Audi A3 Sportback 2018 in-depth review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The Audi A3 Sportback offers luxury at a competitive price.

Transcript

this is the new Audi a3 Sportback there might be one new what's new about it well it's had a bit of a facelift so some fresh bumpers front and back as standard across the range you get xenon headlamps and their automatic so to the windscreen wipers and cruise control is standard across the range as well and if you get the s-line version you get rea... Read More

Key Insights

• The Audi A3 Sportback has undergone a facelift, featuring new bumpers and standard xenon headlamps, enhancing its modern appeal.
• Standard features across the range include automatic windscreen wipers, cruise control, and a price increase of 500 pounds.
• The interior maintains high-quality materials with an upgraded infotainment system, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
• Practicality is a key advantage, with ample rear space and a well-thought-out boot, including a flexible floor for easier loading.
• The driving experience is luxurious, with excellent visibility and handling, although it lacks the sportiness of some competitors.
• Engine options include a new 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 2-liter diesel, both offering good performance and fuel efficiency.
• While the Audi A3 is generally impressive, options can significantly increase the cost, and the auto gearbox may be jerky at low speeds.
• Audi A3's dependability is questioned, ranking third from bottom in a UK survey, yet it compensates with luxurious features like independent rear suspension.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the new features of the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback has received a facelift, featuring new bumpers and standard xenon headlamps. It also includes automatic windscreen wipers and cruise control as standard features across the range. Additionally, the interior has been upgraded with a new infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Q: How does the Audi A3 Sportback fare in terms of practicality?

The Audi A3 Sportback is quite practical, offering ample rear space and a well-thought-out boot. The boot includes a flexible floor to ease loading, and the rear seats can be folded flat for additional space. The car is slightly longer than the three-door version, providing more room for passengers.

Q: What are the available engine options for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback offers several engine options, including a new 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which is efficient and affordable. There's also a 2-liter diesel engine with 150 horsepower, ideal for those who drive long distances. The 1.4 TSI engine is recommended for better performance and economy.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the Audi A3 Sportback?

While the Audi A3 Sportback is generally impressive, it has some drawbacks. Options can significantly increase the overall cost, and the automatic gearbox may be jerky at maneuvering speeds. Additionally, Audi ranked third from bottom in a recent UK dependability survey, raising concerns about reliability.

Q: How does the Audi A3 Sportback compare to its competitors?

The Audi A3 Sportback offers a luxurious driving experience with excellent visibility and handling, though it may not be as sporty as competitors like the BMW 1 Series. It is more luxurious than the Volkswagen Golf and offers better rear space than the Mercedes A-Class, especially with two passengers.

Q: What luxurious features does the Audi A3 Sportback offer?

The Audi A3 Sportback includes luxurious features such as independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, emergency assist to slow the car if the driver is unresponsive, and optional matrix LED headlamps. It also offers a frameless rearview mirror and wireless charging with signal boosting through the car's aerial.

Q: What is the price range for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback starts at just under 20,000 pounds, making it a desirable and competitively priced vehicle. However, adding options can significantly increase the price, with some models reaching as high as 32,000 pounds, similar to the cost of an Audi A6.

Q: What makes the Audi A3 Sportback a compelling choice?

The Audi A3 Sportback is a compelling choice due to its combination of luxury, practicality, and modern features. It offers a high-quality interior, a smooth driving experience, and advanced technology like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite some drawbacks, its overall package makes it a strong contender in its class.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Audi A3 Sportback has received a facelift with new bumpers and standard xenon headlamps, making it more modern. It offers features like automatic windscreen wipers and cruise control, with a slight price increase. The interior is high-quality, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard.

• The A3 Sportback is practical, with ample rear space and a well-thought-out boot. It offers a luxurious driving experience with excellent visibility and handling, though it may not be as sporty as some rivals. Engine options include a new 1-liter turbo petrol and a 2-liter diesel.

• While generally impressive, the Audi A3 has some drawbacks, such as expensive options and a jerky auto gearbox at low speeds. Its dependability is questioned, but it offers luxurious features like independent rear suspension, making it a compelling choice in its class.