Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A3 quattro 3.2 V6 Sport

If you think owning a hot hatch is all about making a bold statement with huge alloys and wings, then Audi's most powerful A3 to date isn't for you. But if you're of the opinion that sporty cars should be understated and let the performance do the talking, then the V6 quattro Sport fits the bill.

Audi's current flagship A3 is wonderfully understated, yet devilishly fast, and with the slick DSG gearbox plus a superb V6 engine, it's also the best model in the range to drive. Only its thirst lets it down.

If you think owning a hot hatch is all about making a bold statement with huge alloys and wings, then Audi's most powerful A3 to date isn't for you. But if you're of the opinion that sporty cars should be understated and let the performance do the talking, then the V6 quattro Sport fits the bill.

Until the V8 S3 arrives next year, this is Audi's civilised hot hatch. Using the 3.2-litre engine from the TT V6, VW Golf R32 and Touareg off-roader, it packs a mighty punch, sprinting from 0-60mph in an impressive 6.4 seconds.

It has tenacious grip, while the aural delights of the V6 engine are transmitted to the cabin subtly. That said, the driving experience isn't perfect. The ride is firm so the chassis can cope with the extra muscle, which leads to a loss of composure over bumpy surfaces.

And the steering could be better, too. Although it weights up nicely mid-bend and is suitably heavy on motorways, it lacks feel at low speeds. Our test car had the DSG paddleshift gearbox from the TT V6, which we prefer to the six-speed manual as it offers quicker changes. The system pre-selects the next ratio, making for very smooth progress.

Inside, sports seats, a leather steering wheel and Bose stereo add a touch of class, while the climate control is simple and effective. Our only gripe is that Audi claims the car can return 27mpg, but we only managed 19mpg.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025