Audi A3 Sportback Review 2026

The Audi A3 Sportback is an upmarket relation to the new Volkswagen Golf, set to rival the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series It has a high class interior including a clever Virtual Cockpit instrument display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen media display in the centre of the dash. It features the usual array of Volkswagen Group engines including a 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel, while a plug-in hybrid will follow. All models are generously equipped with the range made up of Technik, Sport and S line models. While the Audi A3 does represent good value for money, you do pay more for the higher quality finish compared to the Volkswagen Golf.

Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Audi A3 Sportback review.

The Audi A3 Sportback is a strong alternative to premium small cars like the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Now in its fourth generation, Audi’s best-selling model has been updated for 2020, with fresh new looks and a tech-packed interior.

Just like the new Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia (all of which it shares a platform with), the biggest change to the Audi A3 is its interior. It features a driver-focused cockpit, with a 10.25-inch digital display as standard in place of regular dials, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen across the range.

The A3's cabin is ultra modern and just as premium as you’d expect from an Audi, although it doesn't quite have the wow factor of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which feels like an ultra-modern baby Benz. That's not to say you'll be disappointed with the A3 - everything you touch feels like it's made out of quality materials, just like in a bigger (more expensive) Audi.

Talking of bigger... there's marginally more space in the new A3 than in the old model, and we doubt any front-seat passengers will be left wanting more room. The same can’t be said for those in the back. As you'd expect from a car of this size, rear space is limited. If you’re looking to regularly carry rear-seat passengers, you should look at the Skoda Octavia instead. Also, there's no three-door model any longer.

Buyers can initially choose from three trim levels: Technik, Sport and S line (Edition 1 and Vorsprung will follow). All models are well-equipped, with even the entry-level model getting rear parking sensors, cruise control and LED headlights.

Initially, the Audi A3 will be offered with two engines: a 1.5-litre (150PS) petrol combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre (also 150PS) diesel with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

Which one you should pick depends on how many miles you cover, but the diesel suits the A3 well and makes light work of motorway journeys. It's also incredibly refined, helped in part by a new acoustic windscreen fitted as standard across the range.

More engines will soon be rolled out - including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as well as a lower-powered diesel and a hot S3 model.

The new Audi A3 is more expensive than mainstream alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3, but with a superb cabin you can see where your money's going. We reckon it's one of the best family cars you can buy right now. 

As usual, wheel size makes a big difference - look for a model with smaller alloy wheels if ride comfort’s important. S line models feature sports suspension, lowered by 15mm. This provides a firmer ride.

In terms of handling, the latest A3 remains surprisingly composed during cornering, although the steering doesn't provide quite as much feedback as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. This will suit the majority of buyers, though - it's an easy car to drive and good visibility helps around town. It's also perfectly suited to motorway driving, thanks to the relaxed nature of the steering and hushed wind and road noise.

From launch, the single petrol offering is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 150PS, badged the 35 TFSI. This is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder which also makes 150PS in the shape of the 35 TDI. It's paired exclusively with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is the engine we've spent most time with and it's a very eager yet refined unit - the acoustic windscreen now fitted as standard makes a surprising difference to noise levels on the move.

Sport models and above get Audi's Drive Select system, which lets you choose from multiple drive modes. In the real-world, this is best left in 'comfort' or 'auto' modes - otherwise the automatic gearbox is needlessly holding onto low gears and the steering is pointlessly heavy.

Shortly after launch, a mild-hybrid version of the 1.5-litre petrol will follow, as will a 115PS diesel badged the 30 TDI. A plug-in hybrid is also expected, as is a hot S3 model. An even hotter RS3 will follow after that.

The Audi A3 has yet to be crash tested by Euro NCAP, but we’d be surprised if it received anything less than a five-star rating. It’s loaded with safety kit including Audi’s pre sense front - Audi’s automatic braking system - on all models.

The optional Driver Assistance Package adds useful lane change and exit warnings. The former alerts the driver to a vehicle in their blind spot when changing lanes, while the exit warning will warn you of vehicles and cyclists approaching from behind when the car’s at a standstill.

While the Audi A3’s compact dimensions means it’s unlikely to be a popular tow car, it should be up to the job of towing a light trailer or even a small caravan. With its 360Nm of torque, the 35 TDI will be the pick of the range for towing. With this engine, the A3 Sportback has a 1600kg towing capacity, while its 1410kg kerb weight means inexperienced towers should be able to lug around 1200kg going by the widely-accepted 85 per cent rule.

You can get a pair of adults in the back and - as there's no longer a three-door model available - rear-seat passengers needn't worry about access. If you're looking to regularly carry rear-seat passengers, though, it’s fairly cramped back there so you'd be better looking at an SUV like the Audi Q3 or maybe the more affordable Skoda Octavia.

The A3's 380 litres of boot space is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (370 litres) and BMW 1 Series (380 litres). There's a handy adjustable boot floor, while the rear seats drop down easily if you need more space, although don't sit entirely flat. Again, if boot space is a priority, look at the Octavia.

In typical Audi fashion, the A3 Sportback has a quality cabin with lots of plush materials and gloss black finishes. Its minimalist approach means it doesn’t quite have the visual impact of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (with its oversized air vents and ambient lighting), but it feels extremely well built and comfortable.

It also feels a lot less dated than its predecessor, helped by clever features like the toggle-like gear selector. Technik models feature cloth seats, but even these feel upmarket, while Sport adds part-leather upholstery.

All models get Audi's 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard. This is a digital display where you'd ordinarily find dials behind the steering wheel, plus it can be customised to show whatever you wish to prioritise (navigation, for example).

There's also Audi's 10.1-inch infotainment display in the centre of the dash, aimed towards the driver and not perched on top like an afterthought like the old model. It's a simple system to use - fast to respond and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A lack of physical buttons means it can be irritating to use on the move, however.

From launch in April 2020, the Audi A3 Sportback starts at £24,900. The Sport model, meanwhile, starts from £26,300, while the S line is priced from £28,200. High-spec Edition 1 and Vorsprung models start from £31,240 and £36,340 respectively when paired with the 35 TFSI engine.

The 35 TDI diesel, meanwhile, comes as standard with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and starts from £28,350 in Technik trim. In Sport specification, the 35 TDI will cost you £29,750, while the S line starts at £31,650. The Edition 1 is priced from £34,690 while a diesel Vorsprung model will set you back £43,040.

On the face of it, the Audi A3 Sportback looks a little expensive compared to rivals. The BMW 1 Series starts from £24,475, while the A-Class is priced from £23,755. It’s still a new model, however, and the range is likely to be expanded in the future. Expect a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol to bring down that start price.

Being a brand new model also means the latest A3 Sportback is yet to trickle down into the second-hand market. Going by the old A3, it should hold its value quite well - people are prepared to pay for a good second-hand Audi. That said, there could be some good pre-reg deals on the new A3 once it eventually starts arriving in dealers.

If you’re looking to buy your A3 on finance, Audi is offering the new A3 Sportback Technik 35 TFSI for £279/month over four years with a deposit of £3982.42. That’s including metallic paint as an optional extra and, at the time of writing, a £1000 deposit contribution.

S line trim will cost you £299 a month over four years (with a £4850.74 deposit), while the same car with the 35 TDI engine is available for £329/month. That’s with a deposit of £6661.06, along with Audi’s £1000 deposit contribution and metallic paint included at a cost of £575.

The 35 TFSI officially returns between 44.8 and 48.7mpg depending on a number of factors, including options and trim level. It’s worth bearing in mind that the most efficient model is the Technik with its small 16-inch wheels, although the difference wheel size makes is negligible in the real world.

The 35 TDI returns between 57.6 and 62.8mpg although, as with all cars, what you see in real life will depend on factors like your driving style. Visit Real MPG for an idea of real-world economy.

Insurance should be reasonable, although exact insurance groups are yet to be announced. The premium Audi badge might make the A3 marginally pricier to insure than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, for example - so it might be worth getting a quote, especially if you’re a new driver.

As a brand, Audi ranks a fairly average 18 out of 36 in the HonestJohn Satisfaction Index, which might be an indication of reliability issues. Audi drivers are likely to have higher expectations than equivalent SEAT or Skoda drivers, though, which might influence this score.

For the budget conscious, the Technik model is the most affordable yet surprisingly well equipped with standard equipment including 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, manually-adjustable cloth seats, a 10.1-inch navigation system, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Sport models look noticeably more stylish with various cosmetic upgrades including 17-inch alloy wheels, while the S line trim takes that a stage further with 18-inch wheels and sports suspension. Flagship Edition 1 and Vorsprung models are pricey but feature a larger 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and clever matrix LED headlights.