A drive in the innovative Audi A3 Sportback is always going to be a propitious experience. This is a car that has been designed to master the road. With numerous luxury items and clever technology, the A3 Sportback takes its spot with the best hatchbacks in its class.

Five engines are offered to the Audi A3 Sportback, which could make your decision a little harder or easier depending on how you look at it. Some quick, responsive engines are more than capable of violating the speed limits, but along with the power comes technology like cruise control and electronically controlled braking for reining your speed in.

Economy has always been an Audi strongpoint, and, actually, even the very swift 147 kW, 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic model returns an average fuel consumption figure of under 8 litres/100 km. Boasting economy and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of under seven seconds shows that fast and furious can co-exist with fuel efficiency in a harmonious and satisfying relationship. Quattro road holding provides this model with premium levels of grip on all road surfaces, for that ultra-dynamic drive.

Two other petrol engines show themselves as accomplished performers. Interestingly, the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI provides very satisfying engine response from its 92 kW and slick S tronic transmission action. It has the smallest engine in the Audi A3 Sportback range, but light on its feet and punchy, the little 1.4 TFSI is a pleasure to drive. A six-speed manual is available for the other alternative. Smooth progressive power comes in the form of a 118 kW, 2.0-litre unit used in the Ambition 1.8 TFSI model. Comfortable handling and plenty of torque make this model a relaxing car to drive.

When the two diesel versions were unveiled, they impressed with their high efficiency and smooth power delivery. Audi (aided by VW) have some of the very best diesel powered cars you can buy. A sceptic when noticing the fuel efficiency figures of the 1.6 TDI for the first time found it hard to believe that an average fuel consumption of 4.2 litres/100 km was, at all, possible. This little car is such a gem and will save you money at the fuel pump. Now a converted optimist, you’ll be looking forward to the next trip away in the premium little A3 Sportback Attraction 1.6 TDI.

The bigger 2.0 TDI Ambition model provides excellent power and torque from its 103 kW, 320 Nm engine. A 5.3 litres/100 km is a first class fuel consumption result. For those of us concerned with the level of impact our drive might have on the environment, both the A3 1.6 TDI and the A3 2.0 TDI Sportbacks provide a CO2 emissions of somewhere between 119 and 140 g/km – a very low reading.

Another great feature that makes an Audi satisfying to own and drive is the sheer class of the car’s interior. You know from the very instant you seat yourself inside an Audi A3 Sportback that you’ve just entered a realm of silky refinement. Design, materials and comfort rate the Audi A3 Sportback as another class leader. You would have to go to a top of the range Honda Civic, Peugeot or Mercedes B-Class to find a worthy comparison.

Surveillance technology works around the car to find you a handy car park in town. Ten ultrasonic sensors do the searching for suitable parking spaces beside the road up to speeds of 30 km/h. Once a parking space has been found, the system calculates the ideal parking path and completes the parking manoeuvre almost automatically. The driver just has to accelerate and brake while the vehicle steers itself. Too easy!

Safety features inside an A3 Sportback are off the top shelf. A five-star safety rating is standard.

Audi have managed to weave their silky thread of premium quality through all of its models. Whether it’s an A1 or an A7, the stamp of quality is on any Audi machine. Status and satisfaction go with A3 Sportback territory.

The current Audi A3 Sportback models include the:

• Ambition 1.8 TFSI 118 kW 6 speed
• Ambition 1.8 TFSI 118 kW S tronic
• Ambition 2.0 TFSI quattro 147 kW S tronic
• Attraction 1.4 TFSI 92 kW S tronic
• Attraction 1.6 TDI 77 kW S tronic
• Ambition 2.0 TDI 103 kW S tronic

For any more information on the Audi A3 Sportback models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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