Audi A3 - TopCarNews

Audi A3 (2020 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi A3 is a mid-size hatchback (called Sportback) and saloon model, that sits above the A1 hatchback and below the A4 saloon in the Audi range. The current model is the fourth-generation A3, with the Sportback models arriving in the UK in middle of 2020. The saloon models will follow later in the year.

Like previous models, the A3 is based on the Volkswagen Golf and shares many of its components with other models in the Audi, VW, Skoda and SEAT families. The top-spec model in the A3 range is the Audi S3, which is set to arrived on UK roads in Autumn 2020. Audi added to its petrol and diesel A3 line-up in Autumn 2021, unveiling a plug-in hybrid version.

A high-performance RS 3 model launched in Winter 2021. Available as both a Sportback and Saloon, the RS 3 cost more than double the price of an entry-level model in the standard A3 range.

The Audi A3 range has received generally good scores from the UK media to date, although its Expert Rating of 71% (as of January 2022) trails behind its cousins – the Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia.

The A3 has received praise for overall refinement and driving dynamics that are significantly better than the previous-generation model, but its interior has been criticised for a very user-unfriendly touchscreen infotainment system.

Audi A3 highlights

More comfortable than most superminis
Loads of advanced tech from more expensive Audis
Great residual values
Responsive handling
Perfect driving position

Audi A3 lowlights

Can’t match a Mini for driving dynamics
Loud road noise at higher speeds
Rather awkward infotainment system
Rivals have more boot space
A-Class and 1 Series are often cheaper

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchbackEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £23,930 on-road

Launched: Spring 2020Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 40 TFSI e 2021Score: 7 / 10“This Audi A3 PHEV should appeal to company-car choosers, but everyone else may be put off by the higher list price and still-modest electric-only range. It’s beautifully finished inside and has lots of appealing tech, but its performance is compromised.”
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Model reviewed: S3 saloonScore: 7 / 10“As an all-rounder, the new Audi S3 Saloon holds plenty of appeal, and the reduction in price between it and the cheaper Sportback hatchback makes it more tempting than ever. In pure performance terms it’s hard to fault, though buyers looking for more involvement should look elsewhere.”
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Model reviewed: S3Score: 7 / 10“It’s hard to fault the new Audi S3 for the way it makes its performance oh-so accessible. However, the way it drives is only a mild evolution, so those expecting a new experience will need to look elsewhere. Instead, the big changes are technological, and in the cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“Subtle exterior changes and a tech-laden interior help the Audi A3 maintain its position as a premium family hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 35 TFSI S line hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“It’s business as usual for the Audi A3 Sportback, which slots neatly into the premium hatchback market with high quality, good refinement and a price that makes it a very competitive offering for anyone after this sort of car.”
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Model reviewed: A3 saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“Audi has carefully improved its A3 Saloon package holding true to the successful formula while adding lots of new technology.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8.2 / 10“A masterclass in how to put premium gloss on a humble hatchback, the latest Audi A3 Sportback combines angular and aggressive new styling with a swanky cabin bristling with the latest technology.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“If you’re considering a mid-size executive saloon like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, then perhaps give the Audi A3 Saloon a look first. It’s smaller, but it’s also cheaper and it delivers the quality and driving manners to compete.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 40 TFSIe S lineScore: 8 / 10“Largely impressive plug-in hybrid set up with all the usual Audi design and build quality. Harsh ride spoils an otherwise smooth operator.”
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Model reviewed: S3 SportbackScore: 7 / 10“Our concerns are twofold. Ride quality is simply not good enough on the standard passive dampers and the interior lacks the cosseting, high-quality feel of bygone Audi hot hatches. For rivals, these would be notable flaws, but for an S3 they feel especially conspicuous.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S3 saloonScore: 8 / 10“The Audi S3 Saloon stacks up admirably against its German challengers. But if out-and-out thrills and the odd weekend track day are the overriding priority, there remain far more satisfying hatchback alternatives, and most of them are front-wheel drive.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 35 TDI S line SportbackScore: 7 / 10“With the general move towards electrification, the concept of a diesel family hatchback seems a bit of a strange one these days. Unless I were planning on making regular long journeys, I would, as a private buyer, be inclined to opt for petrol.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Edition 1 saloonScore: 7 / 10“The A3 Saloon is a solid car that does what Audis do: impresses with material choice in the most visible spaces (there are some hard plastics lower down in the cabin) and with conspicuous technology on top of everyday mechanicals before being given a dusting of not one premium halo but four.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“Regardless which engine you go for, the Audi A3’s core strengths are its exterior design, a significantly improved interior and a more polished driving experience than before. It bodes well for the model line as it expands to sportier S3 models and beyond.”
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Car

Model reviewed: S3 SportbackScore: 8 / 10“The new 2020 Audi S3 continues its positioning at the posher end of the hot hatch scale. The sheer pace and grip available from the engine and drivetrain are more than enough to be worth your time, in that very polished, all-round package kind of way.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 35 S lineScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 saloon is not tremendously exciting – you’d have to look at a Mercedes A-Class saloon for more visual drama and clever tech, or perhaps Audi’s own S3 saloon if you want performance thrills – but it’s an impressive small saloon that’ll look good on your driveway.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“Although the new Audi A3 Sportback technically owes a lot to the Volkswagen Golf 8, it has its own character, and comes across as a far more complete, sharp-looking and frankly desirable hatchback.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 9 / 10“Audi might not have thrown out the rule book with the new A3, but it didn’t really need to. That said, big improvements have been made to the on-board technology, while it’s better to drive than ever. When new engines and powertrains join the range, it’ll offer plenty of choice to buyers.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8.4 / 10“The striking Audi A3 Sportback now has the technology it needs to compete with rivals.”
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Model reviewed: S3 hatchbackScore: 7.4 / 10“The Audi S3 is a refined and quick hot hatchback with lots of tech”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 7.8 / 10“The Audi A3 Saloon now has the latest in engine and interior technology.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 Saloon is a classy, high tech four-door that is also great to drive. Audi’s A3 Sportback is the more practical choice, though.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 Sportback has one of the best looking interiors of its kind. It has advanced tech and is well made. It’s also a bit more expensive than alternatives.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: PHEV“If you’re a company car driver, no other A3 makes more sense than the PHEV.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual S lineScore: 7.8 / 10“Not the most dramatic of replacement models, but the high-quality new Audi A3 does things a little better than its predecessor while looking sharper inside and out.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: Sportback 40 TFSI eScore: 8 / 10“The best version of the latest A3 Sportback yet – still as stylish and well-made as ever. Yet, the 40 TFSI e offers an enviable mix of performance and economy that are sure to bring real-world cost savings.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 Saloon proves that small saloons don’t have to be dull. With a sharpish design, it stands out more than its hatchback counterpart plus the interior has the same quality appeal as larger Audi saloons. Classy and upmarket, it majors on refinement and comfort.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 has a very modern interior and comes well-equipped for the money. It’s good to drive, too – with high refinement and economical engines. Our biggest gripe is whether it’s worth the extra cash over the Volkswagen Golf.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Saloon range“Although marginally bigger than its predecessor, the Audi A3 Saloon isn’t noticeably different in terms of dimensions.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“While the Audi A3 does represent good value for money, you do pay more for the higher quality finish compared to the Volkswagen Golf.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi A3’s cabin isn’t class-leading when it comes to spaciousness, but if you’re after a compact car and don’t require seven-seater levels of room, it’s a worthy choice.”
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The Intercooler

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S3 SportbackScore: 6 / 10“I can’t fault the dual-clutch gearbox and the four-wheel drive system gives infinite traction. There is plenty of speed in this car and some prestige in the badge, but magic? None that I could find.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Quattro All-wheel-drive“This Quattro’s advanced new Haldex clutch system enables the S3 for the first time ever to drive with 100 per cent power sent direct to the rear wheels for those blissful moments that magnetic tarmac traction is not the priority.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic S line Sportback“Audi A3 Sportback S line’s advanced tech and design trump BMW and Mercedes – it’s a pleasure to drive”
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The Telegraph

Score: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 is the poshest Golf and has the edge on comfort.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 7 / 10“Everything good about the Audi A3 Sportback, just a little less practical. A complete car that won’t get on your nerves.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“Fussy design inside and out doesn’t spoil a really rather good family hatchback.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The S3 may not deliver the ultimate driving thrills of a Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS, but it counters with impressive point-to-point pace and a more upmarket interior.”
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Model reviewed: S3 SportbackScore: 8 / 10“The Audi S3 might not deliver the ultimate driving thrills of a Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS, but it counters with impressive point-to-point pace, confidence inspiring dynamics and a plush ride.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A3 Saloon is tidy in the bends, comfortable and well equipped, making it a very competitive option against its closest rivals. However, the A4 is worth the extra if you can afford it, because it’s quieter and has a classier and more practical interior.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“There’s no doubt the latest Audi A3 isn’t as well finished inside or as polished overall as the previous model, but it still rates well against the premium competition, in the form of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Hatchback range“While the Audi A3 does most things very well, it’s not exceptional in any one area. And that includes what is usually Audi’s standout area, the cabin, which feels disappointing. It’s a nice car to drive, but there are better options that have more convincing credentials as upmarket family transport.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2020

89%

ADULT OCCUPANT

81%

CHILD OCCUPANT

68%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

73%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Model tested: A3 Sportback 1.5-litre petrol automatic
Date tested: February 2021

6.4 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

5.5 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

4.8 / 10

GREENHOUSE GAS INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The Audi A3 Sportback 1.5-litre petrol automatic received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. Green NCAP said: “This fourth generation A3 shares the ubiquitous MQB platform with many of its VW-group stablemates and is tested here with the 1.5 litre petrol engine producing 110 kW and a hefty 250 Nm of torque.

“The car’s exhaust after-treatment – a three-way catalyst and a gasoline particulate filter – does a good job of controlling pollutant emissions and the car achieves an impressive index of 6.4 for Clean Air. Efficiency is also good considering engine output, with an average consumption of 6.3 l/100 km. CO₂ emissions are moderate while control of other important, albeit unregulated greenhouse gases, is very good.

“The car performs well overall and fully deserves its three-star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 1.5-litre petrol (TSI) automatic version of the Audi A3 Sportback, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range (although there will be no significant difference between saloon and hatchback body styles).

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A3 has received

2021

carwow Awards – Best Family Car
Company Car Today Awards – Best Premium Lower Medium Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Compact Premium Car
What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Family Car

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