If you need to carry a child seat then rejoice – the Isofix child-seat anchors are clearly marked on both the outer rear seats and the wide-opening rear doors make it easy to pop the seat base into place. An A-Class is actually better for space if you regularly carry adults in the back. It’s not all perfect though – there’s not much room for three adults in the rear because there’s a big bump in the floor that forces passengers into a game of footsie. There’s enough head and legroom, and the large rear windows avoid the claustrophobic feeling you get in the back of the Mercedes A-Class – in fact the Audi A3 Sportback is the best car of its type if you only ever carry two people in the back.

You don’t get a raw deal if you’re sat in the back, either. All A3 Sportbacks also come with height adjustable seats for both front passengers. Whether you’re tall or short you’ll find a comfortable driving position, and a front armrest is standard on all models so you can relax while driving on the motorway. Interior space in the Audi A3 Sportback is generally good. The Virtual Cockpit digital driver display looks awesome and makes following sat-nav directions easier and safer because you can keep your eyes on the road. Boot space is on a par with a VW Golf and a Ford Focus. Adults sat in the rear will also be comfortable with enough head, leg and shoulder room. Front passengers get plenty of seat adjustment and a good view of the road ahead and behind.

The Audi A3 is practical and easy to live with, too. The highlight of the cabin is the optional Virtual Cockpit that replaces the old-fashioned speedo and rev-counter dials with a customisable digital screen that can show the satellite-navigation map, your Spotify playlist or just how fast you’re going.

Inside, the materials and build quality surpass that of a BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A-Class. You get a similar look on the other A3 models on sale – the A3 saloon, open-top A3 Cabriolet and rapid S3 and RS3. The Audi A3 is a very smart looking car on the outside, with a bold grille and handsome profile, as well as the sharply angled headlights. You will pay more for one than a VW Golf, Skoda Octavia or Ford Focus, though. It has a fantastic, upmarket cabin, the latest technology and is decently spacious inside too. If you want a family hatchback that makes you smile every time you climb inside, then the Audi A3 Sportback needs to be on your list. Is the Audi A3 Sportback (2016-2020) a good car? Audi A3 Sportback (2016-2020): what would you like to read next?

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