Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI long term test: composed hatch shows its class on difficult roads
Second report: our hatch is a perfect partner for two days of performance driving training in Yorkshire
Verdict
The Audi A3 Sportback S Line isn’t just a smart urban hatchback, it’s also a surprisingly capable companion on some of Britain’s most challenging roads. It may not be the fastest, but it offers precision, balance and control. Composed, refined and rewarding, the Audi encourages confident driving and quietly delivers more than expected.
- Mileage: 4,675
- Economy: 49.0mpg
Porsche, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Lotus, Audi. These are just a few of the legendary marques that the ‘godfather’ of high-performance driver training, Paul Ripley, has worked with over the years. His reputation for transforming drivers through a blend of precision, discipline and performance insight is well earned, and something colleagues at both Auto Express and sister brand evo have experienced first-hand.
So, when I had the chance to follow them with our Audi A3 Sportback a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t hesitate. This wasn’t about a leisurely drive – it was about real, technical driving. Observation. Planning. Hazard perception. Judgement. And ultimately, controlled, confident performance behind the wheel. A great opportunity to try out the A3.
North Yorkshire offers the perfect terrain to test both car and driver: a constantly shifting backdrop of narrow village lanes, unpredictable descents, open moorland straights and tight, winding B-roads that demand total concentration. Every corner, every crest, every blind bend was a challenge of strategic decision-making.
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Over two days of advanced driver training, the Audi A3 was an exceptionally well balanced partner. Despite not being the most powerful S line variant, our car’s 1.5 TFSI engine offered responsive, refined performance and the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission shifted smoothly and quickly. The paddle shifts are tactile and responsive without ever feeling gimmicky. On twisty Yorkshire roads, I found myself using them frequently, enjoying the immediacy and control they provided.
What impressed me most was the chassis composure. Even under pressure, on descents with shifting cambers or mid-corner bumps, the A3 remained sure-footed. The steering feel is precise, the ride firm enough but forgiving, and the balance between comfort and sportiness is genuinely impressive for a car in this segment. The A3 felt planted and predictable and well engineered for the type of spirited driving this training demanded.
The Audi’s fuel efficiency was a quiet overachiever too, despite covering hundreds of hard-driven miles. It’s a car built for everyday use, yet it didn’t feel out of place in this sort of training environment.
The second part of the course took us to a closed test track, where we covered braking points, weight transfer and slalom control. Here, again, the Audi surprised me. Its braking performance was consistent and strong, while the car’s balance through fast directional changes was superb. It proved to be a willing and capable partner. It’s not a track car, nor does it pretend to be, and yes, here it felt under-powered, but it held its own with confidence and control.
Lastly, I have to say Auto Express readers really are an amazingly knowledgeable and helpful group. The ink was hardly dry on my first report on the Audi before I was receiving feedback in my inbox. I’m pleased to say that the reaction to my initial assessment was positive – and I’m not the only person to name their cars, as lots of fantastic names from our readers proved!
However, I am also grateful to the various readers who pointed out that, contrary to my comment in the first report on the Audi, the A3 does have an auto-hold braking function.
It shows many of us don’t go through a new-car handover perhaps as thoroughly as we should. In my defence, even the delivery driver had warned me the car didn’t have an auto-hold function and locating it isn’t as straightforward as on some cars I’ve driven. It’s a bit buried away in the car’s digital menus. Oh, for a basic, physical button to push!
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: first fleetwatch
Whether it’s Goodwood trips or town runs, the A3’s been effortless from day one
Our Audi A3 has been with us for a couple of months now and continues to impress. It’s handled everything from long runs to Goodwood and Silverstone, to trips into town without missing a beat. The mix of style, comfort and performance makes every journey a pleasure. In the recent sun, it got more compliments than ever, especially on its Python Yellow paint. The finish is excellent and always looks spotless.
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI: first report
Premium hatch joins our fleet, and its bright metallic paint has already earned it a nickname
- Mileage: 2,452
- Economy: 49.3mpg
Although I have been working at Auto Express since 1999, this is my very first long-term test car. Some of our long-standing readers might remember former Editor-in-Chief, David Johns – who also happens to be my husband – as a long-time admirer of Audi. So when we found out I’d be running an A3 Sportback for the next few months, there was genuine excitement in the house.
Straight away, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather the python, in the case of this A3. Some say, ‘If you’re going to make an entrance, make it bold’ – and Audi clearly agrees. There’s no missing our car in metallic Python yellow, that’s for sure. I should also admit I’m a person who names their cars. So this bright yellow beauty could only be called Monty – as in Monty Python. I expect the Auto Express team are already rolling their eyes!
Normally I’m more understated, and would pick a more muted colour for a car. But we chose one of Audi’s beautifully finished metallic colours, and I think it really suits the sporty, low-slung looks of the A3.
The bold finish is complemented by the S line trim’s aggressive front end, sharp bodywork, and smart 18-inch ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels, giving the A3 real presence. Inside, it’s classic Audi; the black and chrome interior feels snug and sporty. Although, if I were to spec the car again, I’d opt for the panoramic glass sunroof to lift the otherwise dark cabin. Despite being of modest height, I also find the roofline feels a little tight, but that’s really nit-picking because otherwise, the A3 has the high-quality feel and materials you’d expect of the brand.
In keeping with modern trends, there’s an array of digital displays for the driver – and plenty of menus to find your way around. But there is also a good balance of physical switches for some of the main functions, including the temperature control and heated seats, plus a really useful head-up display.
At the moment, I find some of the user journeys and menus, and certain aspects of the navigation, a little counterintuitive. But I’m confident that with a bit more time, I’ll find my rhythm. The Technology pack means the A3 has a SONOS 3D Premium Sound System. As someone who appreciates good sound quality, it is a real highlight for me. It really brings my music to life and makes every journey feel that bit more special.
Press the start button located on the centre console and the A3 quietly rumbles into life. The gear selector is a compact switch that you nudge forwards or backwards, but I find the layout slightly unconventional: push forward for reverse, and pull back for drive. A pair of paddles on the chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel allow manual changes too.
Most of my driving is over long distances, travelling between our offices in London and Bedford, as well as events and meetings. So comfort and refinement are essential – and I’m pleased to say the A3 delivers on both fronts. The ride is on the firmer side – as expected with S line trim – but it’s never harsh.
The blend of handling and comfort makes the car a fantastic companion for motorway miles. Our A3 comes with sport seats in Twin Leather with S embossing, and they look and, more importantly, feel the part, striking a nice balance between plushness and support.
The car is easy to drive and the driver aids are well judged too. I feel I’m supported, not nagged, with less of the overbearing alerts and warnings that some rivals throw at you.
There are just two things I miss. Auto-hold brakes would make town driving easier, and a powered tailgate would be welcome. But they are tiny niggles in a very enjoyable experience.
| Model: | Audi A3 35 TFSI S tronic S line |
| On fleet since: | March 2025 |
| Price new: | £36,615 |
| Powertrain: | 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol, 7-speed auto |
| Power/torque: | 147bhp/250Nm |
| CO2/BiK: | 127g/km/31% |
| Options: | Storage pack (£180), Python yellow metallic paint (£595), Technology pack (£1,495) |
| Insurance*: | Group: 23/Quote: £900 |
| Mileage: | 2,452 |
| Economy: | 49.3mpg |
| Any problems? | None so far |
*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
