Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE 5dr Car Review - April 2013

The A3 has always been a great car to drive, and although the 1.4 litre engine isn't the biggest in the range, it packs plenty of punch for most drivers, and offers good fuel efficiency figures too. Acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved swiftly in only 9.5 seconds, while the top speed of 126mph is going to be more than enough for most drivers. The suspension offers a good balance between feel for the road and comfortable ride, meaning it is great to drive without being excessively bumpy or uncomfortable.

Inside the car there is plenty of space for all drivers, and the seats and steering wheel can all be adjusted to suit the individual. The extra length of the car doesn't affect visibility too much, with the mirrors offering a good view of surrounding traffic.

The A3 has been around for over fifteen years now, and in its most recent design upgrade the car has been given a more dynamic look, with slightly more angular headlight clusters that improve the look of the front end. Despite being slightly longer than the standard A3, the Sportback doesn't suffer much in terms of the exterior looks, with the same large grille and sleek lines that run nicely along the length of the vehicle. Alloy wheels are included as standard even on this lower-spec model, which also helps to complete the stylish look of the car.

The SE equipment level is the most basic on offer with the A3 Sportback range, but still comes with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a hands free phone kit and air-conditioning. Extras such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seats and parking sensors are all optional extras.

The additional space in the A3 Sportback makes it the perfect choice for those with a growing family, while the extra space in the back of the car means it can carry larger or bulkier items. The legroom in the rear of the car means it is practical for carrying four adults without having to squeeze them in, while the engine can handle the extra weight of a full car with ease.

The A3 has the usual range of airbags, while ESP, traction control and ABS are all fitted as standard. Audi has a reasonable reliability record on the whole, while the interior of the car does give the impression of a quality well built car.

The A3 will always be compared with its Volkswagen Golf rival, especially since they are from the same German stable with many shared features and parts. The list price of £19,825 is a little higher than the Golf, but for many people the additional reputation of the Audi brand makes it a worthwhile consideration. Audi vehicles are also noted for retaining their value well, which is another positive point for the A3.

The insurance group for this version of the A3 is quite reasonable meaning that premiums should be fairly good for most drivers, while the average fuel efficiency of 53.3mpg is not bad at all for a car of this size. The car is delivered with a warranty of 60,000 miles or three years, and also comes with a three year RAC policy, which is certainly a reassuring feature.