Audi’s still the posh all-round choice
THINK of a posh and sophisticated hatchback and you’ll likely think of the Audi A3.
It has essentially defined the premium hatchback class for 30 years, and while everyone knows it’s a Volkswagen Golf underneath, its combination of classy looks, a quality interior and refined driving characteristics means it has plenty of appeal.
For 2024, Audi has given its strong seller a little mid-life update to keep it feeling fresh. Here we’re driving the fivedoor Sportback version for the first time.
What’s new?
The refresh is nothing too bold – after all, there is little wrong with the current A3.
The looks have been sharpened with a wider, slimmer ‘frameless’ front grille which also sees Audi’s latest flat, two-dimensional badge hovering between the grille and the bonnet rather than sitting within the grille. The front and rear bumpers have been made to look more aggressive, while the front headlight clusters now feature four different LED dayrunning light designs allowing owners to choose their favourite.
There are new colours, new wheels and badging.
Other tweaks include new door trims with backlighting, ambient contour lights for the updated centre console and cupholders, an updated operating system for the touchscreen and an optional Sonos stero system replacing the B&O unit.
What’s it like to drive?
There’s still a lovely balance between comfort and predictable, engaging handling.
It rides better than a Mercedes A-Class, even in sporty S line trim, and the A3 feels agile, while the tried and tested 1.5litre engine delivers pleasing acceleration and never feels strained.
A separate drive of the 35 TDI showed the diesel is just as refined, only underlining how suitable it is for high-mileage drivers.
The car tested here had Audi’s ‘Progressive Steering’ which is a variable ratio steering rack, and while it comes as standard on the hot S3 version, it isn’t available on the A3 in the UK.
We’d have to try a UK-spec car to give an evaluation of the A3 steers, but it’s than likely to be sharp and engaging, just like the outgoing car.
How does it look?
As already mentioned, the A3’s update isn’t the most daring we’ve seen but it’s understandably subtle – Audi doesn’t want to tarnish the car’s sales record, after all. Audi geeks will notice the new front end, which, though more modern looking, spoils the sharp, classy design of the outgoing car in our eyes.
The new colour palette lifts things, too, and the A3 is a super stylish choice.
What’s it like inside?
While it may look identical to the old car at first glance, the new A3 gets a raft of tweaks that just add an extra layer of interest to what is a rather serious-looking interior.
Audi has added more textured surfaces to the dashboard, which only improves what was a quality-feeling cabin. The infotainment system has been tweaked, but happily it remains a simple thing to use. Happily, Audi hasn’t ditched the physical controls for the heating and ventilation.
The A3 has been given a mid-life refresh, but does its premium appeal remain? James Batchelor finds out.
What’s the spec like?
There are no surprises when it comes to specification, as the A3 follows most of the Audi range and is offered in Sport, S line and Black Edition trims. Sport, from £32,035, gets LED front headlights, 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, the 10.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch
‘Virtual Cockpit Plus’ screen ahead of the driver, and a whole host of safety tech. S line, from £34,315, adds sportier body styling, 18-inch wheels with lowered suspension, LED headlights with customisable dayrunning light designs, LED rear lights with ‘dynamic’ indicators, leather-like sports seats with ‘S’ branding, and selectable ambient lighting. Range-topping Black Edition cars add 19-inch wheels and black detailing, among other things, and start from £36,015.
The verdict
This update is nothing groundbreaking, and only serves to make the A3 look and feel a little more modern. Happily, the old car’s fantastic blend of a classy image, quality interior and enjoyable driving dynamics are untouched, and the A3 offers a more compelling all-round package compared to the BMW 1 Series or a Mercedes A-Class.
All of this means the A3 will likely continue being a firm favourite for those after a posh hatchback.