Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi A3 Sportback review (2003-2012)

Five-door Audi A3 Sportback is larger than the standard three-door model, and gets unique styling

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Quality interior, impressive diesel engines, strong used values
Cons
  • Will be replaced in 2012, firm suspension, ###
Find your Audi A3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The five-door Audi A3 Sportback gets a different look to the three-door model, that creates more space inside. It's longer and taller than the standard A3, plus there's silver roof rails and a more steeply raked boot lid. However, the A3 isn't exactly the newest car on the block, and the family will be replaced early in 2012 with a brand new range of cars.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our choice: Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

Engine, performance and drive

The Audi A3 Sportback has a wide range of engines, from a fuel efficient 1.2-litre turbo and supercharged unit, to a powerful 2.0-litre turbo. Diesels comprise a 1.6-litre offering 69mpg, and two 2.0-litre units with 140bhp and 170bhp. There's the option of front or four-wheel drive, too. All models are sporty to drive, with secure and stable handling, particularly if you pick a car with quattro four-wheel drive. S line models have the sharpest handling, although the stiff suspension can be uncomfortable on bumpy roads.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The 1.6 TDI diesel is a star performer when it comes to low running costs. It's capable of returning up to 69mpg, while emissions of 109g/km mean it's road tax exempt for the first year. Because the A3 is such a desirable and well made car, residual values are strong, so it will be worth more than rivals when it comes time to sell it on. Servicing costs are reasonable, but watch out for the price of parts. Fixing high performance versions of this car can be a costly exercise.

Interior, design and technology

The chiselled looks of the Audi A3 Sportback still look fresh, despite the fact that this car will be replaced by an all-new model in 2012. It's equally as appealing inside, with a beautifully finished five-seat cabin that should easily stand up to the rigours of family life. Boot space is OK, at 370 litres, while rear seats are just about big enough for two adults. A generous options list includes leather sports seats, sat-nav and driving aids like cruise control.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Audi A3 Sportback offers 350 litres of boot space, while split and fold rear seats drop to create a much larger 1,120-litre load area. The hatchback boot opens wide for easy access. Cabin stowage is less generous than rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, but is still reasonable.

Reliability and Safety

There are three, three-point seatbelts in the rear, plus airbags front and rear, while all models in the range come with electronic stability control as standard. It received a four-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested in 2003. Build quality is first rate, as is reliability. The car regularly finishes in the top 20 of our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,049 off RRP*Used from £14,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,766 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025