Audi A3 gets a discreet,

Audi has given its A3 Sportback a midlife refresh, but does its premium appeal remain?

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 nearly 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 midlife update to keep it feeling fresh. Here we’re driving the five-door Sportback version for the first time.

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 like before.

The front and rear bumpers have been made to look more aggressive, while the front headlight clusters now feature four different LED day-running light designs. There are new colours, new wheels and badging.

Other tweaks are mostly to do with the interior and include a slightly different centre console, an updated operating system for the touchscreen and a new optional Sonos stereo system replacing the B&O unit in the outgoing car.

There’s no change when it comes to engines, although at launch Audi is restricting the choice. So, for the time being, there’s just a 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol badged 35 TFSI and a 35 TDI 2.0-litre diesel, both with 148bhp and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

A lower-powered petrol called 30 TFSI will arrive later in the year, along with a company-car-friendly 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid.

Both the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol and 2.0-litre diesel accelerate to 60mph in eight seconds.

While it may share its underpinnings with a whole host of Volkswagen Group cars, the A3 has always managed to add an extra layer of refinement to the way it drives.

Audi hasn’t played around with how the A3 gets down the road for this update, so 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 1.5-litre engine delivers pleasing acceleration and never feels strained – it’s only occasionally let down by the S tronic gearbox which can feel hesitant at times.

A separate drive of the 35 TDI showed the diesel is just as refined with minimal vibration.

BENCHMARK: Audi’s A3 has been the epitome of the high-class hatchback for nearly 30 years – the car’s latest tweaks thoughtfully enhance its presence and drivability.