AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

Four years later, Audi moves to address criticisms of its swanky family hatchback

- FELIX PAGE 

from the slightly wider radiator grille and slick new headlights, the best way of identifying the 2024 A3 is by the Audi badge at the front, which sits a few centimetres higher than it did before.

Job done, then? Not quite. Audi acknowledges that this fourth generation of A3 has been criticised since its 2020 launch for the finish and design of its interior, so the priority for its mid-life update was to give the cabin a quality and charisma boost.

As such, it now has illuminated door panels (30 colours available), redesigned air vents with optional chrome surrounds, a smaller gear selector and a raft of new upmarket materials and colour schemes.

Plus, the touchscreen now runs the latest generation of Audi's infotainment platform, giving access to in-built apps and various paid-for functions on demand, and the standard kit list has been extended to include a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and 'comfort' automatic air-con.