Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A3

Despite healthy sales, there is something about the three-door Audi A3 that has obviously been irritating company top brass since its launch in 2003.

Having a family grille common to every model in the range is all the rage, but has it improved the A3? We reckon it looked sharper prior to its makeover, but it's still a hugely impressive hatch. Designers and engineers have made only minor changes, but this facelift should be just enough to keep the A3 feeling fresh.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite healthy sales, there is something about the three-door Audi A3 that has obviously been irritating company top brass since its launch in 2003.

And the firm has not wasted any time doing something about it. Just two years after its launch, Audi has decided to treat the car to a facelift. The most obvious update is the new-look chrome grille, which finally gives the A3 Audi's corporate look.

Beyond that, alterations are subtle, although the company says it has made changes to the front bumper, with a few minor tweaks at the rear too.

Inside, we struggled to spot any differences, but it is hard not to be impressed by the ergonomics and excellent build quality. Our test car also came with plenty of luxurious equipment, but buyers should beware of escalating costs if they raid the options list. Satellite-navigation, for example, costs a whopping £2,175.

Much of Audi's facelift work has gone on under the skin. Engineers aimed to enhance the A3's ride and handling, but have not been entirely successful. With the added advantage of upgraded steering, the Audi is better to drive, but the Sport model is still uncomfortably stiff over bumpy surfaces. Go for the standard suspension set-up and the ride is smoother. Our car was fitted with Audi's version of the VW Golf GTI's 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine. An impressive 198bhp is fed through the superb DSG transmission to the front wheels to deliver hot hatch performance.

Whether you like the new look or not, it is hard not to be impressed by the latest A3. The five-door Sportback might have to edge on practicality, but it cannot quite match the desirability of the newest member of the family.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Audi A4

Audi A4

RRP £32,725Avg. savings £2,195 off RRP*Used from £11,495
Audi A6

Audi A6

RRP £39,640Avg. savings £7,388 off RRP*Used from £16,490
Audi A5

Audi A5

RRP £42,660Avg. savings £4,780 off RRP*Used from £19,750
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025