Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2021–2024) review: clever, classy, and just a bit cheeky
First impressions: why the Audi A3 5-door Sportback still clicks
The moment I slid into the Audi A3 5-door Sportback, I noticed right away how “sorted” it feels. You sit low enough to feel involved, yet high enough to clock a dodgy speed bump before it clocks you. On rough urban tarmac the suspension keeps its cool, and out on a B-road it puts on the kind of quiet, grown-up performance that makes you wonder why people keep buying bigger cars. Honest truth? I wasn’t sure at first. But after a week of school runs, rainy commutes, and a dawn raid to the coast, the A3 Sportback felt like a sweet spot I didn’t know I missed.
Engines, performance, and real-world economy
Depending on your market, you’ll find petrol (TFSI), diesel (TDI), and mild-hybrid options. The popular 35 TFSI sits around 150 hp, the 40 TFSI climbs toward 190–204 hp, and the 35 TDI lands at roughly 150 hp with the long-legged torque that makes motorway miles a doddle. In the U.S., the A3’s 2.0 TFSI mild-hybrid setup is rated around 201 hp and delivers a 0–60 mph run in the mid-6-second bracket when equipped with quattro. In Europe, figure roughly:
- 35 TFSI (150 hp): 0–62 mph in about 8–8.5 seconds
- 40 TFSI (190–204 hp): 0–62 mph in about 6.7–7.0 seconds
- 35 TDI (150 hp): 0–62 mph in about 8.3 seconds
Fuel economy? On my mixed route (city, ring road, a splash of motorway), I saw low-30s mpg (US) in a 40 TFSI quattro, and mid-40s mpg (UK) from a 35 TDI on a quiet A-road cruise. WLTP and EPA numbers vary, but those ballpark figures felt honest. The dual-clutch gearbox (S tronic) snaps through ratios cleanly; occasionally it second-guesses you at walking speeds, but once rolling, it’s like driving in slippers—silky and surprisingly eager.
Audi A3 5-door Sportback: tech and touchpoints that matter
- 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Virtual Cockpit digital instruments that are crisp even in harsh sun
- Optional adaptive dampers to dial comfort vs control
- Matrix LED headlights that make night driving feel easy and calm
- Available quattro all-wheel drive for bad weather and brisk exits
I appreciated the physical climate controls—bless them—though the small touch volume pad can be fiddly; I kept nudging it a notch too high during podcasts. Driver aids are well tuned overall, but the lane-keeping can nag on narrow country lanes. One tap to quiet it—then you get on with the drive.
Living with the Audi A3 5-door Sportback
Space is the quiet victory here. The A3 Sportback’s boot starts at around 380 liters (seats up), which is enough for a big grocery run plus hockey gear, and expands generously with the rear seats folded. A few owners mentioned to me that rear legroom is “fine, not lavish,” and that’s about right; two adults will be comfortable on a road trip, three across the back is short-hop friendly. It’s whisper-quiet at 70 mph—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about who’s touching whose elbow.
Seat comfort is classic Audi: firm at first, then supportive over distance. The S line’s larger wheels look mint in the valet line, but ride quality is best on the 17s or 18s if your city specialises in potholes. When I tried it on rough roads after a spring downpour, the suspension did a neat job of smoothing the small stuff—only the sharpest hits thumped through.
Audi A3 5-door Sportback vs the old 3-door
If you remember the 3-door A3, that ship has sailed. The current 5-door Sportback effectively replaces it, and the trade is worth it: easier rear access, a touch more rear legroom, and better cargo flexibility, all while keeping that tidy, athletic stance. Unless you’re a die-hard two-door purist, the Sportback makes more sense for everyday life.
Audi A3 5-door Sportback vs rivals
Spec sheets never tell the whole story, but they do sketch the outline. Here’s how the A3 stacks up against the usual premium hatch suspects.
| Model | Power range (hp) | 0–62 mph (approx) | Boot (L) | Character notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 5-door Sportback | 110–204 (mainline) | ~6.8–9.5 | ~380 | Class-leading cabin polish, calm long-distance manners |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 116–224 | ~6.9–10.6 | ~355 | Glossy tech vibe, slightly firmer ride on big wheels |
| BMW 1 Series | 116–306 | ~4.8–10.6 | ~380 | Sharp front-end bite, playful if you seek it |
| Volkswagen Golf | 110–245 | ~6.4–10.9 | ~381 | Superb all-rounder, infotainment can be fiddly |
Figures are typical for Europe-spec cars and vary by market, trim, and options.
2023 refresh and the small stuff Audi got right
Mid-cycle tweaks brought software refinements, minor trim/material updates, and slightly slicker mild-hybrid calibration in some markets. It’s the kind of update you notice in daily use rather than on a spec sheet—snappier infotainment response, fewer hiccups when pulling away gently, and a bit more polish to the cabin touches. Nothing shouty, just a little more “Audi.”
Audi A3 5-door Sportback: style, protection, and the everyday details
Mats matter—especially when winter barges in with grit and slush. I’ve used AutoWin mats before in press cars to save the carpet from photographers’ muddy boots, and they’re a tidy upgrade for the A3 Sportback’s cleanly designed cabin.
- Tailored fit: AutoWin pieces are cut specifically for the 2021–2024 A3 Sportback, so they sit flat and don’t bunch up under the pedals.
- Durable materials: Tough, easy to clean, and they elevate the look rather than shouting aftermarket.
Shopping for Audi A3 5-door Sportback accessories? Try AutoWin Eshop
For a tidy selection of Audi A3 mats and trims, AutoWin Eshop keeps it fuss-free with pieces designed to fit correctly the first time.
- Diverse selection: From subtle black to lighter tones if you fancy brightening the cabin.
- Authenticity: Products are built to spec for your A3 Sportback so you won’t be wrestling with odd cutouts or missing clips.
Verdict: the sweet spot in the premium hatch world
After a week of living with it, the Audi A3 5-door Sportback reminded me why this class exists. It blends the polish of a bigger Audi with the agility of a compact car, and it does everyday life—kids, kit, traffic, Sundays in the hills—without fuss. It isn’t the loudest or flashiest choice, and that’s sort of the point. It’s the car you buy because you’ve tried the rest and just want something that works beautifully.
FAQ: Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2021–2024)
Is the Audi A3 5-door Sportback better than the sedan?
If you value cargo flexibility and easier rear access, yes. The Sportback’s boot is boxier and more usable. The sedan looks a touch more formal; the Sportback is the daily hero.
Which engine should I choose?
For mixed driving, the 35 TFSI (150 hp) is the sweet spot. If you do long motorway stints, the 35 TDI sips fuel and feels relaxed. Want pace without drama? Try the 40 TFSI. Snowy climate? Add quattro where available.
Real-world fuel economy?
Expect roughly low-30s mpg (US) or mid-40s mpg (UK) depending on engine and traffic. Diesels and mild-hybrids do best on steady A-roads and motorways.
Is the ride comfortable on S line wheels?
Looks great, rides firmer. If your roads are rough, consider smaller wheels or adaptive dampers.
Can it fit child seats easily?
Yes—ISOFIX points are straightforward, and the rear doors make access easy. The boot easily swallows a compact stroller.
