Audi A3 Sport (From Warrington Guardian)

Audi A3 Sport

AUDI'S A3 three door hatchback, introduced in 1996, set the benchmark as the most luxurious and well-equipped car in its class and its successor, which entered the showrooms in the autumn, provides even more quality. The Sport model I have been driving this week boasts figure hugging front seats, a racy leather-clad steering wheel and stiffened suspension - all obligatory on a car with its badging - along with aluminium sill strips, a driver's information system, front fog lamps, a glossy interior wood finish and a sunblind at the rear.

A number of TT roadster design cues have been borrowed including aluminium fringed round air vents, rotary knobs and the struts between the transmission tunnel and the centre console.

All of this builds on the standard specification which includes alloy wheels, electric front windows, height adjustable front seats, remote control central locking, an alarm and immobiliser, a radio and cassette player, electrically operated and heated door mirrors and front, side and head airbags with a deactivation facility.

The next up SE adds more elaborate wheels, wood inlays, a CD player, cruise control, electronic climate control, a central armrest up front, the leather clad steering wheel, lots of ancillary lighting inside the car and "get you home" delayed action lights.

The test car also came with graphite black Vienna leather upholstery, pearl effect bodywork, heated front seats, illuminated vanity mirrors, a concert radio with Bose and rear carpet mats. Truly it is a magnificent specification.

But take a very deep breath because all of that will cost you £19,325 - and that's with a 1.6 litre petrol engine.

Other engines offering petrol and diesel power up to 3.2 litres. Generating just over 100 horsepower at 5,600 revs, the 1.6 is capable of sprinting to 60 miles an hour from standing in under 12 seconds and its top speed is claimed to be 115 mph. Fuel consumption expectation is 40 mpg.

A five speed manual gearbox is standard but a six speed Tiptronic dual-mode change will become optional in the future. The electronic stabilisation programme features anti-skid brakes, electronic brake distribution and differential lock, anti-slip regulation and hydraulic brake assist. The responsive powered steering system varies the level of its assistance to suit the road speed.

A3 is larger than it was (the wheelbase is 65mm longer than its predecessor and its body is 30mm wider) - but it still remains hard work for rear passengers gaining access and egress. To make the most of the boot area, a space saver spare wheel is favoured while a run flat spare is an option. A split fold rear seat enhances the versatility but those at the front have metal fixings protruding from the rear of the cushions. Fortunately they aren't intrusive - but they don't look very good.

The A3 petrol engines require servicing only every 19,000 miles or bi-annually and the warranty extends to three years or 60,000 miles. The rust penetration warranty runs for 12 years.

Fact File

Car: Audi A3 Sport

Configuration: Three door hatchback

Engines: 1.6

Power outputs: 102 hp

Top speeds: 115 mph

0-60mph: 11.9 seconds

Transmission: Five speed manual

Steering: Servotronic electro-mechanical powered

Brakes: ABS

Wheels: 17 ins

Fuel tank: 55 litres

Luggage capacity: 350 litres, 1,100 with rear seats folded

Length: 14ft

Verdict: Truly a quality car but above average income will be needed to enjoy it