Business Car Manager road test verdict
The Audi A3 Sportback is a fantastic all-rounder, and this 1.8 TFSI model is undoubtedly the best-handling and fastest model currently in the range. It’s still spacious and refined enough to take four tall adults on a long motorway journey, too. 
This is where the new A3 trumps the old car. Because of the longer wheelbase there’s much more room for passengers and luggage.
The problem is, this isn’t the A3 Sportback we’d necessarily recommend. The 2.0 TDI with 184PS feels marginally faster and just as capable in the bends but we suspect it will be cheaper to run. But you’ll have to wait a little longer to get your hands on one.
And if you really fancy a sporty five-door hatch, the BMW 1 Series is more involving and fun to drive. The drawback there, though, is that the 1 Series is more cramped in the back seats and in the boot – so less useful for all-round business life. Pick whichever suits your personality better.
Like the A3 but want something that’s more cost-effective as a company car? Read our business car review of the 1.6 diesel.
The 2.0 TDI 184PS variant of the A3 Sportback and all quattro models don’t reach the UK until May 2013. Other versions of the Sportback will be on our roads in March.
Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI Sport 180PS S Tronic – the low down
| P11D Value | £24,975 |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £n/a a month (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Company car tax bands 2012/13 to 2014/15 | 17%, 18%, 19% |
| BIK tax | £4,246, £4,496, £4,745 |
| Engine | 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| CO2 | 130 g/km |
| Power/torque | 180PS/ 280Nm |
| 0-62mph | 7.3 seconds/ 144mph |
| Economy | 50.4 mpg |
