Audi A3 Sportback hatchback - Reliability & safety

Despite being an all-new model, the A3 is based on underpinnings and engines that are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so we wouldn't expect any major reliability upsets. We also expect it to perform very well in crash tests, but it's a shame some safety kit sits on the options list.

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Audi A3 reliability

It will be some time until enough owners put the new Audi A3 through its paces to get a real feel for its reliability, but major issues seem unlikely. For a start, the A3 is based on an upgrade of the Volkswagen Group's MQB architecture, and its 1.5-litre petrol is an evolution of the engine found in the previous model.

The Mk3 A3 was rated average for reliability in our 2019 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, with 16% of owners reporting a fault within the first year.

Safety

The A3 is a key seller for Audi, so the company would be unlikely to do anything to jeopardise a five-star Euro NCAP score. Signs are already positive because the A3's Volkswagen Golf sister car already achieved a top safety result, with impressive scores across the board.

New safety features also make their debut in the A3, including Car2X technology that can communicate with local vehicles and infrastructure (where supported) to warn the driver of hazards, traffic and even how long it will be until a traffic light turns red or green.

It is a shame, however, to see how much safety kit is an optional extra. For the Technik trim, a lane change system is £500, while a Driver Assistance Pack with parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control is £2,100.