Audi A3 Sportback (2012-2015)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

5DR HATCH (1.2TFSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 2.0TFSI PETROL / 1.6 TDI 105 & 110PS, 2.0 TDI 150 & 184PS [STANDARD, SE, SPORT, S LINE, S3, RS3])

Introduction

The Sportback. Audi-speak for ‘five doors’, a configuration in which the brand’s A3 compact premium hatch is at its most popular. Sure, for the same money, you could consider buying a bigger car from a lesser brand, but after trying this one, Audi hopes that you won’t want to. Let’s check out the original third generation version of this model, produced between 2012 and 2015, and decide on its merits as a used buy.

The History

Brand Loyalty. It’s hard to put a price on it. Hard at least, if you’re a consumer. Audi though, has no such qualms and has always confidently pitched this car, the A3 Sportback, as the priciest of all the compact family hatches that the Volkswagen Group sells.

There’s a reason for this, just as there’s a reason why Audi brand loyalty will see a huge proportion of buyers for this car being customers satisfied with previous versions. Explain to these people that the same technology could be theirs for several thousand less in a Skoda Octavia and you’ll be met with looks of puzzlement wondering why such a fact could be relevant. There might be some smug satisfaction though, in their knowing that such a Sportback model would cost hardly any more than a comparable Volkswagen Golf.

Though there was a five-door version of the original Audi A3, a bodystyle introduced to the range in 1996, the line-up only gained the ‘Sportback’ tag in second generation form in 2004 when five-door A3 motoring was repositioned for a slightly more mature, slightly more up-market audience. The third generation A3 range, launched in 2012, continued that trend, Audi’s argument that this was more than just a three-door A3 with a couple of extra doors supported by this Sportback variant’s longer wheelbase. The original version of this MK3 model A3 Sportback lasted until mid-2016, when it was replaced by an updated and lightly updated version. Here, we’re going to check out the third generation car in its pre-facelifed form.

What To Look For

Don’t get us wrong, very little goes wrong with typical third generation A3 models, but there are a few rogue examples floating around in the market. Oil sump failure in 2.0 TD diesel variants was the most regularly reported issue we came across as part of our customer survey, this engine also sometimes exhibiting loud turbo noises too, so listen for that on your test drive. The 1.4-litre TFSI petrol variant has also occasionally faltered too. We came across a couple of owners complaining of a ‘whooshing’ noise with this powerplant in 120PS form which is apparently due to vacuum hose issues and a vibrating actuator rod.

Across the A3 range, other issues we came across that you might want to look out for included a random lumpy engine idle, a faulty coolant expansion tank, worn wheel bearings, warped rear brake discs and sticking rear brake pads. Also look out for a crunchy gear change between 1st and 2nd gear, plus faulty turbo hose seals, motor brushes in the small radiator fan that get stuck and suspension drop-link ball-joints that are worn out.

Less serious issues we came across included windows creeping open, alloy wheels corroding badly, broken parcel shelf lifting tabs, issues with the central locking mechanism, loose door handle outside trim bits and constantly high levels of humidity in the car after being parked up. Also listen out for a rattle from areas like the driver’s side B pillar, dash vent and glovebox area – and watch out for A3s that require you to heavily slam the boot door to close it.

On The Road

Despite the touch of extra weight, this Sportback A3 feels no different to drive than its three-door counterpart. Which means of course that it feels very good indeed. This MK3 model’s MQB (or Modular Transverse Matrix) underpinnings were developed on a billion euro budget to deliver class-leading standards of ride, handling and a whole lot more.

Everyone will probably enjoy this Audi thanks to lovely technical touches like the way that an electronic limited slip differential is built into the stability control system so that the car turns more sharply into bends. And the beautifully calibrated multi-link suspension that enables the car to flow fluently though those corners while nonchantly soaking up the bumps in a way that perfectly complements this Audi’s quite exemplary standards of refinement.

You’ll find the auto ‘box fitted to the180PS 1.8TFSI petrol model and it’s a rather good one, a dual-clutch system able to select the next gear before you’ve even left the last one. Most other A3s though, came fitted with the reasonably slick-shifting manual six-speeder. The auto option on the 1.8 certainly doesn’t restrict its performance, rest to sixty-two mph occupying a fleet 7.2s on the way to 144mph. For those needing more, the 300PS turbocharged S3 hot hatch variant beckons, with its 2.0-litre TFSI turbo engine able to power you to sixty in just 5.1s. There was even a Plug-in hybrid e-tron version too.

As for the TDI diesel derivatives that over 70% of British buyers choose, well, there are two main ones: a 105PS 1.6 that makes sixty two mph from rest in 10.7s on the way to 121mph. And an altogether more satisfying 150PS 2.0-litre TDI unit that improves those figures to 8.6s and 134mph while remaining almost as clean and frugal. Should the basic 2.0-litre diesel engine’s performance be insufficient, then you can try and seek out one of the higher-powered 184PS variants.

Overall

Like the three-door variant, it’s light in bulk, heavy in technology and as at home in Belgravia as it is in Brixton. And, as with that model, the interior is where this design really strides apart. You could be in a luxury car. You certainly wouldn’t think you were in a run-of-the-mill Focus-sized family hatchback. For not a huge amount more than you’d pay for one of those, this car brings a touch of class to the compact used car segment. Which of course is why so many people want one.