Given almost every car that comes to market these days seems to be a derivative of an SUV, you may be surprised to learn that the A3 Sportback is still one of Audi’s best-selling models.
In a bid to ensure that situation continues the latest model was treated to a significant facelift at the beginning of the year. Aesthetic enhancements included reprofile bumpers, a new frameless grille, featuring flush Audi rings and specific model designation displayed on the B-pillars. Arguably chief amongst the revisions, however, was an upgraded plug-in hybrid powerplant badged 40 TFSI e, that employs the latest Volkswagen Group 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a punchy 115bhp electric motor integrated within the six-speed twin-clutch transmission. When working in tandem with the petrol engine’s maximum punch, the total combined output measures 204hp.
By plug-in hybrid standards in this class, the 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery is relatively large and this means the Sportback can drive up to 88 miles solely on electric power. As a result, C02 outputs are reduced by a significant amount; so much so, you can expect your BIK tax to be levied at 6% on the popular S Line version. Additionally, unlike many plug-in hybrids, the Sportback’s battery will accept rapid levels of charging, enabling it to be boosted from 10-80% in around 30 minutes.
Performance and drive
Although we’re not talking hot hatch levels of performance here, the inherent vibrancy of the hybrid Sportback is not to be underestimated. Certainly, the combustion elements of the equation can get a wee bit shouty under full bore stresses, but the engine will eagerly gather revs when encouraged to do so via a meaningful right boot and combined with its electric cohort will propel the Sportback from 0-62mph in around 7.4 seconds.
Add in the lowered sports suspension set-up that comes standard with S Line models and the Sportback exhibits taut body control, excellent steering connection and impressive levels of grip. Just as encouragingly, despite the sports moniker, there also remains sufficient compliance in the suspension to protect your vertebrae from all but the worst lumps and bumps.
One area that remains unaddressed, however, is the hybrid brake pedal feedback. Somewhat frustratingly, the inconsistent reactions common to these types of regenerative systems can often result in a bit of a guessing game, as you try to figure out how much pedal to apply when scrubbing off speed or just trying to slow to a halt in a smooth and progressive manner.
Interior and practicality
Despite the financial pressures encountered by the VW Group over recent years, Audi has just about managed to maintain its position as the master of perceived interior quality.
The latest A3 cabin still looks and feels special thanks to a new flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel design, fresh fabrics and inlays, remodelled air vents, and a new dinky S tronic gear shift lever. Equally, the configurable virtual cockpit instrumentation binnacle continues to provide wow-factor in spades as does the sharply focused 10.1in central touchscreen. In general, this main screen works extremely well, thanks to large icons and prominent haptic feedback pulses, although some of the menus are blocked out when resting your hand at certain positions on the steering wheel. Thankfully there are physical switches for the climate controls, and you can execute many commands via an Alexa-style voice communication.
As with almost every car in this class, with perhaps the exception of the blockbuster Skoda Octavia, rear legroom is adequate rather than palatial. Despite the five seat belts no one will thank you for relegating them to the narrow middle rear pew, as they’ll be forced to sit with their legs straddling the large transmission tunnel.
As for day-to-day practicality, because the hybrid battery is located under the boot floor, shopping bag potential is reduced to just 280 litres. Consequently, before placing your order, you may want to carry out a physical inspection at your local Audi dealership to figure out if this will prove to be too much of a stumbling block.
Positive: S Line provides engaging driving dynamics, classy interior, strong performance.
Negative: Braking is frustratingly inconsistent, some evidence of minor cost-cutting, limited boot space.
Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights, cruise control, four electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, sat nav, virtual cockpit with 10.25in infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, voice activation control.
Engines: Petrol: 116hp 1.5, 150hp 1.5; Diesel: 150hp 2.0; Plug-in hybrid: 204hp 1.5
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Black Edition
Transmissions: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e S Line S Tronic |
| P11D | £41,405 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £4,087 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 706.2mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 9g/km (6%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £41/£83 |
| Luggage capacity | 280 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/204hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
