The new Audi A3 revamps itself with customisable headlights, integrated apps and more.
In this review…
When the Audi A3 first hit the roads back in 1996, it instantly became a strong contender in the competitive market of luxury hatchbacks. For decades, it has gone head-to-head with the likes of the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series. Fast forward to 2024, and the latest A3 Sportback continues to uphold Audi’s reputation for blending cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design. With an upcoming plug-in hybrid variant later this year further cementing its status as a forward-thinking vehicle, we look at the Audi A3 to see how it stacks up in 2024.
Design
Audi never shies away from pushing the envelope with innovative technology, and that’s what makes the 2024 A3 Sportback a major player in the market after all these years.
Have you ever wanted a front-end look you can customise?
That’s right, the A3 offers configurable daytime running lights that let you choose from various patterns right from the comfort of your car. These are standard, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can opt for the LED matrix headlights. The LED headlights have also been sharpened, giving the car a more aggressive and modern appearance. Audi’s commitment to tech-savvy enhancements is evident and impressive.
Interior
Step inside the A3, and it’s clear Audi hasn’t skimped on the interior either. You’ll find exquisite materials like microfibre fabric inserts on the dashboard and perforated door linings with ambient lighting tucked behind them. The centre console has seen a revamp too, now sporting a new gear selector switch and air vents.
The infotainment system is another highlight. It comes with its own app store where you can download a range of third-party apps directly to the car, from Waze to Apple Music to YouTube. It’s all possible. However, Audi has taken a leaf out of BMW’s book with its new ‘functions on demand’ setup. This allows you to access certain features like self-parking tech or adaptive headlights but for a limited time at an additional fee. Fortunately, by leasing the A3 with cars2buy, you can sidestep most of these quite opportunist charges.
Practicality
When it comes to practicality, the A3 holds its ground. Both engines in the lineup – a 1.5-litre ’35 TFSI’ petrol and a 2.0-litre ’35 TDI’ diesel, each producing 148bhp – manage to achieve a fuel economy of over 50mpg. The car offers ample space up front, and it’s roomy enough to keep two adults comfortable in the back as well. The boot boasts a decent 380-litre capacity, matching the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. But here’s the kicker: the A3’s boot also features an even flatter loading lip and underfloor storage, giving it a practical edge.
Drive
Driving the A3 feels akin to manoeuvring a smaller Grand Tourer. With both available powertrains reaching 62mph from a standstill in a respectable 8.1 seconds, it’s a solid all-rounder. Corners are taken care of with nary a worry, offering a relaxed cruising experience that’s as sensible and cool as a pair of corduroy trousers. Whether it’s a long-distance journey or a quick city drive, the A3 handles it all as though it’s second nature.
If the Audi A3 has piqued your interest, cars2buy is the UK’s top destination for excellent lease deals from trusted dealerships. Leasing with cars2buy means enjoying a transparent service that simplifies finding the perfect car lease. By choosing to lease, you can avoid the long-term commitment and benefit from the latest features and upgrades without breaking the bank. Explore our Audi A3 lease offers today and drive away in your dream car sooner than you think.
