Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A3 review - better than a BMW 1-series? - Interior and Tech

Audi’s posh Golf is a massive sales hit and it’s not difficult to see why, though rivals drive better

Evo rating
RRP
from £20,365
  • Beautifully designed, impeccably built and competitively priced premium hatch
  • All just a bit too grown up and sensible, needs a more playful side

Interior and Tech

Unquestionably one of the biggest draws of the Audi A3 is its interior. Even the entry-level models have an interior that’s exceptionally upmarket, bettering anything in its class, and many classes above it. Tactile materials, neat metal or gloss black detailing and the indulgent, obviously considered design of all the elements make for a cohesive whole. It’s difficult not to smile when you twist the air vents to open them, the A3’s cabin intelligent as much as it is contemporary and beautiful.

It's become even more appealing since the most recent update, as Virtual Cockpit is now available in some A3s. Just like the TT in which it debuted, this replaces conventional instruments with a high-tech TFT screen that displays both car data and useful info from the navigation system or infotainment setup. In terms of feel-good factor it immediately lifts the A3 above anything else currently available in the class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The seats offer fine comfort and plentiful adjustability, while the operation of the entertainment and information is all neatly integrated into Audi’s intuitive MMI controller. Space in the back, and access on this three-door, is a touch tight, though the boot’s class competitive on space - though doesn’t offer a completely flat loadspace with the seatbacks down. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025
Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines
Best sports cars 2025
Best cars

Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines

Sports cars are designed to do one thing above all else: put the driver at the centre of the experience. Morgan’s Supersport is the latest of the bree…
15 Apr 2025