Name: Audi A3 Review
Item: Audi A3
Author: Gumtree.com

The latest iteration of the Audi A3 may look almost identical to its predecessor, but this face-lifted version is bound to take its spot in the top-ten bestseller list. With a design that’s a little longer and wider than before, the makeover continues in the interior, where simple elegance has been upgraded with a range of high-tech specs to enjoy. The 2020 model is available as both a Saloon or a Sportback – Audi’s take on a 5-door hatchback.

Visit the Audi A3 model page to explore available cars and learn more about the model.

What we think about the Audi A3

A shining example of the impressive engineering you’d expect from Audi – masterful German machinery with a fine balance of tech and sophistication in its interior.

Pros

Impressive engine and fuel economy

Innovative technology

Cons

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More expensive than its direct competitors

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Not much design evolution over the years

Audi have released the latest A3 as a Saloon and Sportback in several trims – the Technik, Sportik and S-Line. A selection of Audi’s powerful engines are available, starting with their 4-cylinder turbo-charged 150 bhp option for petrol or diesel. The S3 trim packs a bigger punch with a 310 bhp turbo-charged engine as standard. If keeping it green is your preference, the AS e-tron, a hybrid capable of running on electric up to 81 mph, is the trim for you.

Driving performance of the Audi A3

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Audis have always handled well but can lack the playfulness an enthusiast craves. The latest A3 is lighter, meaning it’s rediscovered that joy of winding, country roads that previous models have missed. The A3 also comes with a driver select function. This allows you to choose between four or five preset modes and customise the acceleration response, power steering assistance and automatic gear changes – subject to the engine spec you choose. Audi offers three levels of suspension stiffness as optional extras to help you find the right balance of adventure and comfort.

Safety and reliability of the Audi A3

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

The latest Audi A3 is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but we’re optimistic it’ll match the 5-star rating achieved by the Volkswagen Golf, particularly given the similarity in spec between the two. As standard on all A3 models, Audi provide a pre-collision warning system, automatic braking for pedestrian detection and a lane-departure warning system that will alert you if you start to drift from your lane. Adaptive cruise control is an optional feature worth considering – it will automatically maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead while you cruise.

Under the bonnet of the Audi A3

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The design spec offers a 150 bhp, 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, with a 2.0-litre version available as a diesel. Both are equally quick off the mark, reaching approximately 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, with a matching top speed of 139 mph. The mild-hybrid version is the same engine but with Audi’s cylinder-on-demand tech that’ll shut off two central cylinders to conserve fuel. Audi claim you’re able to cruise at speeds up to 100 mph, though we’ve noticed a more reliable mpg rate is achieved around the 80 mph mark.

What you'll find in the Audi A3

Our Design Rating9 / 10

If you enjoyed the previous A3’s distinctly Audi aesthetic, then you’ll love the new one. We’ve looked closely but it’s hard to spot the difference. It’s certainly a spacious car with plenty of room to get comfortable in the front or back seats. The generous boot-space betters its rivals, giving you 380 litres, although it’s worth noting that the boot-lid is slightly narrower – something to consider if transporting lots of large baggage is a must.

Comfort and interiors in the Audi A3

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

A sensibly understated exterior is a stark contrast to the high-tech, luxury interior you can enjoy once you sit inside the A3 – and by sit, we mean sit back, stretch out and enjoy that headroom and legroom. While the attention to detail that you’d expect from Audi is all here, it’s understated rather than flashy. Although the speakers leave you wanting just a little bit more, there’s a great deal of excitement for the tech-heads to be found here.

What features you'll find in the Audi A3

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Audi have given the A3 a 10.5-inch touchscreen as standard with all specs, while its infotainment system will even remember the preferences of up to six drivers. Apple CarPlay and Android connections are also included as standard, and if the screen feels too small, you can always upgrade to the 12.3 inch. It doesn’t end there – onboard Wi-Fi, finger-tip recognition, sat nav entry and Audi drive select are among the futuristic extras that’ll leave you feeling like a kid in a sweetshop all over again.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Audi A3

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The best performer here is the 30 TDI, which will give you up to 65.7 mpg, while the 35 TDI gives approximately 63.5. The petrol version is lagging a little behind unfortunately, with the Technik trim giving you a lower 52.3 mpg and emissions of 124 g/km. The S3 range, while one of the most exciting, is also the highest emitting and lowest performing spec of the A3 with 183 g/km and just 35.3 mpg.

Running costs of the Audi A3

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

Given that this Audi A3 is really only an incremental update on the previous model, reliability shouldn’t be an issue here. Services are still recommended approximately every 10,000 miles or annually, depending on how much road you’re planning on eating up. A service plan is available for the A3 but with three year intervals rather than five, which does make the package a little bit pricier than its closest rivals’ equivalent models.

Our verdict of the Audi A3

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The A3 essentially invented the premium hatchback. This latest version combines the best features of its rivals into a well-engineered, high-tech car, and it remains the best in class.

Audi A3 Review