The base A3 is overall poor value when you consider it costs the same as a mid-range Golf, and is essentially the same car under the skin. Audi attempted to lure people in with what it called the 1.6 Special Edition, which was essentially the 1.6 base with alloys and aircon thrown in for free. But you still don't get many toys for your money, even simple things like rear speakers for the hi-fi were optional extras - considering this car costs £15k is a bit of an insult. It also loses marks for the cheap plastic steering wheel which is at odds with the classy interior. Like everything else, it can be upgraded via the extensive options list - but Audi options aren't cheap and if you get carried away, you'll easily tip the price over the £20k mark.

The engine is the old 8-valve 1.6 unit - mover of a squillion Golfs, Jettas and Passats. It pumps out a decent (on paper) 102bhp, thanks to some fancy induction plumbing, but Audi's attempt to make it sound more powerful than it actually is by giving it a rorty exhaust note is pure bluff - it has to be worked very hard to perform on the open road, and it is quite noisy at a steady motorway cruise. Still - fuel economy is reasonably decent, but a long way off the much preferable diesels or the newer 1.6FSI unit. Handling is good, but spoilt by the over-assisted steering which makes it feel less agile than the Golf Mk.5 with which it shares its chassis.

Overall, there are much, much better value cars around. If you really want to own the coveted four rings, I say go for a two year old A3 with a larger engine and higher spec for the same money. Run a mile from these base spec 1.6 A3s on the used forecourt - many of them are in red because their owners weren't prepared to fork out for pricey metallic paint - red is the only solid colour that doesn't cost extra!!!!

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2.0 TDI Sport 5dr DSG

reviewed by phonehome on 25 April 2011