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Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI 2017 review

EXPERT RATING
7.4

Likes

Most practical Audi A3
Comfortable ride
Great, fuel-efficient three cylinder engine

Dislikes

Seats can be uncomfortable over long periods
Limited rear legroom
Small back doors may make entry and exit a tad tricky
Laura Berry

Senior Journalist

2 min read

Richard Berry investigates the entry point of Audi's Australian A3 range in the shape of the new Sportback 1.0 TFSI.  His road test and review includes specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The A3 Sportback isn't really a hatch, nor is it a wagon, it's something in-between – a hagon? Whatever it is, it's the best-selling type of Audi in Australia and one of the most affordable models.

At the end of 2016 Audi made the A3 Sportback even more affordable when it launched a variant with a new engine – a 1.0-litre three cylinder. Yes, that's tiny. A lot of motorbikes have bigger engines.

Audi isn't the only prestige brand now putting little engines into cars – Mini's five door hatch and BMW's 118i both have three-cylinders.

We road tested the new Audi A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI and submitted it to everything from trips to the supermarket and day-care drop-offs to country road flings. So does less engine make it less capable? Why does it come with clothing in a tiny drawer under the back seat? Oh, and if you're an Olympic swimmer you'll love the front seats.

Read the full 2017 Audi A3 review

Audi A3 2017: Sportback 1.0 TFSI

Engine Type Turbo 3, 1.0L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 4.8L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $13,750 - $18,150
Safety Rating

Verdict

The A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI may be one of the most affordable Audis on the market, but it’s every bit an Audi with its prestige looks, refined interior and comfortable ride. That 1.0-litre engine is a little cracker and fuel efficient, too. Add the practicality the Sportback brings, plus a decent amount of standard equipment and this is also a versatile, good value-for-money option in the A3 Sportback range.

Click here for more 2017 Audi A3 Sportback pricing and spec info.

Does the A3 Sportback 1.0 TFSI put Audi on your want list? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Pricing Guides

$19,135
Based on 40 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$11,950
HIGHEST PRICE
$28,900
Laura Berry

Senior Journalist

Laura Berry is a best-selling Australian author and journalist who has been reviewing cars for more than 15 years. Much more of a Hot Wheels girl than a Matchbox one, she grew up in a family that would spend every Friday night sitting on a hill at the Speedway watching sprint cars slide in the mud. The best part of this was being given money to buy stickers. She loved stickers… which then turned into a love of tattoos. Out of boredom, she learnt to drive at 14 on her parents’ bush property in what can only be described as a heavily modified Toyota LandCruiser.   At the age of 17 she was told she couldn’t have a V8 Holden ute by her mother, which led to Laura and her father laying in the driveway for three months building a six-cylinder ute with more horsepower than a V8.   Since then she’s only ever owned V8s, with a Ford Falcon XW and a Holden Monaro CV8 part of her collection over the years. Laura began her career as a journalist in the entertainment industry writing about music for The South China Morning Post; television for tvChoice; fashion and celebrities for The Mirror before combining her passion for cars with her profession and moved into motoring. In 2008 she joined News Custom Publishing as Managing Editor of its motoring titles, including Australia’s Best Cars and the official programs for V8 Supercars, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. In 2011 she joined CarsGuide (for the first time), back when it was part of a newspaper, and learnt to test and review cars. This followed a move to Motor as Production Editor, then Wheels as News Editor while also writing for Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. As the media landscape shifted she left print journalism and joined online motoring publication GoAuto as a senior writer. A brief stint in automotive public relations then followed before she joined CarsGuide in 2015 (for the second time) as Senior Journalist where she remains to this day. A wife and mother, and author of two books, her current daily driver is a chopped 1951 Ford Tudor with a V8, of course. You can find Laura on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram. Expertise Performance and custom cars Family cars and SUVs Education Bachelor of Arts | Macquarie University Featured Publications The Mirror (UK) | 2002-2006 South China Morning Post | 2004-2006 tvChoice (UK) | 2004-2006 TVQuick (UK) | 2004-2006 Mercedes-Benz Magazine | 2005-2006 Australia’s Best Cars | 2008-2010 V8 Supercars Official Program | 2008-2010 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Official Program | 2008-2010 Australian MotoGP Official Program | 2008-2010 Motor | 2012-2013 Street Machine | 2012-2015 Wheels | 2013 Top Gear | 2013-2014 GoAuto | 2014-2015 CarsGuide | 2015-present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$11,950
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2017 Audi A3
See Pricing & Specs

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