Exploring the VW MQB Evo Playground

During the last three months, I’ve been on a mini road‑trip adventure, hopping into six cars that all share the same cocoa‑brown chassis. These guys are all built on the VW MQB Evo platform and power up with the same little 1.5‑litre mild‑hybrid engine. No wonder I’m practically a “platform pro.”

My Six‑Car Roadshow

Two Golf versions – each bouncy, each a different vibe.
Two Skoda Octavia variants – spacious and practical, but still stylish.
Two Audi A3s (including this one) – sleek, sporty, and a little premium.

So yeah, that’s a whole squad of six cars. All of them play by the same rulebook: same platform, same engine, same driving feel. It’s like going from one Apple product to another – only the interiors keep changing, but the core remains identical.

Backing track

Meet the New Audi A3 Sportback

Picture this: a compact hatch that’s got everything a driver could wish for—stylish, practical, and packed with premium tech. That’s the Audi A3 Sportback, a five‑door hatchback that tries to outshine the classic Golf while stepping up against the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class Hatchback.

First Impressions…

Not the Flashiest – The Sportback’s silhouette is simply polite. It doesn’t shout “I’m Audi” the way the Golf does, nor does it match the grace of the 1‑Series sedan line.
Beauty in Subtlety – It’s respectable enough to feel like a “nice car” if you’re in the right mood, but it doesn’t make a bold statement on the road.

Inside the Cabin

Step inside, and you’ll feel it’s the same high‑end Apple‑looking experience you’ll find in the A3 sedan. In short:

Tech‑Savvy Dashboard – A sleek digital instrument cluster and a centered touch‑screen that’s both futuristic and intuitive.
Touch‑Up Materials – Premium leather or soft synthetic upholstery, along with wood or brushed aluminum accents that feel luxurious.
Functional Design – Practical storage compartments and a wide opening hatch that makes loading cargos a breeze.

Even if the exterior doesn’t shout “wow,” the interior promises an elevated experience. The A3 Sportback offers the best of both worlds: a roomy hatch layout with the high‑quality touch that Audi riders expect.

How Much Room Do You Get in the A3 Sportback?

Picture this: the Audi A3 Sportback has a cabin that feels largely like the Golf—just with a few subtle tweaks that make it feel a bit different.

Roofline and Head‑Space

The roof on the Audi is a touch steeper than the Golf’s, so the back‑seat headroom takes a tiny breath of air.
Overall, the Sportback sits 41 mm lower than the Golf. Most of that drop comes from a lower ride height, not an actual size difference.

Boot Space

When it comes to your luggage:

The 380‑liter boot is the same as the Golf’s. So you’ll sprint your groceries or beach gear just as easily.
It is, however, a sweet spot smaller than the sedan version’s 425‑liter trunk—perfect for those “just enough” trips.

Bottom line? If you’re happy with the Golf’s volume, the Sportback will feel just right—slightly lower, a touch more austere at the rear, but still plenty of space for your weekend plans.

Back it up

Road‑Test Breakdown: The A3 Sportback in Your Own Words

On the road, it’s a breeze of good news. The 1.5‑litre mild‑hybrid powertrain is not only fit‑for‑purpose but also hopeful‑fueled.

Power Play: 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque give you that brisk 0‑60 feel—no dragging.
Fuel‑Friendly: Drive smart and you’re looking at about 14 km/L. That’s a sweet spot for a premium ride.
Sway‑Savvy: Multi‑link rear suspension lets the sedan’s comfort stay in the family tree, beating the Golf any day.
All‑Day Comfort: From highway cruising to tight bends, the experience is smooth, accurate and feels just right for a souped‑up badge.

Why It’s Scoring High on the Street

Think of it like this: the A3 Sportback isn’t just another car in the junkyard of mid‑size models; it’s a detective on the road, sniffing out sharp turns, spotting those little bumps, then whispering, “All good.” Whether you’re a city commuter or a weekend wanderer, the drive feels like a premium takeaway—it’s comfortable, it’s composed, and yes, it’s a badge‑worthy ride.

Which to back?

What’s the Verdict? Sportback or Sedan?

Picture a sleek, modern A3 Sportback parking side‑by‑side with a classic‐looking A3 Sedan. Which one catches your eye? In Singapore’s luxury scene, the answer often leans toward the sedan—let’s break down why.

The Sportback: A Fresh, Attack‑Ready Hatchback

Full of premium trim, the Sportback feels like a high‑grade image of a Hot Hatch.
Its sporty silhouette’s a natural nod to the famed Golf, sharing the same platform.
Price tag? $166,140 as of June 2021—about $24k pricier than the top‑spec Golf.
Still, you can snag a Seat Leon (also on the same platform) for a cheaper break‑through.

Why the Sedan Still Rules the Ranks

Singapore is traditional about premium cars, and the sedan is often the default sweetheart for comfort and status.

Sitting position: More upright and sturdy.
Value for purpose: Gives you more formal space, especially for business trips.
Room for the family: If you’ve got a crew of four, the sedan’s rear isn’t as cramped.
Brand feeling: The sedan typically boasts a classic feel that resonates with older buyers.

What the New A3 Means

Even with the cutting‑edge Sportback, the sedan still seems likely to win the local vote—though perhaps for a slightly different reason. The Sportback might appeal to younger buyers hungry for a cooler look and a sportier feel, while the Sedan remains the safe‑bet for those chasing prestige and heritage in their cars.

Bottom Line

Both models shine, but the sedan sits higher on the popularity charts in Singapore’s premium market—think of it as the classic A‑theater analogue to the Sportback’s indie‑film vibe.

Car Brawl: Who’s Really Winning?

In the world of compact ride-hunters, the 116i and the A‑Class Hatchback are throwing elbows. Both look nice, but the 116i is a bit on the lean side—less horsepower, but it sometimes wins when you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, BMW and Mercedes‑Benz still play the “big badge” card like a sitcom’s love–hate relationship: you can’t pretend you’re not impressed.

Why Competition Feels Like a Reality Show

Price wars: The 116i and the base A‑Class are neck‑and‑neck on the price tag.
Power debate: The 116i is lighter on the gas gauge, but the hatchback keeps a swagger.
Prestige factor: Even if the numbers line up, none of these names get the same street cred as a BMW or a Mercedes‑Benz.

In short, the field is crowded, the contenders are fierce, and nobody gets to sit back and say “No one cares.”

Switching Gears: The Sedan Showdown

When we jump into the sedan train, the competition drops a little. The A‑Class Saloon steps in as the only true rival, so this little sedan doesn’t have to launch into a full-blown arena. And let’s be honest—the car’s charm is hard to beat. It’s the sort of vehicle you’d want in a photoshoot, not just on the highway.

Optional Pick‑Up

Honestly, if I had to pick between the two, I’d go straight for the sedan. It looks better and feels smoother. Kinda like choosing your favorite pizza crust: either way, you’re still hungry for more.

TL;DR

Compact cars are busy, but if you’re hunting for smooth looks and a less crowded competition, the sedan’s your go-to. The 116i and A‑Class hatchback keep the war going, while the sedan offers a quieter, sweeter ride.

Discover the Audi A3 Sportback: A High-Tech Compact Powerhouse