• Diesel engine is the sweet spot
• Manual gearbox very good
• Petrols smooth and quiet

Petrol engines

The petrol range offers two options, and we’d recommend the more powerful, more expensive one, which we’ll get to in a moment.

The entry-level 30 TFSI produces 110hp, gets from 0-62mph 10.6 seconds, and majors on refinement. It’s a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and has just enough power not to be a nuisance. Or the perfect amount if you rarely trapse up and down Britain at 70mph.

While the 35TFSI is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit that delivers usefully quicker performance and just that bit smoother under hard acceleration. With 150hp, it’ll scamper from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, which is more than enough to keep up with the flow.

Diesel engines

The 35 TDI is the only diesel on offer. It’s a good job as we highly recommend it – the MPG is impressive, but it’s usefully quicker than the 35 TFSI petrol, with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds. This version doesn’t come with the manual option, however, the seven speed auto is smooth and rarely confused. Overtaking is a doddle – you can really feel the power kick in from next to no rpm.

These engines aren’t overly loud on the move, but at start up there is a bit of diesel grumble. Company car drivers, take note. The A3’s diesels aren’t RDE2 compliant, meaning you’ll pay a 4% surcharge.

What’s it like to drive?

• Very easy to drive
• Direct steering
• Suspension depends on engine

The steering of the Audi is direct, meaning there’s very little slack in turning the wheel. Make a minor adjustment to the wheel and there’s a minor adjustment to the steering, make a major one…you get it.

This is brilliant for two reasons. It makes the Audi superbly easy to place, making your driving more accurate. And it also makes the A3 enjoyable to drive. You get a very positive feeling from the saloon down a winding road – even in the less powerful versions.

Suspension setup changes on which model you go for. Versions with less than 150hp get a simpler set up, while cars with 150hp or more get a more advanced multi-link rear suspension. We reckon it’s worth the extra money. It gives slightly more stability round corners, especially at a fast-ish speed.

All models (except for the base model Sport) get a Drive Select function. There are four or five pre-set modes depending on the engine. Each one changes the power steering feel, throttle response, and the ferocity of gear changes on automatic versions. Dynamic mode offers the most direct steering. But comfort is the mode most people will find the best to use.