Audi A3 Sportback 2020 In-Depth Review - A Brilliant Premium Hatchback

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The premium compact car. If that concept means anything to you, then it's the car we look at here, Audi's A3 Sportback, that might well come to mind. True to the brand's Vorsprung durch Technik philosophy, this model once again aims to set fresh standards, incorporating a completely digitalised interior and cutting-edge infotainment, plus more unique light signatures, powerful engines and a suite of innovative assistance systems enveloped in a completely redesigned, yet immediately recognisable body. The result is a car that should show you just how far things have recently progressed in this segment.
Background
The Audi A3 firmly established the premium compact class in 1996. Now, more than a quarter of a century further on, the fourth generation of this highly successful model is ready to make its mark. These days of course, this Audi faces strong competition, but back in 1996 when we first saw the A3 model line, the idea of being able to move a car up-market in class and appeal without increasing its size was new and rather different.
Cynics dismissed it as a way of dressing up ordinary family hatches and charging a lot more for them. Customers though, loved the idea and by the time the second generation A3 arrived in 2003, BMW and Mercedes rivals had also arrived to swell the market. Initially, those two brands struggled to produce products good enough to overtake Audi and the result was that nearly a quarter of a million MK2 A3s were pounding global roads by the time the third generation model arrived in the Autumn of 2012. It sold for nearly eight years until this more cutting-edge MK4 model arrived.
Driving Experience
Everything about this car is designed to deliver on the concept of a Volkswagen Golf with just a touch more polish - and the driving experience it offers is no exception. If you're an A3 regular - or a graduate from a Golf - you'll find that this Audi now has even more of the mature drive dynamics you'll be looking for, helped by a fully digital at-the-wheel experience and the optional embellishment of hybrid power and self-driving tech. Differences with this MK4 design initially seem quite subtle, primarily centred around slightly sharper steering and handling that's now a little more responsive. That's thanks to a wider track and the introduction of a 'modular dynamic handling control system' that, based on steering movements, predictively co-ordinates interplay between all the car's dynamic systems - like a conductor with an orchestra - so the car can always be one step ahead of the drive inputs you want to make. As before, you'll need to avoid the lowest-powered petrol and diesel variants if you want the brand's suppler, more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up.
Ah yes, engines: they've evolved too: the two volume petrol units - a 110PS 1.0-litre three cylinder and the 150PS 1.5-litre four cylinder powerplant we tried - both get Audi's latest mild hybrid MHEV electrified tech, provided you order them with the 7-speed S tronic auto transmission that most A3 folk tend to want. That MHEV set-up sees an integrated 48-volt 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator powers a 12-volt main electrical set-up in which a 48-volt compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. If you don't care about Friends of the Earth, you can do better with the alternative conventional 30 TDI diesel model of course - which now develops 116PS using a larger, more efficient 2.0-litre unit with the brand's latest 'Twin Dosing' tech. There's also a 150PS 2.0-litre 35 TDI model option. The better eco-minded alternative though, is the 40 TFSIe Plug-in Hybrid, which mates a 150PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine to a 6-speed DSG auto gearbox, the combination working with an 85kW electric motor powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery which, when fully charged, can offer a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range of up to 41 miles. If you purely prioritise performance, you're more likely to be drawn to the S3 quattro hot hatch, which, as before, uses a 310PS 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol unit, which is now exclusively mated to S tronic paddleshift auto transmission.
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[@TheMisterB2u]

Another top notch comprehensive review!The most in depth and researched car reviews available on KZbin. Don't buy a car without first checking on OSV first !

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We're glad you enjoyed the review! Many thanks for watching 👍

[@breathtakingblue]

Love watching the bloke review cars. He aces it every time and makes it look very easy and it's not! Always enjoy these reviews!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the brilliant feedback, Dan 👌

[@sirbertramtriggertonks1341]

First time I've viewed this channel and I'm seriously impressed with this guy's knowledge and presentation skills.

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[@katiefletcher8728]

Very good well rounded review that doesn't pull the car to shreds like some reviews do!

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[@shaunhowells1064]

Great review, I have ordered one and you have put my mind at rest. Thank you 🙏

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's brilliant to hear, Shaun 👍 Did you order the vehicle through us?

[@ramdiane]

Great video. Please add bookmark/chapters within your videos for easy scrolling through the video. Well detailed and comprehensive otherwise. Thank you.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback Zee! We're working our way through older reviews adding timestamps 👍

[@Armed-Forever]

9:23 gorgeous car and really great review, pls never stop this style of review of diff angles of the car etc

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[@yes8032]

I love the looks of it it’s soo beautiful

[@amitpatel3055]

Just a note, on the BMW you don't need to pay for apple car play as a subscription. It is noted in the brochure that it is included as a lifetime subscription. There are additional idrive comms that do require a subscription though...

[@stelfrey1]

This is a very in-depth review for a novice like myself & it has helped in my choice of Audi A3. Thanks. 😊

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear, Godfrey! If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@macbookboy2]

Can you get this man to explain how he knows so much about cars!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

It's our job! 😂

[@richardvandervord832]

Superbly presented, comprehensive and helpful review. Want one... but which spec?!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Richard! Our team is on-hand to help you find the spec that's right for you 👍 Get in touch here: www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/

[@TG-pd3ft]

The 3dr is so much better looking in this class - shame no one makes them anymore

[@flexonroblox2713]

Great comprehensive review but in reality how many people use park assist?

[@dirckxd]

Ordered this one (not leased) instead of the Golf 8. Your review contributed a lot. Thank you.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Dave. Glad we could help! You can purchase vehicles from us as well as lease, so let us know when you're next in the market and our team will be more than happy to help 👍

[@GeoffSlack]

Just sounds like a PR directed advert to me

[@haridanspark]

Had my A3 for 7 weeks. It’s been towed back to dealer once and driven back to the dealer once. Constant warnings on virtual cockpit. Audi doesn’t seem to be able to fix. Now stopped responding to me. Apple CarPlay also doesn’t work and causes the MMI to constantly flicker whilst driving as Audi soft aware isn’t up to date enough. I absolutely would NOT recommend this car to anyone. This is my second A3 and be 8V was much nicer to drive.

[@JackKing12.]

Mine been alright since 11/20

[@toy2day1]

Better than A class, BMW new 1 series, Golf. Focus and Mazda 3 better to drive. This one looks cheaper than the previous A3 but it's a good car. Base trim for 30 TFSi in Greece is also value for money as well

[@jazzip2989]

beautiful German machinery... lovely 💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@robboles5233]

Great review!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching, Rob 👍

[@hsinwulau]

That's a very detailed review, thanks

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Hsinwu! If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@user-tz3wz7et8w]

love this car！

[@babijaneqv]

Glad to hear the Central Coast hasn’t changed .. epic potholes.. bumpy roads 😂😂

[@TheSweetVillain]

Love the exterior but I don't like the interior, it's a combination of airplane cockpit and a honda civic dash...

[@JackKing12.]

Detailed review

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Jack! Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@iancarne2529]

Please don't keep showing a picture every time another vehicle is mentioned!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback, Ian. We'll take this on-board 👍

[@evol3852]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Don't listen to this guy, for people who are new to the car world it is pretty great to at least have an idea of how a car that you're talking about looks

[@srsr1860]

Is this normal a3 aportback or is it prestige or S-line?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, are you interested in getting an Audi A3 Sportback? We're more than happy to explore your options to find the model that suits you perfectly. Fill-in this quick form and our Vehicle Specialists will get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@paulcave3646]

I hate my new a3 it's safety systems fight the driver constantly above 40mph

[@ManlyHK1]

1 litre, 16" wheels, non-independent rear suspension.... aren't these specs for cheap entry level Hyundais in the 80s???? What is the Product Planner thinking at Audi? In what way is this car/brand "premium" when you have this shit low specs????

[@chrisminshull-ln8vg]

I hate you tube, in a 20 minute video 15 ads

[@inefable995]

Too expensive 😮

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hello 👋 would you consider leasing as an alternative?

[@johnbradshaw5900]

I think this is a step back. Interior quality is worse than the last one (i think the Mazda 3 has a better cabin) and switching over to touchscreens by Audi is enough to put me off replacing our A6 with another Audi. I also think it feels very yesterday as EVs are improving rapidly and offer a much nicer driving experience, less environmental impact and lower running costs.

[@AJ-qi5tm]

Uglier than previous a3 outside and in and far worse looking than a class and 1 series

[@peterblomst1653]

So boring

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sorry to hear that Peter. We have a shorter version of this review which you may prefer! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJCrgKWoja9ssKs