Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) review - Carbuyer

[@capoeira1357911]

Matt before car wow days

[@Ap0caLyPSe972]

These wheels : just no. But the car : YES!

[@SeyiB]

I've been waiting for mat to review this car for so long... Great Job

[@ACS607]

100% Agree with you. The fact that the Leon has improved so much to the point that it is on par with the A3 and the Golf means that the only one you need is the Leon. The Leon FR 189bhp tdi is in my opinion, the best c seg hatchback on the market right now.

[@samuelochola4625]

Mat you are fond of criticising cars based on Load Lip. However, I think the Load Lip is ingenious. If you have more load in the boot, it helps support any heavy load that moves around from putting pressure on the boot door.

[@SIMPLEGUYS90]

my mom has this car and it is long lasting has great space and a secret storage compartment in the middle sit and we've had it since 2016

[@panagiac]

lol i laughted so hard when you jumped into the back of the car. Nice review dude

[@uknownuknown3431]

🤣🤣

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review Mat. Your review fits perfectly to this car.

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

Beautiful car, well built, competition does not stand a chance. Quality in and out, brilliant!

[@EnviroMr]

About time we had a new car review by Matt!

[@87stefrider]

Thumbs up for the introduction of the sandwich, witch is a pleasant new edition to the Car Buyer's cabin storage test :)

[@KuldarJ]

IS THAT MAT WATSON FROM CARWOW???!?!?!?!?!?!?!? damn he hasn't changed at all

[@benanderson89]

No, you've done it backwards. The US gallon is smaller, therefore the total number would be higher. 54 Imperial Gallons is 64 US Metric Gallons. approx. 0.8 imperial to 1 metric. 54 x 1.2 = approx. 64

[@orion1983uk]

With regard to everyday stuff we (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) use the metric system. With regard to cars however, we still use miles per hour and miles per (imperial UK) gallon, although we use litres at the petrol pumps. Car literature here generally states both miles per gallon and litres per 100km figures. All cars in the UK have the ability to display their speed in miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Its actually not confusing.

[@luismdelangel]

I missed your reviews Matt!

[@carbuyer]

Mat here and I am first so no one else can be. ha ha ha....

[@1cb877]

Sadoo

[@andydeng8218]

Can’t wait to drive mine. Just bought it and I’m going to wait 3 months for it. Had to buy 1.6 TDI since I drive about 20,000 miles annually...

[@RXS1094]

How was it during this time? I am just thinking aswell to purchase one, I like it so much

[@andydeng8218]

@@RXS1094 ​@RoxanaGulaci well this was a blast from the past. Heres my honest review. The A1 was a smoother and nicer ride. The A3 is a harsher ride for sure which i didnt appreciate fully. I know now what type of drive i want which is comfort over performance which the A1 provided more than the A3. The clutch is stickier, brakes are harsher, and the suspension is true to german roots, its hella hard. This is personally how i felt over the years and moved towards the S class Mercedes now. Again, some prefer performance over comfort and thats fine, turns out it just wasnt for me.

[@RXS1094]

@@andydeng8218 thank you for your feedback! 🤝

[@matamatem]

my mother drives a 2008 B 150 and she loves it for several reasons: 1) comfortable seats 2) high driving position thus better visibility 3) VERY light power steering 4) rear seats r spacious 5) other things which u may get in other cars as front and rear parking sensors and panoramic sunroof :D P.S. the only thing i dislike about this car is -how to say it- its steering diameter, which may put u in awkward situations (e.g.in narrow U-Turns) hope this helps in taking ur decision.....

[@bonkle_boi]

I'm talking about gearheads, not people like you who think "cars are to be safe". driving a RWD car along a twisty road is much more satisfying than driving a FWD car, because for reasons that cannot be explained, oversteer is far more enjoyable than understeer :D Now, i'm not saying that i'm a dumbass that drifts all around my city, but that slight sensation of the rear end letting go, and PUSHING you around the corner as you accelerate,is what brings a smile to the face of those who ENJOY cars

[@Robin_R.]

I wonder if you are going to have an Audi A3 Saloon review

[@jpchevron]

Sedan.

[@zoraebsaleem5527]

mat watson looking real thicc in 2013

[@amanijacobs444]

this isn't the SE model its the sport trim

[@sdogsdog9136]

Amani Jacobs IKR

[@AudioGraphics]

3:25 he's Driving the Sport version not the SE

[@NewCarReview]

This scares me most, going to fast into a corner is one thing but lift off oversteer is something I would not always remember to avoid as a rookie

[@impulsemediauk]

Have you even driven or compared the new one to the old one? A world of difference. I have the new A3. The golf is ridiculous, you have to strain your eyes to work out if its the new one or not. The new A3 shape has changed quite a bit when you see it on the road - the same can't be said for the Golf (with its cheap interior).

[@glorious_help]

Couldn't agree more... I own one and its not dull or boring at all..

[@max7bg98]

You said, you pay for this car more than for a VW only because of its badge, and I am wondering have you ever compared VW and Audi? That's entirely new world, something that you cannot compare. Everything is different and made with better quality than VW. Where VW has two screws, Audi has 4, everything is much much better, even noise protection is much better on Audi.

[@Memories-_]

Djordje Lukic The A3 definitely looks better than a Golf

[@kubaniec41]

It's much much better than golf polo and whatever you want, it's interior is completely new and made of high quality materials

[@nemanjalukic4493]

Objasni ti njima Dorjde

[@EdvardHolst]

Ive ordered my A3 Sportback and was conflicted on whether to go for the standard suspension or the sportier one (not the S-Line one). In the end I went for the sport suspension, and without having driven the standard suspension, I dont feel like the sporter suspension ruins ride comfort.

[@Maky313]

The people of the Internet thank you for this.

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

Already been compared to a class merc and 1 series and beaten them, has won 2013 world car of the year together with golf so i am sure it has no worries at all.

[@Alendi11]

this is the car i'm gonna buy when i get my promotion

[@Underhills]

+Tinkuman28 But your boss will always get the A6 Allroader. Always a step ahead.

[@BM_PAZ]

Did you get your promotion?

[@omarballis8898]

ian7675 yeah, did you?

[@Alendi11]

luckily yes. drives like a dream

[@ekksiele286]

Did you get your promotion

[@BestCarSound]

This A3's interior is the best of all cars IMO!!

[@paulsikora5623]

a great review matt m8 and yes dont you just want one,i love all generation audi a3s.😁

[@ranp237]

1) - UK gallons are bigger than silly little US gallons: 1 UK Imperial Gallon = 4.55 litres 1 US Liquid Gallon = 3.79 litres 2) - UK mpg figures will be calculated using the EU's methods, the US mpg figures will be calculated using the EPS's methods. They are different, and the different cycles (Urban, Extra-Urban and Combined for the EU, City and Highway for the EPA) don't directly compare. Neither sets of figures actually replicate real-world driving,

[@benanderson89]

54mpg is quite run of the mill in europe. Turbo Diesel engines have around 50% of the market here, and those can get up to the 70s or 80s. The Kia Rio has the best non hybrid turbo diesel engine at time of writing, returning 88mpg (about 105 US gallons). Its pig dog slow and only 3 pot however. 15s to 60. I'm driving a turbo diesel Nissan Juke right now with a 10 gallon (12 US) tank. At the halfway point in sports mode I've done 200 miles.

[@napoleonsicilian7049]

Just my personal opinion. I have an A3 and I love it. I don't compare it with BMW or Mercedes because I haven't driven the other two, and I am not going to do the comparison. Everyone's feeling and taste are different.

[@pobbleberthumperdink]

Misleading, you don't get climate control in the SE model it's a £390 option

[@6r4ff3r]

You can order the 30-pin-to-lightning port converter for iphone 5. And A3 is not only a Golf with rings on the front.

[@hunker7photovideo]

So what you are saying is that built quality in Audi is the same as in Golf?

[@RomainSandt]

dosen't look so much like the old one. The old one was a, old Audi trying to look like it's bigger sisters. This one is born with the single frame, the LED lights, the GPS & MMI integrated. The old A3 was an updated with Single frame, LED, GPS integrated as they could. Here every thing is well made from the start. It's like saying the new Vanquish looks like the old one... yes shure, but sit in it, start it look closer... you will see the 10 years between them.

[@janrdoh]

The VAG group has actually fired all of it's car designers as a cost saving measure and just kept on a skeleton crew to make minor adjustments to their cars looks. That is why every model looks just like the last one.

[@kenneth_pilegaard]

Yes, I do. The Audi A3 is only that good, because the Golf as a platform is that good. Add to that, that the Golf is a much more original car. It's an icon. Rebadging it as an Audi and adding more expensive materials may make it feel more luxurious, but doesn't give it more character. That's why I would pick the Golf over the A3. Even though it's sold in much higher numbers, somehow the Golf feels more special. That said, I prefer the new A-class to both of them, but that's a different story. :)

[@joeedwards3604]

Luv theese reviews

[@joppetie]

Good review!

[@efebaba92]

you cant just say "you pay more because of its badge". okay it may be a production of vw group but its totally different from a rubbish golf. in your case, we must say that you pay much more money for a bentley because of its badge, we shouldnt forget that bentley also uses vw engine, transmission and other stuff.

[@bestman81]

u are right i think Mat was wrong to say underskin its a VW

[@jakehayes1998]

@@bestman81 I find VW golf is normally more expensive nowadays.

[@ShaunJW1]

I purchased a Audi A3 tfsi sportback, and there are small niggles. There are 2 small scratches on the door trim, and there is a small rattle from the front door from a small tear in the door trim. Has anyone else had these kinds of issues, does all new cars have small little things like this?

[@MultiIdentity]

How much is this car going for if i were to buy the 2013 model in 2015 ? looking to buy a used 1.4 some point next year

[@YBJ2008]

All these cars have iphone/ipod connectivity. What about the Android and BB users?

[@Slimecrazy234]

54 miles to the european gallon is equivalent to 44 miles to the US gallon. If this car were rated in the US it would probably be rated for even lower since the testing criteria are more strict.

[@Narrowcros]

Go you'r local Audi dealership and order it, may take up to 3 months to arrive but you got it

[@Str8representing]

You pay more for the Audi not because of it's badge, but the interior, exterior and probably materials. If the skeleton is the same, but the skin is different, it doesn't mean both should cost the same.

[@ricardodasilva3426]

A3 is miles better than a golf! That’s why is more expensive, that is it...

[@elukok]

I love this one. Looking great, both out and inside. Especially in red. Only the price is a bit higher for a golf-like car.

[@leedstao]

If you don't have a ip5 connector, you can't charge the phone. And BT drains the battery quicker.

[@JB73691]

Power to the A3.

[@derbigpr500]

The point of an Audi is having a car that is perfect in every single little detail, but if you're ready to pay for it.

[@montystevens1949]

I've had an audi tech at the dealership tell me that the software on the A3 is slightly turned up from the golf. Can anyone validate this? I own 2 A3's, a 2007 premium plus fwd and a 2012 Sline Quattro. I also own a 2012 volvo C30 Rdesign platinum edition. The C30 is very comfortable and handles really well along with a pretty nice sound system, but the A3 does feel alot more solid and definitely faster with less hp. I've also had NO reliability issues what so ever on either one of these cars and I drive them really, really hard everyday. In fact, the only thing that I've ever had to replace was a pcv valve($50), diverter valve ($138) and a window regulator ($105) on my '07 A3 after all of these years and miles (115k) of owning it. I have an '04 350z that I had to rebuild the engine ($3500) after only 48k miles on it...and people bash on German reliability...smh.

[@BarcaboyRo]

hey Mat, in your opinion the Golf Mk7 or audi a3 sportsback?

[@tomdeleener2924]

Come on Mat, we want the Seat Leon review!!!

[@seralewanuya4600]

More of Matt please! K - back to the car. Don't like Audis. Don't understand the point of them, but then I have never been one to understand badges or brands or names.... Still, nice practical car.

[@orion1983uk]

England (and indeed the whole of the UK) adopt both the metric and imperial systems.

[@jamiroquai01fan]

I NEED an Audi A3 Cabriolet - wondering if there will be a Carbuyer review of it?

[@AboveandBeyondAviation1]

Great review..please review Mazda Atenza Hatchback

[@markaloo4224]

1:43 Those air vents are looking right through my soul.

[@GyurkaGyurka86]

If anyone owns this car.. May I ask you about the avg oil consumption? I read horror stories about the oil-drinking of TFSI engines.. both 1.4 and 1.8.. thanks in advance..

[@promise4599]

GyurkaGyurka86 I own the 1.8 TFSI variant and I have never had any oil problems mate. Very reliable car.

[@nicolasbozzo2364]

For the iPhone you can get an adapter and it will work fine

[@1rustyb]

If you have an iPhone 5, you can use the headphone / Aux Jack that us Samsung users do. Oh wait, I think Apple made a deal with Audi, NO AUX JACK. At least that's the way it was with my 2013 A8. Bluetooth only. Every now and then you get a "crack" in your music.. Wires are still the best..

[@24HEPHAISTO]

I disagree that its the same as a golf and only the badge is different. I dont think you will get the exterior/interior quality and materials on the same level between these cars...

[@mert2mert]

Matt, is the iphone connection thing same as this one in the new Kuga?

[@Luisgtm95]

looks really similar to the old one, but that one looked quite nice so I dont see the problem

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

hahaha I had never seen a car reviewer jump into a car's boot to demonstrate how big it is lol

[@Sherukka]

Booring dash in this Audi and the feel of the quality is not there in my opinion. Best of these 3 very, very, similar VW-group cars is in my opinion the Seat Leon FR which handles best and is overall the best one on road. The feeling of the quality is the same in Golf, Leon and A3 but it might be that someone prefers some plastic more over other types of plastic? ;) Bit disappointed by the lack of premium feel in the Audi A3 but it is a small car so you have to save your bucks somewhere?

[@lukasreuter8835]

what does absoloutely huge miles mean in your sense? Is 30.000km/year huge or is it not?

[@Mcurleyhair]

I could watch Mat all day!! ;-)

[@messin1000]

54 mpg = 45mpg in America also American cars seem to have less power and they hate diesels so don't expect good mpg

[@Ikesthetic]

UK MPG is different from US MPG :) 54 UK MPG is around 44 US MPG.

[@edzefe]

Just bought one! But i need to wait till the paperwork is done:(

[@brucewayne4749]

The exterior is beautiful.

[@Danial0152]

Good review. Buy a 1-Series because it's RWD. Save alot of money and just a buy a Golf 7 (same car technically)

[@ExtremeEn3rgy]

omfg i love this car so much i annoy people when i say that when i have money the only car i wil want is an a3 i duno this car speaks to me ffs so beautiful omfg

[@kainekitchen4865]

Did you get an A3 then?

[@kenneth_pilegaard]

Very good and honest review. Boring car. I'd pick the Golf or, if I had the money for it, the Merc A-class.

[@lamb007611]

It looks completely different to the old one

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

All that included has been tested already, and Audi A3 won already. "2013 What Car? Car of the Year winner - Audi A3 Sportback, The Audi A3 Sportback - What Car? Car of the Year 2013"

[@kingrofty]

Really love Mat's reviews. Didn't expect the fruitcake stunt where he jumped in the boot. Another good review.

[@123MARTIN45]

In some ways i prefer the Golf, but if I had the money for any of them I would end up buying a A3

[@ChrisHepburn]

A gallon is different in the UK and USA.

[@JJVR46VLOGS]

Can't wait for the RS3 :)

[@lawlzownage]

so is the old one a better car, or the new one?

[@scottybarr1980]

Where are all their reviews shot??

[@cilvrado]

How the hell do the UK cars do 50-60 mpg while US equivalent models do just around 30 mpg?? Granted the 1 UK gallon is ~4.5L and US gallon is ~3.8L, still the UK mpgs are substantially higher. I don't get it!

[@edzefe]

My mommy wants to buy a new car. Which is best? A3 sb. V40 or merc.b series ( she comes from 2005 a3 sb.

[@micul24]

This is like over 12 years now. I'm only bothered about the statement you said, that audi A3 and VW Golf are the same car under the skin. You couldn't be more wrong. Audi, in general, are built from way better materials, and their soundproofing is a totally different game and level. Audi is in the premium segment. Volkswagen is in standard. But I hope you've learned that by now

[@shantanuchatterjee9056]

Does A3 sportback come with a spare wheel ?

[@lawhitey]

This is actually the sport specification and not the se, carbuyer get it right I like your videos but not when you get the minor things wrong.

[@bonkle_boi]

Of course, safety is still the #1 priority, and nothing can change that. i'm not encouraging, promoting, or trying to justify unsafe driving, in any way. :)

[@tidgney]

Can you review the RCZ 2013 model please :)! Been waiting for a review of the new model for ages, and whatcar just completely blows compared to your reviews!

[@savvasxatzimixalis]

2:10 throwing the IPhone like it is rubbish.daamn haha

[@PnkjSharma1996]

is it good for hilly terrain?

[@milosilic23]

Golf 7 is cheaper speck for speck than the A3, and the only thing the A3 has going for it is a better badge, and more upmarket materials inside. Not that the Golf is filled with cheap materials, mind you. The engines are the same, the platform on which they are made is the same...

[@FalenGood]

What engine is exactly on review???? With how many hp???

[@kaihaslam3491]

Engine is a 1.4tfsi

[@FalenGood]

@@kaihaslam3491 I know that but they come in more versions of power