Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020) Review: The Small Luxury Hatch That Punches Above Its Weight
I’ve lost count of how many Audi A3 Sportbacks I’ve driven over the years, but the 2013–2020 generation sticks with me. Why? Because it nails that everyday-luxury brief: the right size for city life, grown-up enough for long hauls, and just premium enough to feel special on a rainy Tuesday commute. The Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020) is the “just right” bowl of porridge in the compact luxury class—when I tried it on rough roads, it rode like a bigger car, and on a twisty B-road, it reminded me why light, tidy hatchbacks are still brilliant.
What makes the Audi A3 5-door Sportback feel special
From the driver’s seat, the A3’s secret sauce is subtlety. Taut steering, tidy body control, and a ride that—on sensible wheels—soaks up potholes without groaning. This generation sits on VW Group’s MQB platform, so it feels light and balanced. I noticed right away that on 16s and 17s it glides; on S line 18s it gets a bit thumpy over broken tarmac. Nothing deal-breaking, just… choose your wheels wisely.
- Quiet cabin at a cruise—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (sorry).
- Supportive driving position with a wheel that actually comes far enough towards you.
- That classic Audi click of controls—satisfying, not flashy.
Engines and performance: from frugal to ferocious
There’s a huge spread of engines in the Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020), and each one shapes the car’s character.
- Petrol TFSI: 1.4 (later 1.5) with cylinder-on-demand is smooth and thrifty; 2.0 TFSI brings real shove. Expect 0–60 mph from roughly 7.0–8.2 seconds in mainstream petrols, with mid-30s mpg in mixed driving.
- Diesel TDI: 1.6 TDI is the economy king; 2.0 TDI (150–184 hp) feels muscular and returns 45–60 mpg (UK). Great for long motorway slogs.
- Quick ones: S3 (around 300–310 hp) does the 0–60 dash in the mid-4s, with all-weather quattro traction. RS3 is a different animal: five cylinders, up to 400 hp, and a soundtrack that makes you grin every time you tunnel.
Ownership note: Most front-drive models use a torsion-beam rear axle; higher-power/quattro versions get a more sophisticated multi-link setup. You’ll feel it in how the car rides and rotates if you’re the “backroads on a Sunday” type.
Everyday practicality: the “live with it” stuff
- Boot space: around 380 liters, expanding to roughly 1,220 liters with the rear seats folded. For a compact premium hatch, that’s proper carry-on-and-stroller territory.
- Rear seat: Adults fit fine behind average-height drivers; three across is optimistic.
- Family-friendly: ISOFIX anchors, wide door openings, and a low load lip make life easier on the school run.
Audi A3 Sportback vs 3-door: what’s the real difference?
The 5-door Sportback is marginally longer than the 3-door, and that extra length goes straight into rear legroom and cargo space. Crucially, it keeps the tidy proportions that made the 3-door look sharp, but adds the everyday convenience of proper back doors. If you carry passengers more than once a year, this is the one to have.
How the Audi A3 5-door Sportback stacks up against rivals
| Car | Power (typical) | 0–60 mph (approx) | Combined economy | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020) | 110–310 hp (mainstream to S3) | 4.6–8.5 sec | Mid-30s to 60 mpg (UK) | Calm, precise, premium cabin |
| BMW 1 Series (F20/F21) | 116–340 hp | 4.6–9.0 sec | Low-30s to 60 mpg (UK) | Sportier steering, firmer ride |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) | 109–381 hp | 4.6–10.0 sec | Low-30s to mid-60s mpg (UK) | Stylish, firm, flashy interiors |
Reliability and running costs: what I’ve seen over time
Broadly, the Audi A3 Sportback is a dependable premium hatchback, and many owners told me that routine servicing kept theirs drama-free. Still, a few things to watch:
- TSI petrols: keep up with oil changes; listen for cold-start rattles (timing components on older, higher-mileage examples).
- Thermostat/water pump housings: I’ve seen a handful seep coolant on 1.8/2.0 TFSI—look for residue.
- S tronic (dual-clutch) gearbox: smooth and quick, but prefers regular fluid changes. Jerky low-speed behavior often improves with a service.
- Diesels: DPFs don’t love endless short trips. If your life is all five-minute hops, consider petrol.
- Infotainment: the pop-up screen mechanism is usually robust, but a lazy retraction or flicker is your cue to test thoroughly.
Tech and trims: subtle luxury done right
Even early cars felt premium, with that minimalist Audi dashboard and beautifully damped switches. Post-facelift, the Virtual Cockpit option lifts the whole experience—maps in the cluster, crisp graphics, the works. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto arrived on later MMI systems, and the upgraded stereos (Bang & Olufsen in some) genuinely sing.
- Driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane assist, and city emergency braking were available—worth seeking if you do lots of motorway miles.
- Lights: LED headlamps look cool and work well; base halogens feel a generation behind in both looks and performance.
Audi A3 5-door Sportback lifestyle check
- Urban life: Compact footprint, easy to park, tight turning circle. You won’t dread multi-storey car parks.
- Weekend getaways: 380-liter boot swallows two carry-ons and a soft bag; still room for a pair of boots if you’re off to the Alps.
- Night out: Understated yet smart—valets clock it, but it doesn’t shout.
Accessorize smartly: AutoWin floor mats for the Audi A3 Sportback
Little upgrades can make your car feel new again. I’ve fitted AutoWin mats to test cars and liked the snug fit—they stop the winter grime marching into the carpet and they’re easy to hose off. If you’ve got the 2013–2020 A3 Sportback, you can spec them to your taste.
- Customized fit: AutoWin mats are tailored to the A3 Sportback floorpan, so they don’t bunch up at the pedals or slide around.
- Durable materials: Sturdy surfaces that shrug off muddy shoes, coffee mishaps, and winter slush.
Shop the range: AutoWin Eshop for Audi A3 accessories
If you’re kitting out your Audi A3 Sportback, AutoWin Eshop keeps it simple with a wide selection and parts that actually fit.
- Extensive range: Styles and finishes to match subtle OEM or full custom vibes.
- Authenticity: Genuine-quality accessories designed around the A3 cabin.
Is the Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020) still a smart buy?
Short answer: yes. The Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020) blends premium feel, real-world efficiency, and grown-up refinement in a compact footprint. It’s as happy on an Alpine ski weekend as it is on the school run. It’s not perfect—the ride can get firm on big wheels, base headlights are just okay, and older infotainment feels dated—but the fundamentals are rock solid. If you want a luxury hatch that feels like it’ll still be tight and quiet in five years, this is it.
FAQ: Audi A3 5-door Sportback (2013–2020)
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Is the Audi A3 Sportback discontinued?
That 2013–2020 generation has been replaced by a newer model, but the Sportback body style continues in the current lineup. -
Which engine is best?
For balance, the 1.5 TFSI (or late 1.4 TFSI) is smooth and economical. High-mile drivers will love the 2.0 TDI. If you want speed without drama, an S3 quattro is the sweet spot. -
What’s the boot size?
About 380 liters seats-up, roughly 1,220 liters seats-down—plenty for a compact luxury hatchback. -
How efficient is it?
Petrols typically return mid-30s mpg in mixed use; diesels can see 50–60 mpg (UK) on longer runs. -
Any common issues to check?
Listen for cold-start rattles on older petrols, look for coolant seepage around the thermostat housing, ensure the S tronic shifts smoothly, and test the infotainment screen and all electrics.
In short, the Audi A3 5-door Sportback remains a benchmark compact premium hatch—luxurious without being loud, practical without feeling dull, and still a joy to drive when the road opens up.
