Audi A3 2019 review
Overview
The 2019 Audi A3 Sportback sits right at the sweet spot of the used premium hatchback market. This is the facelifted third-generation car, known as the 8V, and in 35 TFSI Sport form it pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the five-door practicality that most UK buyers actually want. It feels a class above mainstream rivals inside, yet it remains compact enough for city streets and easy to park.
On the road, the 1.5 TFSI is the engine to choose if you want petrol pace without diesel running costs. With 150PS and 250 Nm of torque, it pulls cleanly from low revs, settles into a quiet cruise on the motorway, and returns a claimed 43.5 to 44.1 mpg combined. The six-speed manual gearbox in this representative Sport version is light and precise, while the optional S tronic automatic suits drivers who spend more time in traffic.
Inside, the cabin is the A3's strongest card. The dashboard is simple and beautifully finished, the driving position is spot on, and the standard Sport specification brings the kit most buyers expect, including climate control, cruise control and a proper infotainment screen. Rear space is adequate for adults on shorter trips, and the 380-litre boot grows to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded.
As a used buy, the facelifted 2019 car makes particular sense. It carries the cleaner 1.5-litre engine rather than the earlier 1.4, it holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and it sits in insurance group 24. Check the service history carefully, especially on S tronic cars, and a well-kept Sportback should prove a refined, frugal and easy car to live with.
UK price from: £25,860
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (1,498cc) |
| Power | 150PS (147 bhp) |
| Torque | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 7.9 seconds |
| Acceleration (0-62 mph) | 8.4 seconds (Carbuyer, Tech Pack variant) |
| Top speed | 137 mph |
| Combined economy | 43.5-44.1 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 145-147 g/km |
| WLTP figures (Tech Pack variant, Carbuyer) | 50.4 mpg combined, 128 g/km CO2 |
| Boot space | 380 litres (1,200 litres seats folded) |
| Dimensions | 4,313 mm long, 1,966 mm wide (incl. mirrors), 2,637 mm wheelbase |
| Insurance group | 24 |
| Euro NCAP rating | 5 stars (2014 test: adult 82%, child 78%) |
Features
- 1.5-litre 35 TFSI turbo petrol engine with 150PS and 250 Nm
- 6-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel drive (7-speed S tronic automatic also offered)
- Five-door Sportback body with 380-litre boot, expanding to 1,200 litres
- Sport trim with sports seats, climate control and cruise control
- Retractable MMI infotainment display with smartphone connectivity on facelift cars
- LED daytime running lights and alloy wheels
- Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with multiple airbags and stability control
- Parking sensors and a refined, quiet motorway ride
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £45 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £95 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Engine air filter | £18 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Oil filter | £12 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £25 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| 12V car battery | £110 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
Pros
- Premium-feeling cabin with excellent build quality
- Strong yet frugal 1.5 TFSI petrol engine
- Comfortable ride and quiet cruising ability
- Practical five-door Sportback layout
- Desirable badge with strong used demand
Cons
- Rear legroom is tight for taller adults
- Some desirable kit, such as navigation and upgraded infotainment, was optional
- S tronic gearbox needs strict service-history checks
- Running costs and parts prices are higher than mainstream rivals
