Audi A3 specific details

Audi’s reputation for quality premium cars is fully justified in the new Audi A3. Quality, engineering and design are all hallmarks of the Audi brand and inherent in the new A3.

The A3 takes on a competitive market of so called ‘hot hatches’. The BMW 1-series and the VW Golf provide some fierce competition to which the Audi compares favourably. The Audi is probably most similar in design to the 1-series with its long bonnet and robust chassis. It bridges the sporty hot hatch and the practical family car markets with impressive versatility. Like the 1-series, the A3 has an impressive range of diesel engines. The kind of buyer that would purchase an A3 would tend to value economy and style in equal measure.

The 1.6 TDI model achieves a frugal 68.9 mpg and has the low car tax privilege awarded to low emission vehicles. There are also a 1.4 and 2 litre petrol options, and a 2 litre diesel. The 1.6TDI would appear to be the best choice for economy and performance. It comes in at just over £20k, giving it a premium price tag compared to a Golf, but the Audi could probably be classed in a slightly higher bracket.

It handles like a performance car and for extra sportiness you could opt for the extra firm S-line suspension. Its power to defy classification means it could easily be considered as a small family car. It has a Sportback variant which provides a bigger boot in an estate car kind of style. Ride comfort and insulation are excellent: the A3 whistles along without any bangs, bumps or serious engine noise. The cabin is typically Audi - plush nicely crafted features adorn a sumptuously robust cockpit.

There is currently an excellent market for second hand cars that blur the lines between sports car and family hatch. The Audi falls firmly into this enigmatic category.