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Audi A3 Sportback · AUDI AG; A201889; 03/03/2020 press configuration. front three-quarter view, Atoll blue 35 TFSI configuration.

Audi A3 Sportback
Photo 1 of 19

Audi A3 Sportback · AUDI AG; A201889; 03/03/2020 press configuration. front three-quarter view, Atoll blue 35 TFSI configuration.

Audi · A3

A3 Sportback

Released May 2020

The fourth-generation A3 Sportback premium hatchback, sold with petrol, mild-hybrid, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines plus the S3 and RS 3, suited to buyers who want a Golf-sized car with an upmarket cabin.

Body
Hatchback
Powertrain
Petrol, Mild hybrid, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
Power
114–395 bhp
Range
87 mi
Boot
380 l

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the A3 Sportback is refined, comfortable and well rounded to drive, with a solidly built interior and a choice of efficient engines, including a long-range plug-in hybrid. The common criticisms are costly top trims and options, average rear space and a firm ride on sports suspension; Autocar found the steering short of feel.

From autocar.co.uk, whatcar.com, autoexpress.co.uk, carwow.co.uk and parkers.co.uk

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain
Petrol, Mild hybrid, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
Power
114–395 bhp
0–62 mph
3.8–9.9 s
Top speed
127–174 mph
Engine or motors
1.5-litre four-cylinder TFSI (116 or 150 PS; 48V mild hybrid with S tronic), 2.0-litre TDI diesel (150 PS), 1.5 TFSI e-hybrid plug-in hybrid (204 PS system output), 2.0-litre TFSI (333 PS, S3), 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI (400 PS, RS 3); bhp converted from Audi's PS figures
Torque
220 Nm (116 PS), 250 Nm (150 PS TFSI), 360 Nm (TDI), 350 Nm system (e-hybrid), 420 Nm (S3), 500 Nm (RS 3)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic; 6-speed S tronic on e-hybrid
Drive
Front-wheel drive; quattro four-wheel drive on S3 and RS 3

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP)
87 miles
Battery
19.7 kWh
Fastest charging
50 kW
Economy (WLTP)
30.1–256.8 mpg
Range detail
e-hybrid WLTP electric range: up to 87 miles combined, depending on trim
Charging
e-hybrid has a 19.7 kWh net (25.7 kWh gross) battery; Audi UK lists 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC (10–80% in 26 minutes). Its UK battery table labels 25.7 kWh as net, contrary to Audi's technical sheet and press release.
Efficiency
WLTP combined: 47.2–50.6 mpg (116 PS manual), 50.0–53.7 mpg (116 PS S tronic), 46.8–50.2 mpg (150 PS manual), 50.3–53.9 mpg (150 PS S tronic), 56.9–58.2 mpg (TDI), 217.3–256.8 mpg (e-hybrid); depends on trim
CO2 emissions
119–138 g/km (TFSI), 127–130 g/km (TDI), WLTP combined

Practicality

Body
Hatchback
Seats
5
Boot
380 litres
Length
4,352 mm
Width
1,816 mm
Weight
From 1,345 kg
Boot
380 litres, 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded; 280/1,100 litres (e-hybrid), 325/1,145 litres (S3), 282/1,104 litres (RS 3)
Towing
Up to 1,300 kg braked (116 PS), 1,500 kg (150 PS), 1,600 kg (TDI)
Size
4,352 mm long, 1,816 mm wide, 1,441 mm high (RS 3 4,381 x 1,851 mm); weight is Audi UK's unladen figure, 1,345 kg (116 PS manual) to 1,655 kg (e-hybrid)

Tech and safety

Infotainment
12.8-inch MMI touch display and 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus in a curved panel on the 2026 update; MMI navigation from Sport trim
Driver assistance
Rear-view camera with parking system plus; matrix LED headlights and head-up display optional
Safety rating
Euro NCAP 5 stars (2025 reassessment); adult occupant 86%, child occupant 81%, vulnerable road users 76%, safety assist 74%
Warranty
High-voltage battery 8 years or 100,000 miles (e-hybrid)

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Engines from 116 PS to the 400 PS five-cylinder RS 3
  • e-hybrid covers up to 87 miles on electricity (WLTP) with 50 kW DC charging
  • TDI returns up to 58.2 mpg (WLTP combined)

Cons

  • Boot shrinks from 380 litres to 280 in the e-hybrid and 282 in the RS 3
  • Only the S3 and RS 3 have quattro four-wheel drive
  • The mild-hybrid system comes only with the S tronic automatic

Closest rivals

Model
BodyPowertrainPowerRangeBootReleased
Mercedes-BenzA-Class Hatchback
HatchbackMild hybrid, Petrol134–416 bhp–350 lMay 2018
PeugeotPeugeot 308
HatchbackHybrid, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid, Electric129–193 bhp54–279 mi412 l2021
VauxhallAstra
HatchbackPetrol, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, Electric129–193 bhp52–281 mi–Nov 2021

Sources

  1. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/a3-sportback/configurator
  2. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/a3-sportback/design-and-specification
  3. media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/uk/en/models/asset/dimensions/A3%20Sport…
  4. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/a3-sportback-e-hybrid
  5. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/a3-sportback-e-hybrid/layers/battery-details
  6. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/a3-sportback-e-hybrid/battery-and-range
  7. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/s3-sportback/configurator
  8. audi.co.uk/en/models/a3/rs-3-sportback/configurator
  9. audi.com/en/audi-s3-sportback-21
  10. audi.com/en/audi-rs-3-sportback-22
  11. audi.com/en/press-releases/more-powerful-and-efficient-than-ever-the-new-a3-spo…
  12. audi.com/en/press-releases/upgrade-for-audi-a3-models-18028
  13. audi-mediacenter.com/en/more-dynamic-than-ever-the-new-audi-a3-sportback-2020-1…
  14. emea-dam.audi.com/adobe/assets/urn:aaid:aem:1526edc9-240b-43a4-942c-9f6d21143b7…
  15. media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/nz/assets/specifications/2025/september/…
  16. media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/au/en/models/a3/rs-3-sportback/content1/…
  17. euroncap.com/assessments/audi/a3/1149

Photo: AUDI AG; A201889; 03/03/2020 press configuration. front three-quarter view, Atoll blue 35 TFSI configuration.

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