Long-term test: Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI
Third report: As our test progresses, the A3 is proving itself as a car for all seasons as well as all reasons
Verdict
The Audi A3 continues to impress as an adaptable, refined and reliable long-distance companion. It delivers comfort, composure and efficiency, and the thoughtful design, intuitive tech and quality make Monty a car that quietly excels in every season.
- Mileage: 8,870
- Economy: 49.3mpg
Since my last update, Monty and I have clocked up many more miles. With a calendar full of late summer/autumn events and cross-country journeys between our offices in London and Bedford, the Audi A3 has once again proved its reliability and refinement on the road. Long motorway stretches have continued to showcase its impressive fuel economy; the 1.5 TFSI engine feels as efficient as it is eager, returning figures that never fail to surprise.
What’s really stood out though, is how effortlessly the A3 has adapted to changing conditions. When we were blessed with weeks of sunshine, I was deeply grateful for the car’s efficient climate control. The system offers plenty of adjustability and, refreshingly, uses proper physical buttons – a rarity in today’s screen-obsessed cabins. Combined with the supportive sports seats and Audi’s typically solid build quality, the A3 remains a serene space for long days behind the wheel.
As summer slipped into autumn, the story changed but the A3’s competence didn’t. The early mornings and late-night drives that now bookend my days have shown off another side of the car’s character.
Used - available now
The LED headlights are superb, cutting through fog and drizzle with crisp precision, while the heated seats make frosty starts something to almost look forward to. The switch from air-conditioning to gentle warmth feels symbolic of the A3’s balance: practical, reassuring and effortlessly premium. Whether in blazing sunshine or pouring rain, the car remains composed, sure-footed and confidence inspiring.
One feature I’ve grown especially fond of (and I’m happy to retract my earlier scepticism) is the in-car sat-nav. In my first report, I said I found it clunky and somewhat counterintuitive, favouring my phone for navigation instead. But after months of consistent use, and several trips to completely new destinations, I’ve changed my mind. The system has proven its worth time and again, particularly through a recent spate of road closures and diversions. The re-routing and recalculation are impressively quick and logical, and once you become familiar with its layout, it actually feels intuitive.
Now, I’ll confess – I know I’m something of a running joke at work. Not only because I name my cars (which, thankfully, I now know I’m not alone in doing!), but also because I insist on cleaning the car every week. Inside and out. It’s genuinely rewarding, though – the A3’s clean lines and high-quality finishes make it a joy to keep spotless. The paintwork gleams like new after a wash, and even the cabin materials have stood up beautifully.
My only gripe? The piano black trim, which attracts dust and fingerprints faster than I can remove them. Thankfully, Audi has used it sparingly compared with some rivals, and the rest of the interior – especially the screen, which resists smudges admirably – still looks box-fresh months down the line.
As the miles add up and the seasons change, my appreciation for the A3 deepens. It’s a car that genuinely adapts to my life – quietly, efficiently and with a touch of understated luxury. Whether I’m tackling a dawn start or a dusk return, the A3 continues to make every drive feel like time well spent.
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: second fleetwatch
As autumn starts creeping in, my A3 proves its worth with excellent lighting and comfort on long evening motorway trips
As summer draws to a close, my Audi A3 continues to be a dependable companion on long motorway journeys. With the days getting shorter, I’ve begun to experience Audi’s excellent lighting for the first time, which adds real confidence when driving at night. Combined with the thoughtful interior design and comfort, the A3 makes covering many miles smooth and effortless, while ensuring that every drive feels refined and reassuring.
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: second report
Our hatch is a perfect partner for two days of performance driving training in Yorkshire
- Mileage: 4,675
- Economy: 49.0mpg
Porsche, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Lotus, Audi. These are just a few of the legendary marques that the ‘godfather’ of high-performance driver training, Paul Ripley, has worked with over the years. His reputation for transforming drivers through a blend of precision, discipline and performance insight is well earned, and something colleagues at both Auto Express and sister brand evo have experienced first-hand.
So, when I had the chance to follow them with our Audi A3 Sportback a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t hesitate. This wasn’t about a leisurely drive – it was about real, technical driving. Observation. Planning. Hazard perception. Judgement. And ultimately, controlled, confident performance behind the wheel. A great opportunity to try out the A3.
North Yorkshire offers the perfect terrain to test both car and driver: a constantly shifting backdrop of narrow village lanes, unpredictable descents, open moorland straights and tight, winding B-roads that demand total concentration. Every corner, every crest, every blind bend was a challenge of strategic decision-making.
Over two days of advanced driver training, the Audi A3 was an exceptionally well balanced partner. Despite not being the most powerful S line variant, our car’s 1.5 TFSI engine offered responsive, refined performance and the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission shifted smoothly and quickly. The paddle shifts are tactile and responsive without ever feeling gimmicky. On twisty Yorkshire roads, I found myself using them frequently, enjoying the immediacy and control they provided.
What impressed me most was the chassis composure. Even under pressure, on descents with shifting cambers or mid-corner bumps, the A3 remained sure-footed. The steering feel is precise, the ride firm enough but forgiving, and the balance between comfort and sportiness is genuinely impressive for a car in this segment. The A3 felt planted and predictable and well engineered for the type of spirited driving this training demanded.
The Audi’s fuel efficiency was a quiet overachiever too, despite covering hundreds of hard-driven miles. It’s a car built for everyday use, yet it didn’t feel out of place in this sort of training environment.
The second part of the course took us to a closed test track, where we covered braking points, weight transfer and slalom control. Here, again, the Audi surprised me. Its braking performance was consistent and strong, while the car’s balance through fast directional changes was superb. It proved to be a willing and capable partner. It’s not a track car, nor does it pretend to be, and yes, here it felt under-powered, but it held its own with confidence and control.
Lastly, I have to say Auto Express readers really are an amazingly knowledgeable and helpful group. The ink was hardly dry on my first report on the Audi before I was receiving feedback in my inbox. I’m pleased to say that the reaction to my initial assessment was positive – and I’m not the only person to name their cars, as lots of fantastic names from our readers proved!
However, I am also grateful to the various readers who pointed out that, contrary to my comment in the first report on the Audi, the A3 does have an auto-hold braking function.
It shows many of us don’t go through a new-car handover perhaps as thoroughly as we should. In my defence, even the delivery driver had warned me the car didn’t have an auto-hold function and locating it isn’t as straightforward as on some cars I’ve driven. It’s a bit buried away in the car’s digital menus. Oh, for a basic, physical button to push!
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: first fleetwatch
Whether it’s Goodwood trips or town runs, the A3’s been effortless from day one
Our Audi A3 has been with us for a couple of months now and continues to impress. It’s handled everything from long runs to Goodwood and Silverstone, to trips into town without missing a beat. The mix of style, comfort and performance makes every journey a pleasure. In the recent sun, it got more compliments than ever, especially on its Python Yellow paint. The finish is excellent and always looks spotless.
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: first report
Premium hatch joins our fleet, and its bright metallic paint has already earned it a nickname
- Mileage: 2,452
- Economy: 49.3mpg
Although I have been working at Auto Express since 1999, this is my very first long-term test car. Some of our long-standing readers might remember former Editor-in-Chief, David Johns – who also happens to be my husband – as a long-time admirer of Audi. So when we found out I’d be running an A3 Sportback for the next few months, there was genuine excitement in the house.
Straight away, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather the python, in the case of this A3. Some say, ‘If you’re going to make an entrance, make it bold’ – and Audi clearly agrees. There’s no missing our car in metallic Python yellow, that’s for sure. I should also admit I’m a person who names their cars. So this bright yellow beauty could only be called Monty – as in Monty Python. I expect the Auto Express team are already rolling their eyes!
Normally I’m more understated, and would pick a more muted colour for a car. But we chose one of Audi’s beautifully finished metallic colours, and I think it really suits the sporty, low-slung looks of the A3.
The bold finish is complemented by the S line trim’s aggressive front end, sharp bodywork, and smart 18-inch ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels, giving the A3 real presence. Inside, it’s classic Audi; the black and chrome interior feels snug and sporty. Although, if I were to spec the car again, I’d opt for the panoramic glass sunroof to lift the otherwise dark cabin. Despite being of modest height, I also find the roofline feels a little tight, but that’s really nit-picking because otherwise, the A3 has the high-quality feel and materials you’d expect of the brand.
In keeping with modern trends, there’s an array of digital displays for the driver – and plenty of menus to find your way around. But there is also a good balance of physical switches for some of the main functions, including the temperature control and heated seats, plus a really useful head-up display.
At the moment, I find some of the user journeys and menus, and certain aspects of the navigation, a little counterintuitive. But I’m confident that with a bit more time, I’ll find my rhythm. The Technology pack means the A3 has a SONOS 3D Premium Sound System. As someone who appreciates good sound quality, it is a real highlight for me. It really brings my music to life and makes every journey feel that bit more special.
Press the start button located on the centre console and the A3 quietly rumbles into life. The gear selector is a compact switch that you nudge forwards or backwards, but I find the layout slightly unconventional: push forward for reverse, and pull back for drive. A pair of paddles on the chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel allow manual changes too.
Most of my driving is over long distances, travelling between our offices in London and Bedford, as well as events and meetings. So comfort and refinement are essential – and I’m pleased to say the A3 delivers on both fronts. The ride is on the firmer side – as expected with S line trim – but it’s never harsh.
The blend of handling and comfort makes the car a fantastic companion for motorway miles. Our A3 comes with sport seats in Twin Leather with S embossing, and they look and, more importantly, feel the part, striking a nice balance between plushness and support.
The car is easy to drive and the driver aids are well judged too. I feel I’m supported, not nagged, with less of the overbearing alerts and warnings that some rivals throw at you.
There are just two things I miss. Auto-hold brakes would make town driving easier, and a powered tailgate would be welcome. But they are tiny niggles in a very enjoyable experience.
| Model: | Audi A3 35 TFSI S tronic S line |
| On fleet since: | March 2025 |
| Price new: | £36,615 |
| Powertrain: | 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol, 7-speed auto |
| Power/torque: | 147bhp/250Nm |
| CO2/BiK: | 127g/km/31% |
| Options: | Storage pack (£180), Python yellow metallic paint (£595), Technology pack (£1,495) |
| Insurance*: | Group: 23/Quote: £900 |
| Mileage: | 8,870 |
| Economy: | 49.3mpg |
| Any problems? | None so far |
*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
