NEW Audi A3 review – better than a BMW 1 Series? | What Car?

Does a facelift make the Audi A3 stronger than ever?

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[AlecSire]

Bravo for this review and, most importantly, for the honest words about the third-generation A3. Until now, I've never heard a reviewer express this level of sincerity regarding the decline in quality of this model. Most reviews focus only on screens and displays, ignoring overall quality, even though Audi publicly acknowledged this issue.

[JimboJoggingPants]

I had 2 of the 3rd gen S3 and loved them. The 4th gen drop in quality put me off getting another; if I’m paying for premium, I want premium build quality.

[stevehunter]

Audi should use their interior from 10 years ago and their front grille from 15 years ago (and no fake vents)

[Darx]

Oh boi can’t wait for this one to also have the awful interior with 3 screens stuck to the dash when they make a new generation 😍

[carlturner]

Here in Belgium, there has been a drastic decline in Audi dealerships, with a further 3 closing this month, not promising for the future.

[sevensixtysteve]

Wait, this car was over £40K and it you still need to pay extra for rear seat pockets ? Given that VAG's cost cutting drive has more to do with paying off those pesky diesel gate fines than anything else, it seems a bit of nerve to ask the customer to take the financial rap for their cheating by removing practical features that customers usually look for in cars like this. I wonder just how many 'storage packs' you have to sell to pay a 30 billion euro fine ? Great review as ever 😁

[LiverpoolFanKevin]

I have the same car in the same colour. I'm disappointed that they changed (between 2023 and 2024) the gear knob to this piano black plastic thing and also the front Audi badge on the grill which is plastic and not metal anymore. As each year passes, the quality of cars are gradually dropping.

I at least appreciate that they have kept the physical buttons.

[MWalsh]

Prices of cars these days are horrific!

[Najeebster]

Audi, like others, focused on the higher priced, higher margin segments but really neglecting the B/C segments. The facelifted 1-series is a better car for not dissimilar price if you shop around.
VW Group, in general, in real trouble on nearly all fronts at the moment

[CoolManiac]

I own the 2017 A3 (3rd gen) and yeah this thing looks cheap compared to my car.... If I would to get another car it would not be a newer A3 for sure. For that kind of money could get the mentioned Toyota Corolla Touring (estate) for less money fully kitted out

[danielsartain]

As someone who uses a Corolla daily it’s hard to see as a better option space wise and on bigger wheels it’s a rather loud cabin. 2.0 has a lot less boot space (12v battery ends up in the boot) but even the 1.8 the boot space I think is less than the Audi. To make it a good family car go for the tourer version. Length wise to the hatchback isn’t a lot but interior space makes a massive difference. Also currently averaging over 60mpg with it on the older 1.8 version with gr sport wheels(bigger meaning slightly less fuel economy).

[mikej]

A big song and dance being made about the prominent ledge now being covered in soft material but that is *only* standard on the range topping Black Edition, otherwise it remains unappealing plastic.

[bodrulm]

BMW 1 series interior is a significant step up from this A3

[davidhall]

What is the fascination amongst manufacturers for shiny gloss black plastic? Is it cheaper than matt surfaces?

[razvanyke]

Great video, thank you for your work.

[AMB-FM]

Fair and well-balanced review. I did have a look at a '21 Audit and it was a bit plasticky for them. Nice to see they're addressing the interior quality -- which was a byword for Audi in times gone by. I hope they don't strip out all the buttons and stalks in the next generation.

[jaybee]

Very comprehensive review, thank you.

[dionisie]

wow you make one of the best reviews online!

[gtp]

Do they still have numerous electrical problems with them?

[colonelc]

Nice review thanks, just want to say that BMW 1 is really not a difficult car to beat between 😅