2025 Audi A3 Sportback S Line TDI



Well, well, well. This is a bit of a rarity. Yes, we're driving an Audi A3 Sportback, which isn't especially remarkable, but this is a 2.0-litre diesel A3 Sportback, and that's a bit of a unicorn these days. Since the Dieselgate scandal, oil-burners have been shunned by regulators, governments and consumers, so the inclusion of this engine in the new A3 range came as a bit of a surprise. But diesel was once the most popular choice for cars such as this, so does it still have something to offer in the latest-generation A3?

Test Car Specifications

Model: 2025 Audi A3 S Line 35 TDI S Tronic
Price: A3 from £30,100; A3 S Line 35 TDI from £39,735
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 150hp
Torque: 360Nm
Emissions: 135g/km
Economy: 55.4mpg
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 141mph
Boot space: 380-1,200 litres

Styling

The new-look A3 gets a new grille and some fresh Audi logos, which have jazzed it up a bit without disturbing the overall image that has already attracted so many customers. It's a bit more modern than before, and this Black Edition trim gives it a mean sporty edge with some black trim here and there. In short, it's just as Audi A3-ish as before, but with a slightly more modern feel, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Interior

The new A3's internal upgrades are just as subtle as those on the outside, so while there are new fabrics and inlays on offer, as well as new air vents and a new automatic gear selector, it isn't all that different to look at. The design is still modern and crisp, and it's all very well made. It even gets proper buttons to help you navigate the touchscreen and use the three-zone climate control, too, which feels a bit novel these days.

Obviously, the central touchscreen dominates, and it's very clean and crisp, but our favourite feature is the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, which is getting long in the tooth but still feels like a useful and cool addition. The configuration options are great, and the ability to see a Google Earth-style map between the 'dials' (which can be small or large, depending on your preference) is a really neat touch. It's actually a better system than the newer one found in some larger Audi products.

Practicality

The A3’s cabin is spacious, but not exceptionally so. In fact, it’s remarkably similar to the Golf in terms of dimensions, so while four adults can sit comfortably enough in there, it’s hardly palatial in the back. But headroom is fine whether you sit in the front or rear, and there’s enough storage in there for most. Boot space is adequate at 380 litres – almost exactly the same as the space available in the VW Golf – so it should take most of your day-to-day cargo, but it might be a bit tight for a two-week family holiday on the continent.

Performance

Diesel power is, perhaps, a rogue choice these days, but it’s part of Audi’s strategy of offering everybody everything, in the hope they’ll find the car they want. So while you can have the A3 in petrol form, either as a lowly base model or a high-performance S3 or RS 3, you can also have a hybrid or a diesel variant. There’s no word yet on when the electric model is coming.

For those who want diesel – namely those who’ll largely cover long distances in their car – the sole option is this: the 35 TDI, which uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine to produce 150hp, all of which goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s a system that’s been used to great effect in VW Group products for years, and it works its magic again here.

You see, while the gearbox isn’t perfect – some odd gearchanges at odd times leave something to be desired – the system is generally pretty smooth and effective. The sprint from 0-62mph takes about eight seconds, which is more than fast enough, and the top speed of 141mph is adequate too. But despite all that, the A3 can still return more than 55mpg on the official economy test, and our test drive ascertained that 50mpg or more was easily achievable in the real world.

So while the diesel engine isn’t quite as smooth as its petrol-powered siblings (although it isn’t bad for a diesel), it does offer a pretty unbeatable combination of power and efficiency, which should make it more popular than it probably will be. But those who look at the numbers, rather than worrying about what the government thinks of diesel engines, will be in for a treat.

Ride & Handling

The A3 has always been pleasant enough to drive, even if it is in a slightly inert kind of way. And the new model is no different, with handling that's safe and stable without being all that engaging. The steering lacks a little feel, and though the response is sharp enough, it never really feels all that exciting. Yet it's still competent and capable enough for you to have a modicum of fun on a good back road.

The same goes for the suspension, which is a little firm, but not so rock solid that you lose your teeth on a long drive. Yes, the ride could be a little softer, particularly given the body control is only good, and not great, but the A3 generally strikes a decent balance between being comfortable on a long drive and competent in the bends.

Value

The cheapest A3 35 TDI – the Sport model – starts at almost £35,000, which is quite a lot for a family hatchback. Yet it does come with plenty of equipment, including heated front seats, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display and 17-inch alloy wheels. Three-zone climate control is standard, too, but the big miss is a reversing camera, which is only available as part of the £1,495 Technology Pack. Yes, it also comes with a head-up display and a Sonos sound system, but it seems a bit mean. Still, with that package specified, there’s no need to go for a more upmarket example.

Verdict

The updated A3 has cemented the car's position among the very best cars in its class, only really challenged by the likes of the BMW 1 Series and the Mazda3. And though diesel may be well and truly out of fashion, the oil-burning A3 arguably makes more sense than many of the other versions, with its long-range economy, ample punch and strong refinement. It almost makes you wonder why we fell out of love with diesel in the first place.