Audi A3 Sportback hatchback - Interior & comfort

Along with its premium badge, the A3's main selling point has always been its upmarket interior. In fact, along with the BMW 1 Series, the A3 was one of the first cars to offer an executive class ownership experience in a smaller package; a trick countless hatchbacks and crossovers now try to pull off.

That said, pre-facelift fourth-generation cars had some areas in which lower-quality materials let the cabin down, but we’re happy to report that Audi has mostly rectified this with some upgraded trim, so it feels well and truly premium. Elsewhere there haven’t been any major updates, but the textured fabric design used on the dash has made the interior less sterile and a little more interesting.

For its fourth outing, Audi has focused on technology, with a big step-up in processing power for its infotainment system to keep occupants connected, provide real-time navigation updates and media, while also improving safety.

Audi A3 dashboard

There's a different feel to the driver's seat in the latest A3 because an angled dashboard, wide centre console and even the air vents on either side of the instruments, all lend it a focused, cockpit-like atmosphere. Soft-touch materials have been replaced with swathes of aluminium-style trim.

None of the interior tech has been tweaked, so the A3 still uses a 10.1-inch infotainment system in the centre of the dash, and the driver gets a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, dubbed ‘Virtual Cockpit’ by Audi. Some buyers may be disappointed that the large 15-inch display from the Volkswagen Golf isn’t offered here, but we think the Audi’s system works well and is no less impressive despite its smaller size. In fact, we appreciate the retainment of physical air-conditioning controls, which feel more intuitive to use on the move.

An automatic gearbox with a small toggle-like gear selector means designers have been able to get more creative with their design, making space for a slightly odd-shaped wireless charging smartphone pad below the centre console. There's also a small iPod-style controller for the stereo system but its functions are limited to changing the volume and skipping media tracks.

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Equipment

The Audi A3 is offered in Sport, S Line and Black Edition trim levels. Sport models get 17-inch alloys and cloth seats, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 10.25-inch digital dash, dual-zone climate control, folding door mirrors and LED headlights as standard.

S line alters the A3's looks with 18-inch wheels, LED rear lights with sweeping indicators, an auto high beam system, privacy glass, sports seats embossed with the S Line logo, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. Sport suspension also gives the car a 15mm lower ride height for improved agility. It's a desirable makeover that seems to strike a chord with UK buyers.

Black Edition gets an even more premium feel, adding 19-inch wheels, an even more aggressive body kit with black styling elements and Audi Beam (an Audi logo that projects onto the floor as you exit your car).

Options

Audi has long been known to offer a wide variety of options for its cars, and buyers can also specify options grouped into packs. The Technology Pack brings an upgraded SONOS premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and a reversing camera. Go for the Technology Pack Pro and you get lane-change assist with an exit warning to stop passengers walking out into moving traffic, LED matrix headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, power-adjustable front seats and side mirrors with a memory function and other additions. The Storage Pack brings useful extra storage nets and compartments around the cabin, and you can add a space-saver spare wheel for £150, and a tow bar for around £800.