1.9 TDI Sport 5dr Hatchback

Classy and very economical car.

This is my second A3, having ran an A4 for four years after my first A3 was written off in a crash. The original one was the poverty spec 1.6 base model, so this was quite a jump to go up to a much better equipped 1.9TDIe on the Sport trim level. Inside, the dashboard, switches and so on are all to the usual classy Audi standard. For the 2009 MY there was a much needed improvement in standard equipment levels, when a few of the twiddly features that were previously expensive extras were now sensibly made standard. I like the newer trip computer display which is now in white instead of the previous red, and the new R8-style instrument graphics have kept the A3 fresh as the second generation now enters its twilight years. Disappointing again though that the stereo is rather basic - it sounds OK, but given that a similarly priced Golf has an all-singing all dancing DAB affair with USB connectivity (no doubt upgradable at a hefty price, in Audi fashion....), it still looks rather mean.

The Sport spec is a sort of half way house between the SE and S-Line, so you get the harder, lowered suspension (I will come to that later), but you don't get the S-line's leather interior or the fancy alloys. The engine is the 1.9TDIe - or high efficiency - in essence it is elements of the VW BlueMotion package - such as aerodynamic improvements, low rolling resistance tyres, and long gear ratios, but without the auto start/stop or energy recuperation. The long legged gearing means that I don't really miss the 6th gear on my 2.0TDI A4, and the torque delivery is a lot more linear instead of the lumpy surge above 2000rpm I experienced on that car. It does mean that I find myself having to drop two gears instead of one to accelerate away from roundabouts for instance. But you get used to it....

Handling-wise, it is much more engaging than the nose-heavy A4 I ran previously, with grippy, front wheel drive handling that bites in and attacks the bends with gusto. The age old A3 gripe of over assisted steering - great for parking - spoils it. The car has loads of grip, but it is just a shame that the steering feel doesn't really inspire much confidence. The sports suspension means the ride is rather firm though, it crashes into potholes and tyre roar on anything less than billiard table road surfaces gets tiring. Can't fault its economy though - on a long run, the high efficiency package gives me a fuel economy rarely below the low 50s, and really careful driving can have you bettering 60mpg (the quoted figure is 64mpg, but nobody seems to achieve that). Haven't had it serviced yet, but Audi garages serve you tea in nice china whilst you wait for your car to be delivered from the workshop and they charge accordingly....I will be taking it to a non-franchise specialist like I did with all my previous Audis when the warranty runs out.

Overall a classy car that is enjoyable to drive. You still can't help but notice that a Mk.6 Golf is better value and almost as classy - but for those that must have the Audi badge....!

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