What is Audi Sport trim and is it worth it?

Published: 16 April 2024

Audi Sport trim is one of the most popular trim levels for several Audi models and you’ll find lots of used Audi Sport models for sale.

Here’s our guide to what makes Audi’s Sport trim different to its other trim levels.

Sport is a trim level for certain Audi models that gives you a good range of features included as standard, yet is one of the least-expensive trim levels Audi offers.

Sport trim is often one level up from entry-level SE or Technik trim but, more recently, it is sometimes the most affordable trim level on a particular model.

Unlike S line models, which feature S line badges near the front wheels, there are no visual clues on the outside of an Audi in Sport trim. You’ll almost certainly find that an Audi in Sport trim has smaller alloy wheels than most other trim levels in the range and it doesn’t have some of the features you see in other models, such as additional chrome trim, rear privacy glass or a rear spoiler.

Let’s look at the latest Audi A1, which has 16-inch alloy wheels in Sport trim but 17-inch wheels if you upgrade to the S line model. It’s the same story with the alloy wheels on the A3 Sportback: 17-inch on the Sport and 18-inch on the S line.

That’s not to say that Audi models in Sport trim don’t look good. The A1 Sport has body-coloured door mirrors and an aluminium silver frame around the radiator grille, for example, while the A3 Sport has a blend of matt black and silver exterior styling, along with a rear spoiler and door mirrors painted in the body colour.

The inside of Audi Sport models look anything but basic – you’ll find things like good-quality fabric on the seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a leather gear knob with aluminium trim, a leather handbrake grip and aluminium trim for the control switches, air vents and digital instrument cluster.

Other highlights include door sill trims with aluminium inlays, velour floor mats and soft-touch finishes for the door handles and other touch points.

Sport models have standard suspension and smaller alloy wheels than other Audi models, which is no bad thing. Firstly, although many people think larger alloy wheels look better, they can make a car’s ride slightly less comfortable simply because they come with lower-profile tyres that have less rubber to cushion the impact of bumpy roads.

In other respects, Sport models offer the same performance as other trim levels, although you might be limited to certain engines. For example, the 35 TFSI petrol engine isn’t available on the Audi A1 Sport. Similarly, the 40 TFSI, the 40 TDI and the 45 TFSI aren’t available on the Q3 Sport.

The equipment fitted to Sport models varies across the Audi range. Take the Audi A3 Sportback, which is one of the most popular Audis. The Sport trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, smartphone integration, a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and the latest driver-assistance systems.

It’s worth noting that although it’s the current entry-level option, Sport was formerly one or two notches up the trim ladder. It’s just that over time Audi, like many car brands, stopped selling the lowest-priced versions of many of its cars.

The current trim levels are Sport, S line and Black Edition, although Audi has also sold cars in SE, SE Technik, Technik and Vorsprung trim in recent years.

Following the removal of the SE and Technik trim levels, Sport is now the most affordable trim for Audi’s latest cars. Prices vary according to the model, but it’s likely to cost you about £1,500 to £2,000 to upgrade from Sport to S line when buying new.

Most Audi cars sold new in recent years are available with the Sport trim. These are the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q4 E-tron, Q5, Q8 E-tron and TT.

Cars not available in Sport trim include the E-tron GT, Q7 and R8.

Audi Sport models are definitely worth considering since they give you great value for money. You might not get some of the design features of Audi’s higher-grade models but you still get a good amount of features included as standard, as well as the premium look and feel that Audi cars are known for.

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