The 2015 Audi A3 is a premium hatchback that uses the same mechanicals - including the platform and engines - as the Volkswagen Golf. It is part of the third-generation of the A3 lineage, which represented a big step forward in terms of design, interior quality and technology over its predecessors. You could argue that, in the first two of those three areas, it’s actually still better than the Mk4 A3 that succeeded it. On the road, the 2015 Audi A3 has a good mixture of comfort, sharpness, strong performance and impressive fuel efficiency.

Strengths:

High-quality interior
Five-door Sportback model is practical
Good mix of dynamic abilities

Weaknesses:

More expensive than mainstream alternatives with similar strengths
Overly firm ride on S line versions
Performance models are pricey to run

Is the 2015 Audi A3 better than the 2015 Mercedes A-Class?

In a word, yes. The Audi A3 of the day was better to drive than the equivalent A-Class, with a comfier ride, sharper handling, better refinement and more potent performance, and in five-door Sportback form, it was more practical, too, while it also had an edge on interior quality.