3 isn't that far behind if you want to have fun down a twisty road. Overall, the A3 Sportback is a great practical leasing option that looks great.
Prices for the new Audi A3 Sportback start from £25,140.00 OTR* or to lease from £233.85 per month.
Do you have questions about leasing an Audi A3 Sportback? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are one of the leading car leasing providers in the UK. All our car leasing deals come with a manufacturer's warranty, free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply), inclusive road tax and breakdown cover.
Additionally, due to fixed monthly payments, variable mileage, a small initial rental and flexible contract terms, leasing an Audi A3 Sportback may be less expensive than making an outright purchase with dealer finance or a bank loan.
*'On the road' price is correct at the time of publication and includes one year's road fund licence, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
Last updated: 11th May 2023
