Audi A3 Review: The Vertu VERDICT
“The Audi A3 remains the go-to for buyers seeking a small family hatchback that oozes premium desirability both inside and out. The classic design - both hatchback and saloon - may have only evolved over time, but each update sees the A3 continue to raise the bar in build quality, dynamic feel and useable technology. Better yet, the broad powertrain options allow it to be as affordable, as frugal or as fire-breathingly sporty as you could possibly want an A3 to be.”
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Audi A3: The Key Features
- Most recent generational update came in 2020, but the Audi A3 also received comprehensive updates since in 2024 and 2026
- Available in a Sportback (five-door hatchback) or 'mini-A4' Saloon variant with a 425-litre boot
- 2026 update delivered an overhauled interior with an 11.9-inch digital insrment cluster and 12.8-inch MMI display
- Offered with the choice of petrol, turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains
- Range is topped by 328bhp Audi S3 and 395bhp Audi RS3 performance models
Who is the Audi A3 Best Suited To?
- Traditionally well-liked by professionals and couples who live in metropolitan environments that favour smaller dimensions
- Drivers who complete long haul journeys on a regular basis
- Audi S3 and Audi RS3 are considered among the greatest hot hatches of all-time
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Audi A3 Trim Levels
Audi A3 Trims | Powertrain Options | Body Style | Standard Equipment |
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| MMI panoramic display with virtual cockpit, touchscreen display, electric front seats, smartphone interface, rear view camera with parking system plus, adaptive cruise control, SAFELOCK | |
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| Heated front sport seats, three-zone deluxe air-conditioning, MMI navigation with MMI touch, Audi sound system including subwoofer, in-car video calls (in addition to Technik) | |
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| S Line exterior styling, privacy glass, twin leather with 'S' embossing, flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, multi-coloured LED interior lighting pack, LED headlights with LED rear lights, Sport suspension (in addition to Sport) | |
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| Black styling package including grille, side windows, bumpers and door mirrors, Audi rings in anthracite grey, electric seats with memory function, Audi beam which projects logo onto the ground as you exit (in addition to Sport) | |
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| S3 exterior styling and black styling package, brake calipers painted in black, Nappa leather seating, 'S' Sport suspension, Technology pack including SONOS speakers, Matrix LED headlights and heads-up display, Comfort Pack including electric seats with memory function and electric tailgate | |
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| S suspension with damper control, panoramic sunroof, carbon coor mirrors, Assist Pack with Drive and Park, including 3D and 360-degree view cameras (in addition to Black Edition) |
Audi A3 Technical Specifications
Audi A3 Technical Specifications | 1.5-litre TFSI 110 MHEV | 1.5-litre TFSI 150 MHEV | 2.0-litre TDI Turbodiesel | 1.5-litre TFSIe PHEV | 2.0-litre TFSI 330 quattro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Small Family Hatchback or Saloon | Small Family Hatchback or Saloon | Small Family Hatchback or Saloon | Small Family Hatchback or Saloon | Hot Performance Hatchback |
Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats |
Trims | Technik, Sport, S Line | Technik, Sport, S Line, Black Edition | Sport, S Line, Black Edition | Sport, S Line, Black Edition | S3 Black Edition, S3 Vorsprung |
Powertrain | Turbocharged MHEV Petrol | Turbocharged MHEV Petrol | Turbodiesel | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) | Turbocharged Petrol with AWD |
Power | 114bhp | 148bhp | 148bhp | 201bhp | 328bhp |
0-62mph | 9.7secs | 8.4secs | 8.1secs | 7.4secs | 4.7secs |
Fuel Economy | 48.7mpg | 47.1mpg | 54.3mpg | 217.3mpg | 33.2mpg |
EV Range (WLTP) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 88-miles | N/A |
CO2 Emissions | 128g/km | 136g/km | 137g/km | 29g/km | 193g/km |
Boot Space | 380-litres (Sportback), 425-litres (Saloon) | 380-litres (Sportback), 425-litres (Saloon) | 380-litres (Sportback), 425-litres (Saloon) | 380-litres (Sportback), 425-litres (Saloon) | 380-litres (Sportback), 425-litres (Saloon) |
Insurance Group | 17E - 18E | 21E - 22E | 23E | 25E - 26E | 33E - 34E |
EuroNCAP Safety Rating | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
What We Like About the Audi A3
- Immensely desirable small premium hatchback and saloon with a timeless look
- Brand-new interior is exquisitely constructed and features state-of-the-art infotainment system
- More practical than other premium hatchback rivals
- Diverse engine range features punchy petrols, strong diesels and a frugal PHEV option with up to 88-miles of electric only range
- Premium refined feeling on the motorway gives way to sporty dynamics on twisty roads, yet remains easy-to-drive in the city
- A used Audi A3 also makes an excellent buying proposition
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Premium Hatchbacks To Also Consider...
BMW 1-Series
The Audi A3's oldest foe, on paper there is very little to split it from the BMW 1-Series, but that's no bad thing. With involving dynamics, a luxurious interior and generous equipment, the 1-Series is an enticing way into BMW ownership. Better yet, there are many variants to choose from beyond the hatchback with the 2-Series Coupe, Gran Coupe (Saloon) and Active Tourer.
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Mercedes A-Class
The allure of the classic three-pointed star might be a huge selling point, but the Mercedes A-Class' talents go far beyond its badge. Understatedly desirable, the A-Class backs this up with an exceptional interior and up-to-the-moment technology that betters both Audi and BMW. It's not as sporty as those cars, but the A-Class makes premium luxury look very affordable.
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Volvo EX30
Electric cars are all the rage right now and the Volvo EX30 ranks as one of the very best. Blending hatchback sensibility with a trendy SUV look, the EX30 has the epitome of Volvo's 'Scandi-cool' design signatures both inside and out. Choose between batteries that produce 253bhp or a whopping 422bhp, while still delivering between 209 and 300-miles of range.
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* Details correct at the time of publication (August 2026)
Review Published: August 2026
Updated: August 2026
- New Cars
- Audi