By Mike Torpey on 2014-02-01 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
Audi A3 2.0 TDI
Sport
THE numbers say it all for a model Audi claims created the now flourishing premium compact car scene.
It's 17 years since the first A3 rolled off the Ingolstadt production line - now the figure has topped three million.
There's the hatchback that started the A3 on its journey, the five-door Sportback, performance S models and most recently the four-door A3 Saloon.
And to increase a momentum that has seen the Audi marque increasingly become the premium brand of choice, a whopping 13 billion euros is being invested in new product over the next three years.
The latest, third generation, of the A3 hatchback is a car boasting sharper styling than before, slicker dynamics and a stack of on-board technology.
That feel of engineering excellence and quality hits home from the second you hop into the cabin.
Just don't expect anything fun or funky as the layout, style and feel of the interior is all very Germanic - more Kraftwerk than Coldplay.
Of the five engine variants on offer the tested 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual transmission is both powerful and efficient.
Despite enough kick to fire the A3 to 62mph in 8.8 seconds it can also return a potential 68.9 miles per gallon, and that's a decent return by any standard.
Mid range Sport trim also means that for the first time at this level, you get the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system enabling the driver to choose from five modes - Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual - which dictate the car's driving characteristics.
Whichever you choose though, the experience is lively, positive and nimble, while additional Sport features include two-zone climate control, sports seats, sports steering wheel, aluminium detailing and 17-inch alloys.
If you need to regularly travel with four, or even five, aboard then limited rear legroom - and an awkward, perched centre position - means you're probably better off with the five-door Sportback model.
As with all Audis there's considerable scope for extras, though the tested Sport model was adequately kitted out as standard.
It means that from entry level SE you get 16-inch alloys, air con, multi media interface radio with an 11mm-thin electrically folding screen, preparation for SD card navigation, iPod connection, driver info system, Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel.
It also offers voice control for many of its telephone and audio system functions.
Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport
Price: £23,105
Mechanical: 150ps, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Combined MPG: 68.9
Insurance Group: 21
C02 emissions: 106g/km
Bik rating: 16%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
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