The Audi A3 Sportback Competition packs a punch for everyday life

Three days with the Audi A3 5-door fitted with its sporty Competition trim. Discover the experience of this review, featuring the 45 TFSI e engine, a 272hp plug-in hybrid solution. Is it enough to knock your socks off?

Without making a fuss about it, the Audi A3 has developed quite a reputation and already has an impressive career. This fourth generation was refreshed in 2024, and among the new features is this Competition 45 TFSI e version. This bundle of rings spread over 4.35 metres benefits from a plug-in hybrid solution previously tested here on the Cupra Terramar. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.5 litre petrol engine producing 177hp and an electric motor with 116hp. The latter is a permanent magnet synchronous motor. This is all paired with a six-speed S tronic gearbox, driving the front wheels.

When everything comes together, you get a maximum output of 272hp and 400Nm of torque. As for the battery, it has a usable capacity of 19.7kWh. Audi promises a range of 142km. And it's true. I managed to cover 120km in electric mode. For charging, it takes around 150 minutes at 11kW using a wall box at home. And thanks to its 50kW DC charger, it’s possible to plug the saloon into a rapid charger to recoup just under 100km of EV range after 30 minutes of rapid charging.

Needs to hit the gym

My driving experience with this Audi A3 on a varied route demonstrates that hybrid power can deliver decent electric mileage for daily trips. The electric drive is also there to spice things up a bit. Indeed, switching Audi Drive Select into Dynamic mode combines the two motors. However, despite its 272hp, the acceleration lacks punch (0 to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds). Especially since traction can sometimes be an issue. Yes, 400Nm means you can get some wheelspin with those 18-inch alloys.

I also noticed a lag— a bit of a pause between pressing the sporty pedal and taking off. Some gear changes are somewhat hesitant too. Disappointed? It’s more of a surprise. This A3 deserved to be a bit cheekier, yet it's not exactly sluggish. It just feels a little laid-back at times, despite its power. Still, it holds a fast pace well, with a subtle engine note occasionally giving way to lyrical four-cylinder flourishes. On the motorway, it cruises serenely in electric or hybrid mode, without missing a beat. On country roads, the chassis’ composure adds to the overall satisfaction.

Tameable

This character fits the image of a car with a certain bourgeois label. But it doesn’t forget the most important thing: refined dynamism. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a real pilot’s tool for navigating with confidence. For a sportier drive, the easy-to-reach paddles let you shift manually with the gearbox in sequential mode. In any case, the German responds intuitively and precisely. That’s all the easier on this test model, which came equipped with the optional speed-sensitive progressive steering.

The compact 5-door saloon body type also brings you closer to the road, creating a more direct connection. For this hybrid version, the battery is installed at the rear, under the boot. This beast must weigh a good 250kg, demanding a certain firmness to avoid unwanted oscillations. That’s hardly a drawback, given the character of the Competition trim with its Sport suspension.

Plenty of buttons

The sports seats comfortably envelop the front passengers. They hold you in place when you pick up the pace. You’re faced with a cockpit laid out with discipline. Audi cleverly combines touchscreen tech and “old-school” buttons. Starting with the steering wheel. It all works effortlessly. There's also a dedicated stalk for the cruise control. The Drive Select button allows you to choose between Comfort, Efficient, Dynamic and Individual modes.

You can also use the button panel to force or disable electric driving. There’s no need to smear fingerprints all over the screen to adjust the climate control or seat heating. Beyond that, you can tweak just about everything else via the screen. Sometimes it proved a little stubborn, despite a crisp display. This quality also shines through on the head-up display, which is clear and easy to read.

Suitable for families?

Does the Audi A3 let you resist the siren call of SUVs, given its 4.34m length, 1.82m width and 1.45m height, if you have a small family to transport? Those rings on the grille remain appealing. This A3 Sportback Competition will certainly put a smile on the driver's face. The passengers aren’t neglected either, enjoying good comfort and an overall sense of quality. The rear centre passenger actually has a bit more space than in some SUVs. But you do need to crouch more to get in and clamber a bit to get out. Still, as a saloon sits lower to the road, fuel consumption reflects that. Over my 350km trip, draining the battery once and recharging it 50km before returning, I averaged 3.6 l/100km of petrol. For electricity, expect 16kWh/100km at 18°C, which is reasonable.

Unfortunately, it isn’t quite a Boris disco party inside— it’s a rather sombre, plain interior despite the light grey and a decent Sonos sound system. And when it comes to carrying all your gear, the boot quickly reaches its limits. The battery is to blame. All that’s left behind the hatch under the parcel shelf is 280 litres. “That’s a bit tight, young man,” as Cyrano would say. Not to be nosey, as we say in Belgium, but it’s honestly not much. A suitcase and a bag will fill it up in no time. You’ll need to travel light or opt for the tow bar and hitch a back box, which uses less fuel than a roof box.

The cost

I can see you coming, ready to grumble. Well, you can get into an Audi A3 for a little over €30,000, but it won’t be hybrid and, with just 116hp, it’s nothing like “our” 272hp (200kW) Competition version. That one starts at… €52,800 in Belgium. A whole different ballgame. Then you can still pimp it out— a bit or a lot— with various options.

Our test model had a long list of extras, ranging from tow bar prep (fancy that), speed-sensitive progressive steering, 18-inch alloy wheels in a different design from standard, Matrix LED headlights, the Technology Pack with head-up display and virtual cockpit, plus a few other bits and bobs— all the way up to the costly Platinum Pack that bundles several together. Drum roll please: €68,000! Yes, just like in the jewellery trade, those rings...

In France, the Competition trim starts at €55,900. To upgrade further, it’s up to you to browse the options list. In other countries, look for the A3 Sportback S Line 45 TFSI e. In Switzerland, that’s at least CHF 56,900. In the Netherlands, the S Line starts at €47,900. In Germany, it’s €47,700. In the UK, you’re looking at a minimum of £41,400. In Canada, this model isn’t available.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Audi – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)