Audi A3 review

Pros: smart looks, superb interior, sharper-handling S3 model

Cons: likely to be expensive, S line’s hard ride, limited engine choice

Audi A3 Design

Minimal changes have been made to the aesthetics of the fourth-generation Audi A3 as part of its midlife model facelift, and they mainly centre around the front of the car. This is where the radiator grille has become shallower and wider, and it has lost its frame of silver trim, while the lower bumper and its air intakes have been reshaped. All models also gain new headlights, with certain versions featuring up to four configurable daytime running lamp signatures, while at the back are redesigned light clusters and a lower bumper inspired by the RS 3 model. Audi has flipped the model designation badging from the boot lid to the B-pillar on all cars, where it is now represented as 2D text, while new designs of 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels and five additional body colours are drafted in too. Finally, as before, all A3s can be specified as either a five-door Sportback hatch or a four-door Saloon, and this includes the high-performance S3, which also benefits from the latest styling as well as its own specific visual touches including 19-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust pipes and the contrast of black badging alongside silver brightwork detailing.

Audi A3 Interior

Physically, the only interior changes pertain to the centre console, where you’ll also find a new design of gear selector, along with slightly restyled air vents on the passenger-side of the dashboard. Otherwise, the big news for the revised A3 is the inclusion of more technology. All cars, from base model upwards, will now have the digital Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster, as well as enhanced connectivity for the 10.1-inch central infotainment in the form of Audi Phonebox Light (including wireless smartphone charging) and Audi App store. Buyers will also get heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and front and rear parking sensors with Parking Aid Plus, putting an additional sheen of gloss on what was already a fabulously appointed and ergonomically sound interior. Anyone wanting the maximum practicality from the Audi A3 should opt for the Sportback, because even though its boot is – on paper – smaller than that of the Saloon (380 litres versus 425 litres respectively), the hatch has a larger opening through which to load bulky items, while if you fold its rear seats down then you get up to 1,200 litres of cargo capacity to play with.

Audi A3 Performance & Drive

Various other models and options for the drivetrains of the revised Audi A3 line-up are already in the pipeline, including an entry-level petrol car (to be badged 30 TFSI), a plug-in hybrid (most likely the 45 TFSI e) and even a six-speed manual gearbox choice on certain variants. There’s no word yet, though, on what’s happening to the range-topping, 400hp, five-cylinder RS 3, although it’s likely it will gain these updates in the fullness of time and possibly a little more.

That means the ‘launch’ range of the A3 is very simple to understand. Your choice, if the boot badge is still to read ‘A3’, is petrol or diesel – these being a 150hp 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol model named the 35 TFSI, or a 150hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel christened the 35 TDI. Both are front-wheel drive, and both have the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard – and both have similar performance and economy, so there’s really not much to choose between them.

If it were our money, we’d opt for the TDI, which is just that bit more cultured and quieter at all revs than the TFSI (that sounds harsh if it is asked to accelerate quickly) and which has added low-range muscle to make it easier to drive in busy traffic. Also, watch out for what we think will be called S line specification here in Ireland, as it comes with sportier suspension and, even with optional adaptive dampers, the ride in a top-grade A3 Sportback 35 TFSI with 19-inch wheels is on the uncomfortable side of firm. Those looking for the ultimate in rolling refinement might be better aiming at a lower-spec A3 with 17-inch wheels and softer suspension.

Otherwise, the Audi is a very accomplished operator, proving itself adept in a wide variety of driving situations, so it should continue to be a strong seller. The S3, meanwhile, is the only car in the facelifted range to get any mechanical updates, as its power and torque have been increased to peaks of 333hp and 420Nm. This makes it a bit quicker, but it’s a fancy new rear differential which really improves how the S3 drives – it’s a thoroughly enjoyable performance car as a result. The problem is, as ever, it will be notably expensive to buy and run here.

Audi A3 Pricing

We’re still waiting for confirmation of prices and specs for the 2024 model year Audi A3 and S3, although they are likely to be more expensive than mainstream rivals such as the Ford Focus and Opel Astra, and indeed other cars based on the A3’s mechanicals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. Expect it to be priced to compete with the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class, therefore, in the premium subsector of this class of car.

Carzone Verdict

S3 aside, there have been no major changes to the fourth-generation Audi A3 as part of this round of revisions, with the company clearly reckoning that if it isn’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing. That’s true, to an extent, and this remains a really likeable compact hatchback (or saloon, if that’s your preference), but watch out for a hard ride on A3 models with sportier suspension, as well as a degree of rowdiness from the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine. Those details aside, the Audi A3 remains an excellent vehicle in most regards.