New Audi A3 facelift 2024 review: big improvements for the premium hatch | Auto Express (2024)

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New Audi A3 facelift 2024 review: big improvements for the premium hatch | Auto Express? ›

Verdict. The refreshed Audi A3 offers a compelling combination of efficient and refined powertrains, sharp styling, good tech, and improved build quality. In fact, it's this final element that really elevates it above the mainstream competition – putting it right back in the fight against rivals from Mercedes and BMW.

If you are wondering why the Audi A3 was discontinued, the answer is it wasn't, and there are no current plans by Audi to discontinue this well selling model. However, Audi could soon remove the diesel and petrol versions from future revisions of this iconic car to focus more on the electric versions.

The A3's composed, controlled ride remains one of this vehicle's highlights. Though the A3 is the brand's most reasonably priced vehicle, the well-tuned suspension gives it the comfortable ride quality to rival one of Audi's more expensive offerings.

Reliability Survey, the A3 ranked last out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score was just 71.8%. A whopping 59% of Audi A3 owners' cars went wrong in the two years covered by the 2023 survey, with the majority of faults concerning the infotainment and other electrical systems.

It was facelifted in 2016, commemorating the A3's 20th anniversary. In 2020, the fourth generation model launched, sold only with 5-door hatchback and saloon versions.

Redesigned in 2022, the Audi A3 receives minimal updates for 2024. The Black Optic package gets a new 18-inch wheel design, and the available HomeLink tech (available as part of the Convenience package, it controls garage doors, gates, and lights in your home) is now integrated into the rearview mirror.

Typically, this is the point at which cars will depreciate the fastest, by at least 20% of their original value. In the case of the Audi A1, this is accurate. The Audi A3 loses a little more value, at 27%, and the A4 loses the most in this period at 36%.

If you want a petrol Audi A3 Sportback, the best choice is the 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI. It's a highly flexible engine that feels livelier than the equivalent 118i BMW 1 Series (0-62mph takes 8.4 seconds) and pulls strongly from low revs. We've yet to try the entry-level 1.5-litre 30 TFSI.

If you want a family hatchback that makes you smile every time you climb inside, then the Audi A3 Sportback needs to be on your list. It has a fantastic, upmarket cabin, the latest technology and is decently spacious inside too. You will pay more for one than a VW Golf, Skoda Octavia or Ford Focus, though.

With their extra touch of class and styling, Audi A3s tend to be more expensive than other small cars – and they cost more to insure too. The priciest models are way up in insurance group 46 (out of a possible 50). That puts them in the same league, insurance-wise, as some Range Rover Sport models.

How long will a Audi A3 engine last? ›

What's a good mileage for a used Audi A3? An Audi A3 is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before any major work needs to be done such as a transmission or an engine being replaced.

Composed, confident, and charming, the 2024 Audi A3 is a strong choice among small luxury sedans. The Acura Integra is one of the best compact luxury cars, and the Type S model is a blast to drive on a back road or racetrack. The four-door 2024 BMW 2-Series offers refined performance; the two-door M2 slays.

Audi has given the A3 a mild makeover for the 2025 model year. Changes to the exterior include a new front fascia that features a wider and flatter execution of the single-frame grille with body-coloured trim underneath, and redesigned taillight displays and a new rear bumper.

This isn't true and has been debunked by Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board at Audi, according to a report by Motor1.com. In this interview, he reassures us that the Audi A3 is here to stay and that it's only the A1 and Q2 that are up for discontinuation but that the A3 will continue to exist in more than one form.

Some of the key styling details you'll discover on the four-door 2022 Audi A3 luxury sedan are: A sportier, more sculpted exterior design.

The Audi A3 heads into the 2025 model year with a sportier look, new design elements, and digital features. In addition to selectable daytime running light signatures, the ability to flexibly purchase vehicle functions any time ensures a high degree of personalization.

The Audi A3's future

The chances are that you're on this page because you've heard a rumour that Audi plans on axing the A3 model. This isn't true and has been debunked by Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board at Audi, according to a report by Motor1.com.

The sportback name can be understood now, as the A3 replaces its hatchback profile for a sleeker and slightly more seductive slanted rear. The A5, previously a more traditional saloon, has less of a visual difference but still, the sleek nature of its silhouette impresses all but the most hardened of hearts.

Highs Classy looks, great fuel economy, lively handling. Lows Tight rear seat, puny trunk space, some interior materials look cheap. Verdict It might not be as deluxe inside as Audi's other sports sedans, but the A3 delivers a pleasantly involving driving experience that's similar to its larger siblings'.