Should you buy an Audi A3 Sportback? The pros and cons

If you want a premium hatch that feels properly upmarket, the Audi A3 Sportback is a great place to start. It has the right badge appeal, plenty of everyday polish and running costs that make sense for South African roads and fuel prices, but what about its drawbacks?

Pricing: What the A3 costs in SA

The range kicks off with the A3 Sportback TFSI S line, which is priced at R 808 200.

If you prefer the darker styling, the A3 Sportback TFSI Black Edition (seen below in yellow), comes in at R 834 500.

For context, the sedan versions are R 823 200 for the A3 sedan TFSI S line and R 849 500 for the A3 sedan TFSI Black Edition.

(The Mercedes-Benz A200 hatch in Progressive or AMG Line trim starts at R813 124.)

Read our Audi A3 sedan review here.

Key specs

Under the bonnet is a 1.4‑litre turbo‑petrol that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through an 8‑speed tiptronic automatic with steering paddles.

Audi claims 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and 5.8 L/100 km on the combined cycle, with CO2 from 138 to 139 g/km.

The tank holds 50 litres, and the quoted average range is about 862 km if you match the claim - but, we all know most cars aren't as frugal as most OEMs reckon (except Suzuki)!

Read our A3 Sportback TFSI Black Edition Review here. 

What the A3 Sportback does well

Thanks to that aggressive grille and well-executed design details, the A3 Sportback looks super athletic, like it could be an SQ or RSQ model! Especially if you pick a bright colour like this stunning Python Yellow. It grabs the attention like a much hotter version would.

The cabin looks and feels premium. The screens are crisp, the switchgear has that solid Audi click, and the S line trim gives it the right stance outside without being shouty. The no-cost Sonos 3D sound system with 15 high-performance speakers and a subwoofer sounds sublime, and the 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit is now standard equipment.

Check out the equipment in the Audi A3 Sportback here.

Everything is user-friendly and ergonomic, thanks to that German efficiency we know and love. I love the new layout, especially the gear selector design that eliminates visual clutter.

Daily driving is where it quietly impresses. The 1.4 TFSI is refined and flexible enough for city work and open‑road cruising, and the 8‑speed auto keeps revs low, keeping it relaxed and efficient on the highway. If you plant your right foot, it reacts with enough zeal. You can get yourself into trouble rather quickly, too, so employing cruise control is advised.

Running costs are sensible for a premium badge in SA. If you drive smoothly, you can get close to the fuel claim (we averaged around 6.2L/100 km), and the standard 5‑year or 100 000 km maintenance plan with a service indicator up to 30 000 km helps keep ownership predictable.

Practicality is another win. The hatch body is easy to park and load, and standard kit like LED headlights, digital instruments and front and rear parking sensors means it feels well equipped without dipping heavily into the options list. 

If you want a stealthier look, the Black Edition adds the darker styling pieces and privacy glass.

Check out standard specs for the Black Edition model here.

Where it may not suit you

If you want all‑wheel drive or a brawnier 2.0‑litre option in the local line‑up, the S3 Sportback range can give you that, but prepare to part with R 1 091 100 for the Sportback and R1 106 100 for the sedan version! 

Also, if your daily driving route includes rural roads, you may want to consider buying a Q3 instead of an A3. But to be clear, it is not Audi's fault that you live on a pothole-ridden route.

The A3's basic warranty is only 1 year with unlimited kilometres, which is shorter than some rivals', though the maintenance plan helps offset that.

Options in the A3 can add up quickly if you want Matrix LED headlights, a rear camera or three‑zone climate control.

Ride comfort is very decent, but on rougher tar, the 18‑inch wheels can pass some texture into the cabin, so choose tyres and spec with your commute in mind.

Performance is brisk rather than hot‑hatch quick, so if you are chasing thrills, you may have to spend considerably more for an S3 model.

Audi A3 Sportback vs A3 sedan

Mechanically, they are like‑for‑like. Choose the Sportback if you like the more compact hatchback shape, or pick the sedan if you prefer a more formal boot and silhouette. Pricing and equipment are closely aligned, so it really comes down to the body style you find most attractive and whether the 45 litres of extra boot space in the sedan is worth it. Below is the sedan in Black Edition trim.

What to check on your test drive

Follow your usual route and watch the trip computer to see how close you get to 6-7 L/100 km, which we found easy at the coast. Try the car on the same wheel and tyre size you plan to buy and make sure ride comfort works on your roads.

Test out the system's smartphone mirroring, the efficiency of the voice assistant, and the cruise control to see what these features will be like to live with on the daily.

Verdict: Should you buy one?

Yes, if you want a polished premium hatch that is easy to live with, efficient and genuinely feels special inside. The A3 Sportback nails the daily‑driver brief for German hatchback lovers and gives you premium quality.

If you need all‑wheel drive, extra power, or a longer standard warranty, consider the S3 range. But, if you want a classy, efficient, well‑specced premium hatch backed by a strong maintenance plan, the A3 is exactly that.

Did you know?

The entry-level Audi Q3 35TFSI costs R740 100, undercutting the price of the A3 Sportback TFSI S line by R68 100. Perhaps worth considering, right?