THERE'S something quite unusual about the smart Audi A3 we've been driving recentlyâ¦in a world of SUVs, crossovers and hatchbacks the four-door saloon profile of the A3 Saloon is a genuine rarity.

Of course, the five-door Sportback is the bigger seller but the more balanced, elegant and more sporty shape of the four-door understandably has its followers.

Recently freshened with a new frameless grille and more aggressive bumper arrangement, plus an upgraded cabin, the saloon presents an appealing option. It also means you get more luggage space than in the Sportback.

The 35 TFSI version we drove gets a 1.5-litre, 4 cylinder engine that packs 148bhp which is sufficient to send it to 62mph in just over eight seconds, about average for the class. It's a free-revving harmonious unit that encourages keen drivers to make the most of the available power.

Coupled to an eight-speed auto gearbox, complete with steering wheel paddles, progress is swift enough and quite effortless thanks to light controls and a ride that strikes the right balance between dynamic performance and comfort.

Cornering is predictable pleasantly roll-free with little sign of understeer. It is, however, easily possible to spin the front wheels when making a swift getaway, especially in greasy conditions.

Special mention should be made of the steering which is positive and quite highly geared allowing a good turn-in on bends and more road-feel than most models in its class.

The interior bears the usual Audi hallmarks of quality mouldings, good fit and plenty of soft touch materials.

Space in the front is, understandably, less generous than offered by the larger A4 but comfortable enough with adequate shoulder room. Those in the back seats are a tad short on legroom if the front occupants extend their seats.

Rear headroom is also somewhat restricted, too, due to the rakish slope of the roof.

No shortage of storage space within the cabin thanks to roomy door pockets, a central box in the armrest and a passenger cubby.

The boot holds 420 litres of cargo - that's about 40 litres more than the Sportback version.

The latest infotainment system works well and is easy to get your head around. It's also good to see Audi haven't entirely forsaken physical switches and knobs which allow you to make adjustments without taking your eyes off the road ahead.

Noise levels re generally low, but over some surfaces the low profile tyres drum and pass back some intrusion into the cabin. The engine, itself, is sweet sounding and happy to be revved. There's little wind noise from the cleanly-shaped body.

Its relatively compact dimensions prove an everyday boon for parking and manoeuvring. A tight turning circle is also particularly useful around supermarket carparks.

Despite its eager nature and spritely performance, the 35 TFSI has frugal thirst for E10. On a long, swift country run we averaged 47.5mpg and even around town with plenty of stop-start traffic driving we managed 41mpg.

Likeable and easy to drive both when pottering or getting a wiggle on, the A3 Saloon in 35TFSI guise has plenty going for it.

£33,330

1.5-litre, 148bhp, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

144mph

8.4sec

49.6

24

130g/km

31%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.4