2020 Audi A3 Sportback Review: Just A Fancy Ford Focus?

[@dovy7329]

What idiot thought it was a good idea to get rid of the volume knob? What a silly gimmick to replace it with a touch sensitive circle

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Honda did that, then went back to physical!

[@stiggel]

I don't get it either. Car manufacturers are arguing, that we are all used to touchscreens now, so everything has to be done that way. Funny thing is, the only physical buttons left on most phones are the volume controls so that you can operate them without looking. Go figure.

[@uluchay]

Most do it because less moving parts means less things breaking down. They are also (probably) much cheaper to produce. I have the 8v and that volume control rarely gets used, you just use the one on the steering wheel.

[@rayjansen6744]

Same guy that invented the mobile phone and was declared crazy at that time...... just embrace the change, if they make the sensitivity changable it's perfect

[@andycrabbe408]

There's still a 'normal' control on the steering wheel....

[@simionster]

Rory is one of the best reviewers in the business. Excellent review.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

Seen them all, have you? Expert in the review business, are you? He's one of the worst I have ever seen and I've probably seen more of them than you.

[@slideways8022]

The Plutonian Envoy To KZbin justification is required

[@RH-vd3yu]

@@LouisWinthorpe622 who asked?

[@mattleistner313]

Looks way better than the Golf 8!

[@Ssh52]

@@zKdogg yeah but it is based on the same platform

[@swanblake]

Very low bar though

[@davidlewis4399]

Golf looks well old fashioned German design at it's worst.

[@Floyd_ish]

Well, you don't need much to look better that Golf... :) To be honest it's hard to make a worse looking.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Definitely at least 100% nicer looking.

[@faizjalal5600]

Cant wait for the rs3 sportback and buy it 15 years from now when petrol is illegal

[@davidlewis4399]

Will have broken down by then.

[@vomErsten]

Run it on ethanol.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

Hiralious

[@romips9839]

Use allinol

[@yes8032]

They won’t be illegal but just not popular unless you’re an petrolhead like me

[@-DC-]

Rory is killing it always enjoy his reviews 👊

[@dadymilou6070]

i want answer Who best A3 2020 Or GOLF 8

[@hlavutelo]

He must criticize where necessary, i personally feel like he never criticizes any car

[@neiljoseph904]

Great review, AutoTrader. I watched this first because Rory is my favourite motoring journalist ✊🏽

[@slideways8022]

Kulo kulothungan for the new model or off the old one?

[@ambitionsskyyyy]

Manufacturers carrying on this crazy trend of ‘fake exhausts’ 😖

[@GundogJake]

ambitionsskyyyy Nothings going to change that for diesel cars, it’s necessary to allow for the excessive heat during dpf regen.

[@pokest225]

And fake vents

[@Taylor40667]

The Can’t Hardly PlayBoys how? Weve had cars with normal exhausts to the back with dpfs for years. Most care have normal exhausts on the back. Its just audi look at the s6 👀

[@Max-ci6vr]

Taylor40667 yeah Merc and Audi are fake exhaust kings. But the S6 in north america has real exhaust. They weren’t able to give the S6 a petrol engine

[@richardrsr5341]

Yeah, with the S6, it's a scam. But if you buy a 150bhp diesel or petrol, you couldn't give less fucks about that. I hate them as well, but at a not sport model it's not that bad.

[@OriginalNoseBleed]

Going by the comments if Rory and Matt ever teamed up for a channel they'd be a motoring conglomerate lol😂😂

[@reds005]

This relatively standard Audi looks way more aggressive than the Golf GTI!

[@lukkas913]

It's a TDI with no performance in mind... do you really need that ''aggressive'' look??

[@reds005]

Lehotschi Lucas On the GTI yes.

[@MrTWICETHEPRESHA]

The GTI has always been about subtlety. You buy a GTI because it’s a great all rounder, looks restrained but can smash most hatchbacks at the lights. Even the R is understated and I think that’s a great thing. Too much emphasis these days is put on buying a shouty car and needing to shout about it. Gone are the day’s of say the E39 M5 which was a subtly gorgeous monster. Not everything has to look aggressive. Even if it is aggressive it doesn’t have to be so showy.

[@forza223bowe5]

GTI is not sporty, it’s a everyday warm hatch

[@arekb5951]

All show no go

[@ResidentAlien_]

I usually watch a lot of car reviews. Rory is the best. Period.

[@AutoTraderTV]

We're glad you think so!

[@holahovito11]

Him and Matt Watson

[@Ssh52]

*Chris harris wants to know your location*

[@opinionated_one8692]

@@Ssh52 Chris Harris is full of himself.....Don't like that guy.

[@CorleoneFam07]

@@holahovito11 Although Matt Watson's reviews are entertaining to a degree, I find them to be borderline childish at times. Also, the biggest issue with Carwow is the fact they received a £25M investment from Mercedes last year, so now I take their reviews with a pinch of salt.

[@holahovito11]

Matt Watson and Rory best reviewers 👍🏿

[@cs_044]

That volume adjuster I had on my old IPod 4 back in early 2000’s

[@brandonsmith2804]

CS_044 😂

[@jaymaster103]

Except that one actually worked well

[@dbergin92]

Surely there’s still one on the steering wheel

[@CristianoWilliams]

"Bring back knobs"

[@paulb8153]

I live next door to one.

[@CristianoWilliams]

Paul B Haha!!

[@Zero_Ninety]

I like knobs! Wait, that came out wrong...

[@thearousedeunuch]

Everyone loves a nice knob, am I right?

[@magnuswalker7957]

I love a nice knob

[@dadedraak]

If I could drive a car like this in like 5 years, I would be very satisfied.

[@raulrahaman9863]

3 more years left :)

[@xdaeq2]

I like the old interior better with the screen you can hide and those lovely round vents

[@douglasb.5601]

Yep, I own a current S3 and love the MMI with virtual cockpit and a control wheel. Touchscreens are hopeless in cars when you're driving. Audi have gone backwards with this new system IMHO.

[@dannywhite132]

I hate screens you can't hide. The only thing I don't like about my s3 is that the screen comes up by default, and I have to put it down every time I start the car

[@douglasb.5601]

Daniel White At least you can put it down...shame they couldn't make it selectable in the software.

[@dannywhite132]

@@douglasb.5601 I hear those Carly adapters can let you chose a lot of hidden options, loek the default setting for the screen. But I feel like using them may result in Audi seeing I've edited their software and I'd rather just press a button that lose a warranty

[@albertmatei8701]

@@dannywhite132 recently got the carly adapter. Its ok for diagnostics but terrible for coding. A lot of options but only a few work. Had to get needle sweep done on vcds

[@CarswithPilotTseno]

Great Job, Rory , always amazing to watch your videos!

[@adriankschan94]

‘I have OCD’ *throws wrappers all over the car

[@AutoTraderTV]

Meticulously ate every single one after the review. -Rory

[@ZeeshoWeesho]

Dare I say it? Rory might be edging Mat Watson.

[@sammitchell-henry5888]

ZeeshoWeesho never😂

[@dishamistry1213]

No way

[@ivancisic6164]

You are crazy

[@botswelemogotlane4082]

Not happening, they are both good in their own league

[@souravmmishra]

Never compare friends and professional rivals for fuck sake.

[@aidan9196]

"People buy one to feel good about themselves" sly dig at audi drivers

[@deadmarch101]

Aidan B the irony of putting this down in the comments to make you feel better about your broke ass self

[@JHS270694]

@@deadmarch101 Most people buy these on finance. I think the vast majority of people who buy brand new cars are broke tbh. At least, I don't think most people have £30k+ casually sitting in the bank for a new car. Not taking a dig at you, not my intention.

[@deadmarch101]

Icarus I mean I’m also broke but surely on finance you can get this for roughly the same monthly price as a Focus? And yeah, I know which one would make me feel a little more special going about my shite daily life

[@aidan9196]

@@deadmarch101 so true 😂

[@forza223bowe5]

I would rather buy a Ford Focus, even if it’s a poor mans Golf or A3

[@andycrabbe408]

Still has volume control on the steering wheel, as all the Audi's do....

[@wardancer400]

And every other car from the last 10 years..

[@Paul-gp3sn]

Great review, Rory goes from strength to strength 👍💪

[@bobbywilson5664]

Such a sexy looking car, side profile looks allot like the Ford Focus. The RS3 will look very nice in this new body.

[@grgfourtinas]

yeah ive seen leaked pics of the new Rs3 !! it looks soooo much better than th base A3

[@royalstevep68]

I have the current rs3 saloon, will be interesting to see the new one.

[@ryaneasterlow8247]

I’m not feeling it it looks like it should be part of the Q series cars

[@nash3001]

Ryan Easterlow front looks nice back looks strange

[@slapyatiddyho4002]

This is what happens when you're too lazy to design a distinct front end for all of your cars n run with one front end. Lack of creativity.

[@Vazin]

@@slapyatiddyho4002 So that applies for basically every car manufacturer out there? It helps save costs, time and manufacturing. Atleast Audi did something different with the Q8 and Q2.

[@sds2954]

Agreed. Its the rear which reminds me of the Q3

[@KING0SISQO]

Get without roof bars and it’ll feel a lot less “Q” like

[@WarriorsPhoto]

The design of this new Audi is stellar. I am very much interested in picking up one of these. Hopefully we get the diesel model here across the Atlantic. ;) Europeans are so lucky sometimes with your car choices.

[@MarshallsMusic]

Rory is such a pro with these reviews. Even the way it’s put together. It’s engaging and he covers all the key points to ownership. Excellent job Rory ! 👍

[@kam8165]

Autotrader be reviewing a Audi every second day 😂

[@KonstantinosDouros]

This guy presenting the review is cool! 👍 Mat Watson class! Well done!

[@juliusmabanga3849]

👍👍

[@ThatKiDwiththeDrums]

I love this dude!

[@TechnoLadz]

I never thought I’d hear someone say “Bring back Knobs” lmao

[@AntiiKid]

Was it just me, but Rory’s cross-eye’s had me distracted throughout the whole vid!😂😂

[@jonathannavarro4540]

i just pray the 5 cylinder stays in the rs3

[@jimbeam4736]

Somehow these videos lessen the burden of the quarantine.

[@jasonc7176]

Good to see Rory again! But in the class the A Class in unmatched

[@shanecolton3500]

Remember this chap from Top Gear, used to love his reviews....so clear he has a passion for cars and 'gets' it; ie what works and what doesn't, whats good and whats bad. Bring back knobs!!! so true but has me lmao here

[@Vanguardkl]

My favorite design is SEAT. never seen it in Asia where i am but those cars are the best designed. Under VW umbrella anyway

[@NA-mm5nb]

Just got a 118i m sport which is sick, also love this

[@NA-mm5nb]

Word of advice for anyone getting a car like this or similar. Having had a manual golf (7.5) and going to an auto in my new car I think it would be wise to get an auto as I find it a lot more enjoyable to drive. Obviously can be expensive but if you can spare the 20-30 pm I am sure you won’t regret it!

[@aadilfaizal853]

Rory. Ur just killing it with the new reviews

[@ziehmnkumane5861]

Once again, GREAT review Mr Reid. Keep up the good work. Amazing journalism.

[@nikskrbinc8293]

OMG sportback means that it isn't the 3 door version, but the 5 dor version

[@Raven16691]

There is no 3 door version. There is a classic sedan version which does not have any additional name, that's why this is called sportback.

[@jakbad7268]

Yeah Audi are confusing the sportback name now. It used to mean the 5 door version of 3 door cars but now the Q3 has 5 doors on both versions. Maybe with the A3 there will just be the sportback and saloon. Not sure what Rory meant about it having a sleeker boot, maybe there will be a 3-door with a more vertical rear.

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

Is the new interior sharp, angular, aggressive, striking? Sure. Is it pretty? No. Now the outgoing model? It had one of the prettiest interiors in its class.

[@superharold100]

5:00 I'm surprised so few have noticed the paint visible from inside the cabin. Very visible cost cutting measure and big step backwards from previous generation. Ps: it's BECAUSE reviewers don't mention this that brands get away with it

[@davidperry3531]

I agree, especially in this Tango Red paint I would always be seeing that and thinking - 'how cheap' - Arrgh! Previous A3 and current BMW 1 Series have this trimmed. Come on Audi.

[@tejzino1598]

When your in the cabin and driving it you won’t notice the the visible paint

[@nosleeppete5146]

Haha. Rory looked like he was having trouble with the volume. Just wait until he has to try doing it with his left hand when he has a UK right hand drive version.

[@dennisgelens6271]

Wow its looking good love the new audi look. And hoop soon the RS3 is goming af it.

[@mattsamuels3607]

Love Rory! Brilliant reviewer 10/10 prefer the Golf 8 personally ( I own a 2017 Audi A3)

[@TonyyHD]

You just gain one subscriber ! Clear explanation, nice editing

[@florisdaenens]

My favourite car review channel by far! Keep it up!

[@pauldecuyper8911]

Nice review! It will be interesting to compare the 1series , Aclasss and the A3.... My favorite is the A class (sharp design, better screen) The A3 had in my opinion a better suspension & feels better isolated from the outside noises.

[@Rio-xy9wn]

Nice review Rory...as usual.

[@richardermstrang]

What's with all the throwing stuff around?🤣😝 As usual, excellent review!👍

[@bestman81]

Mat from carwow does the same thing sometimes.

[@tinslade78]

Why a ford focus??It was always a fancy golf

[@EB720S]

A golf is even better than a focus

[@sjb2471]

E-B-M-M R-L not to drive it isn’t

[@davidlewis4399]

@@EB720S Focus is much nicer to drive.

[@Harpreet06]

This was a decent review but still a lot wrong. The sides are different to the current A3 but the current A3 side wasn't completely flat, it also had a crease, just not as big as this. The biggest issue I have with the review was when you got to the infotainment screen. No one thinks that the current A3 has a tablet glued to the dash, I think you're confusing it with the old A class. The current A3 has the screen that can retract and was largely complimented because of that. The current A3 also had a virtual cockpit option so that chip had to power both things too and did it well, so not sure why this one needs a 10x more powerful chip. Another issue I have was you mentioned fingerprints being the only problem, but there's the other problem of no MMI wheel and it being touchscreen only which is a big minus for me. For me its on the same level as that stupid volume control. It's strange because the new Q3 has a volume knob and close to the same interior, so why doesn't the A3?? Also the Q3 has a better gear lever in my opinion to that thing. At 5:00, you say, first of all, what's it like to drive, then go on to mention the controls/indicator/wipers/buttons having a nice weight to them, that doesn't really have much to do with how the car drives. The only common parameter it has with the Ford Focus is that its a hatchback too (Plus the A3 actually came out in 96 before the Focus did in 98), as you said at the start, it competes with the BMW 1 Series and Merc A Class, not the Ford Focus, so I'm not sure why you'd compare it to that.

[@nidalonso8692]

Imagine the same work in 4K quality. We're all stting at home with access to our big screens. Step up the game Rory. Salute from Jordan 🇯🇴

[@tj9382]

Great review, informative, interesting and peppered with just the right amount of humour. Spot on.

[@carlnicholls875]

Great review Rory, you're turning into my favourite car reviewer.

[@user-ft2md2gd4s]

Rory is the best car reviewer on internet in my opinion.

[@elsimoe7816]

what an amazing review by an amazing reviewer

[@Simon-nk7ji]

Mine gets delivered in 2 weeks. Can't wait. Best looking hatch on the market, but I'm bias. Audi are smashing design lately.

[@tiyiselanindobela1321]

The guy is good...his reviews are always on point. The car just kills the new golf dead...this Audi is 👌

[@runningnosejoe]

All my cars have volume knobs but I don't use them much. Maybe a few times in a year. 2020 A3 is a beauty.

[@bunnybuckypops]

Beautiful car 💙 ... I took the A1 out recently for a test drive, but am going for the A3 instead as it’s just sexy!

[@johnbradshaw5900]

It's a shame they forgot about interior touchpoint quality when trying to be premium. Cabin quality is a big step back from the old A3. And losing the MMI command wheel is another bit of cost cutting which is a massive step back. Audi should buy a Mazda 3 to see how to design a high quality ergonomic driver environment.

[@Adrianek81]

You can change volume on steering wheel also 😜

[@zeus1117]

Video well done! thanks

[@oleksandr6187]

Can you tell what area of southern Spain it was filmed in?

[@AutoTraderTV]

Granada

[@oleksandr6187]

@@AutoTraderTV thanks, great review man

[@Tefloncoated]

Good stuff again guys. Btw Rory, who told you to be more touchy feely?

[@paul-k5q5z]

brilliant review i love 2020 a3 i love audi a3s from every a3 theyve ever made its class.

[@vincevanderperre8660]

Yes

[@mathieucossette9019]

Best screen integration! In the industry!

[@T3KN0iD]

I use an 2008 8P Audi A3 Sportback S-Line Edition as my daily-driver with 125K miles. Still a blast to drive..

[@TheDilpesh]

Me too what a car 🙌🏼

[@NA-mm5nb]

What HP pal?

[@kevinho1922]

god i can't explain how much i need an audi in my life

[@qudusadeolaademiloye1713]

Nice detailed review, kudos

[@itsbrianfogg]

Great review 👏

[@milan8682]

Is the hud as standard?

[@weareallmadhere417]

Wish this would come to the states

[@verdeboyo]

Hey Rory a great review on the new model. I'm looking forward to the 2020 S3/RS3 review. I am still trying to get my head around the 'fake' tips though. Audi have really done a grand job 'beefing up' the bodywork with those S1 Gp B subtle accents here and there. Love it! I just don't get the fake tips, also found on the 2020 S4 (diesel).

[@MistaBrown420]

USA doesn't have fake tips and we don't have opf filter. My 2022 s3 has real quad exaughst which is so refreshing

[@verdeboyo]

@@MistaBrown420 Haha my S3 too Sir. Im on about the S4, which does, that was the only thing putting me off the bigger car

[@Amit_l92]

Good update overall from Audi. Looks better than the competition too. Roll on the new RS3.

[@gerardov.9716]

Very nice unfortunately this beauty won't be sold in the U.S.😔

[@homakwangu]

When are you doing a review for the Quattro version that has more HP?

[@SoLA489]

Will this version of the A3 be available in the USA?

[@ramonmartinez1428]

Sign and share the petition: chng.it/HQT2gbZ6b5 Looking to gain support for Audi to bring the Sportsback variation of the Audi A3, S3 and RS3 to the USA again for the New 2021/2022 model year. I was informed by [e-mail] on facebook to contact my local dealer for information regarding the future availability of the New Audi A3 Sportsback in the states. In a more recent inquiry I was informed the "Product Planning team continuously evaluates customer demand, and regularly updates the available line up to ensure that we have the products our clients want here in the United States." by Audi USA @Audi. As such I am trying to get my interest heard. Audi is listening "Our Product Planning team continuously evaluates customer demand, and regularly updates the available line up to ensure that we have the products our clients want here in the United States." contact #Audi and your local dealer and let them hear your voice! ([e-mail] or + 1 800 822 2834). Hope we can get our enthusiasm across and get the #Sportback to U.S. Soil!

[@jamiep61]

Great Video Review

[@joefattal7592]

My favourite channel 👍🏼

[@petergiannak7873]

nice review

[@B_Shala]

A great car, and a great review, as always. I reckon that one of the reason you enjoyed driving this car, was that, for a change, the steering wheel was on the right side 😂

[@AutoTraderTV]

Left. -Rory

[@B_Shala]

Right as in the right place.

[@voltagevillain7342]

Why is the steering wheel different to UK supplied A3s with a round centre section? I prefer the one Rory is testing here.

[@digni-care.finacialservsib3796]

The minute i saw those air vents i thought ro my self oh my god is that a urus air vents😂😂😂

[@طريقالنجاح-ص1خ]

Beautiful car 👌 i like it 😍

[@fodiltiger9200]

Good job guy 👍

[@theduke1066]

Is it just me, or does Rory swap his watch-wrist dependent on which side the camera is on? Nice review, nice collection of watches though! 😉

[@blogcarspassion]

there is the new audi A3 ? are you sure ?

[@Elaba_]

Does the flexible timing chain come as an option?

[@Kwameyoo]

**Sportback when referring to the A3 lineup just means it's a 5 door with a tailgate boot

[@JackKing12.]

1:35 saves time from cleaning the chrome exhaust 1:50 the old dash much nicer than this new one. It's all over the place...

[@Vazin]

I bloody love the looks of it. Definitely best in class.

[@rdoogie71]

I agree, Rory. "Bring back knobs!" Also, Audi, please bring this to the States. Thank you.

[@Dappadanz]

i like your trainers mate

[@dominicpowell9055]

When does the s3 drop ?

[@GamingCornerYT]

Fake exhausts 😭 the display is nice and finally touch! Not sure if the interior is slightly generic and doesn’t define the Audi characteristics .... , I’ll stick to my 8v s3 for now :) it also looks like a Q1/ Q2 ? good review

[@eu8y]

Beautiful car

[@ZoubeirsWorld]

Does it have ambient lights in the interior?

[@DivineArtemis]

I suppose so, either the small light package or the plus package (or no interior light package)

[@virtusio]

Yeah despite the obvious flaws (volume knob, terrible styling of vents, etc) on the exterior this looks so much better than the mk8 vw golf