2013 Audi A3 Reviews

Audi is often in the forefront of vehicle design and the A3 is a classic example. The company was the first of the upmarket German marques to make the bold, some thought foolhardy, move to smaller, relatively affordable cars.  Prior to the Audi A3 you had to spend upwards of $60,000 to get into one of the big make

Swanking along the Cote D’Azur in a swish cabriolet was something I’d dreamt of ever since seeing a Hitchcock movie with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant cruising along there in a Sunbeam Alpine.

How much Audi do you really need? Think about it.

Now there are three. The premium small-car segment began as a one-horse race in 1996 when Audi took the bold step of introducing a small model called the A3. BMW was extra wary of the possibility of diluting its brand with a small car, but watched Audi sales closely and finally decided it was safe to enter the prestige small-car race in 2004, with its 1 Series.Mercedes-Benz was a very late starter, not joining the fray until it introduced the all-new A-Class in 2012 (the original A-Class was a stubby city car operating in a totally different market area). Having led the way, Audi is very keen to build on its 17 years of expertise in small cars and has added additional models to both ends of the A3 Sportback lineup.The most exciting is the quattro version. With over four decades of harnessing all-wheel-drive to powerful engines this model was a given. At the other end of the scale is a super-economy model tagged the Audi A3 COD. Which doesn’t mean you have to pay cash for it on delivery, but that it has a 'cylinder on demand' powerplant.ENGINES | TRANSMISSIONSThe A3 Sportback quattro has a hot(ish) four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces up to 132kW of power and a high 280Nm of torque. The use of quattro all-wheel-drive is the big feature of this model, as it provides huge amounts of road grip, even on slippery roads. Automatic transmission in the quattro is a six-speed dual-clutch unit.The cylinder on demand Audi A3 Sportback engine runs on four cylinders in normal driving conditions, but drops to just two cylinders when minimum power and torque are required, such as in gentle country or motorway running on level loads. It’s aimed at economy and has an officially measured figure of just 4.7 litres per hundred kilometres.Again, it’s a turbo-petrol unit, this time with a capacity of 1.4 litres and 103kW and 250Nm. Transmission is to the front wheels only and the automatic is a conventional six-speed unit. Both of these Audi engines coast downhill when you throttle right off, using zero litres of fuel when doing so.STYLINGThough it’s termed the Sportback, with the suggestion it has a hatchback body, this A3 is more station wagon in its shape. Thus it has a good sized load area that’s reasonably squared off and simple to load. A handy 380 litres of boot volume, including a large underfloor stowage area is a feature of the latest A3. Cargo capacity of 1120 litres is offered if the rear seats are folded down. There are various other ways of arranging the rear seats / boot to juggle luggage and people carrying.The sporty A3 quattro has a rear roof spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, sports seats in leather trim, leather finished steering wheel, and an aluminium-look cabin design.INFOTAINMENTThese models have a full-colour 5.8-inch display for Audi’s MMI eight-speaker audio system. It has Bluetooth integration and satellite navigation. The screen can be retracted into the dash for those who choose to minimise driver inattention.SAFETYLighter weight and a stronger body meant the Audi gained five stars with ease in crash testing. The added traction of quattro all-wheel-drive gives it an edge in crash avoidance on low-traction surfaces.DRIVINGRemembering that torque is more important than power, it didn’t surprise us there’s plenty of grunt from the 280Nm quattro Audi A3. It has fast throttle response and combined with the quattro system provides plenty of driving excitement at a modest price of $37,990 plus on-road costs.Oddly, the cylinder on demand engine doesn’t have a light on the dash to let the driver know the car is running on just two cylinders. Volkswagen does on its virtually identical engine and we feel that the challenge of getting fuel consumption and emissions down as low as possible would be enhanced by just such an indicator light.Ride comfort and handling are nicely balanced in both models with even the sporting A3 Sportback quattro providing a supple ride and low noise levels. Coarse-chip sealed roads, often an achilles heel on European cars when driven in Australia, didn’t create undue noise in this pair of Audis.If the high-performance Audi A3 Sportback doesn’t stir your blood sufficiently, you will only have to wait another 10 weeks or so for the hot Audi S3 models. A challenger for the redhot Mercedes A 45 AMG is surely in the wings and will presumably be tagged the Audi RS3. Can’t wait for that one…The complete Audi A3 Sportback range is:A3 Attraction 1.4 TFSI S tronic: $35,600A3 Attraction 1.6 TDI S tronic: $36,500A3 Attraction 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic: $37,900A3 Ambition 1.8 TFSI S tronic: $42,500A3 Ambition 2.0 TDI S tronic: $42,500A3 Ambition 1.8 TFSI quattro S tronic: $45,500Audi A3 Sportback quattroPrice: from $45,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoResale: 52 per cent (previous model)Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWDThirst: 6.6L/100km, 95 RON PULPDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1380kgSpare: Space-saver 

Time in the gym, new powerplants and a diet give Audi’s small car more muscles.

Why fit amazing technology to a car and then try to conceal it? Audi's new A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic COD features new, multi-displacement technology that slashes fuel consumption and turns the 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine into a 700cc two cylinder at times.They're calling the system COD but it stands for Cylinder On Demand rather than Cash On Delivery -- though it could deliver a little of both. The thing is there is nothing to indicate when the change takes place, unlike the three other Audis that already have the tech.In fact, Audi has tried to make the transition from four to two cylinders and back again as seamless as possible. In contrast, in the S6, S7 and RS6 models, a dash indicator tells the driver when the car is operating at half capacity.Try as we might we couldn't secure any real explanation from Audi, apart from the fact that the proof was in the pudding -- drivers can see the benefits when they refuel. You see the “COD” technology is claimed to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent and that is all that really counts, explains Audi Australia boss Andrew Doyle.The car is one of two new models that Audi have added to the A3 Sportback lineup this week. The other is a range topping (for now) 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol model with the addition of Audi's ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive system.VALUEPrices start at $35,600 for the entry level 1.4-litre Attraction. For $36,500 you can have the same car with a 1.6-litre diesel, or for $37,900 you get the new COD model -- all in Attraction trim. Stepping up to the Ambition model gets you a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, either of which will set you back $42,500 before on-road costs  or the new 1.8-litre quattro for $45,500. The red-hot all-wheel drive S3 arrives later in the year priced from $59,900.The Sportback's standard equipment list includes leather, climate and cruise control, auto lights and wipers, 16 inch alloys, dynamic suspension, 8-speaker audio system with music interface and Bluetooth phone audio streaming.DESIGNBased on the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 Sportback is Audi's swoopy backed A3 hatch-cum-station wagon. It's a car with which Audi claims started the premium hatch segment with its launch back in 1996. The addition of the two new models brings the number of Sportback variants to six, with entry level Attraction and aspirational Ambition trims and a number of add-on packs as options.Part of the new-generation A3’s design brief was to reduce weight, and as a result it's up to 90kg lighter. This has been achieved mainly through the introduction of lightweight aluminium parts. High tensile steel is used for the passenger cell and the bonnet and front guards are all aluminium.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine in the COD produces 103kW of power and 250Nm of torque, compared to the entry level model's 90kW and 200Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km. The larger 1.8 turbo four delivers 132kW and 280Nm and is good for 6.8 secs, at just 6.6 litres/100km.The latter's ultra-flat torque curve sees maximum torque kick in from a low 1250 revs right through to 5000 revs. Both engines are teamed with Audi's S tronic, twin-clutch auto as standard that includes steering wheel mounted paddle shifts.Of note the 1.4 is teamed with Audi's dry-clutch 7-speed box and the 1.8 with the wet-clutch 6-speed unit, the latter to cope with the extra power. Any of the petrol models can also be ordered with a six-speed manual at no extra cost.SAFETYFive stars for safety, with seven airbags and a complete suite of safety systems. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are standard. For $1800 the optional Assistance Pack adds adaptive cruise, high beam assist and lane departure warning. The car also scores a 5 star rating from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide -- the same as the benchmark hybrid Prius.DRIVINGWe had a crack at both cars in the rolling hills outside Adelaide. For an extra $2300 the 1.4 litre COD offers considerably more power and torque than the entry level Sportback. Power rises to 103kW and torque increases 20 per cent to 250Nm, and the COD system slips easily into two cylinder mode when full power is not required.This will generally occur at cruising speeds on the motorway or at other times when the engine is not under load. We couldn't tell if or when the change took place, so there's no real downside to the equation. The more powerful 1.8 offers stronger straight line acceleration, tighter body control and plenty of mid-corner grip thanks to all wheel drive. But it's still not as good as BMW's more powerful but more expensive 125i Sport. If you want more than the 1.8 can offer, then you'll have to wait until December for the fire-breathing S3 because there's nothing in between.VERDICTBoth cars are good but we are not sure the 1.8-litre model is worth the extra dough. The 1.4-litre model offers plenty of punch, all the grip needed and near diesel levels of fuel economy and for that reason alone stands out.Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI CODPrice: from $37,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 103kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 4.7L/100kmAudi A3 Sportback 1.8TFSI quattroPrice: from $45,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 6.6L/100km 

Being first isn’t always best but the move is likely to pay off for Audi as it sets the pace in the prestige compact sedan. The A3 might lack the dynamics of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz - and that’s yet to be established, given its rivals haven’t hit the streets yet - but Audi research shows premium compact sedan buyers invest in style and brand.The A3 sedan backs that up with build quality and on-road manners to tempt potential owners behind the wheel and keep them there.VALUEA $3000 premium over the comparable A3 Sportback models adds a 425-litre boot and a similarly large lift in style. Local prices haven’t been finalised - the cars won’t land here until January or February - but expect prices to start around $38,600 for the 1.4-litre petrol that will be sold in Attraction specification, rising to $45,600 for the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the higher Ambition spec.The dual-clutch S-tronic transmission is the default option, with six or seven gears; a six-speed manual is a no-cost special order. Sitting behind the wheel, the car feels more expensive and expansive than the price suggests, to the point potential A4 buyers may decide they can do with marginally less space. Standard gear is fairly basic at this level but Audi has bundled its best features in a variety of packages that cost from $2000-$3000.TECHNOLOGYCylinder deactivation flows to the compact class in the base 1.4-litre petrol launch engine (the same size engine without deactivation will arrive next year). It’s a clever approach that uses camshaft sleeves with two different profiles.When the engine is under low load and running at 1000-4000rpm, the sleeve rotates to avoid activating the valves on two cylinders Audi says it trims fuel use by 0.4 litres/100km and shut down is all but imperceptible, with a tiny jolt when the driver accelerates and the cylinders kick back in.Weight savings are evident across the range and in every area of the car, from an aluminium bonnet to the alloy crank. Audi continues to turbocharge all engines to satisfy power/economy targets to the point even the 1.4 is capable of axle tramp on a wet road yet officially uses just 4.7 litres/100km.DESIGNAudi has gotten kinky and it transforms the A3 sedan into the edgiest-looking sedan in its range. The sharp crease-lines typical of the brand now extend into three dimensions - the shoulder and character lines aren’t creases so much as extruded edges and it gives the profile a genuinely sporty look.Flared guards with a recessed rim enhance the effect. The back is just as distinctive - identifiably Audi but with more character than other models. The VW Group’s MQB chassis let the engineers trim the front and rear overhangs and the body is wider and lower than the five-door A3 Sportback.The interior is at least a match for the quality seen in the larger, more expensive, and supposedly more luxurious A4 sedan. All surfaces are soft touch or hi-gloss contrast inserts and the tactility of the switchgear, from the vents to the electronic park brake is as good as you’ll find in any vehicle.The seats are supportive and a pair of 180cm adults can sit in the front or back, though the centre rear seat doubles as the ski port, so it is hard on the back and will be uncomfortable after more than a couple of blocks.SAFETYThe A3 is a five-star car and the sedan is a step up on the Sportback. Gas-charged struts pop the bonnet to counter ANCAP noting the already-released Sportback poses a potential risk to passengers. Seven airbags are standard, though buyers will pay around $1990 for the advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and blind spot warnings.A reversing camera isn’t standard - it is paired with the MMI Navigation Plus package that extends the pop-up infotainment screen from 5.8-inches to 7-inches and adds satnav and auto-parking software. The package is expected to match the $2990 cost on the Sportback.DRIVINGA patchwork of repaired potholes and distinct wheel track ruts make the Hungarian back-roads close to Australian country conditions and the compact sedan shines. The ride is expectedly firmer than Asian cars without being harsh and will only be improved when Audi releases its optional magnetic dampers soon after the car’s local launch.It handles like a small car but rides like a mid-sized sedan and even in the back seat there is little perception of body roll or pitching. Wind noise is subdued but Carsguide suspects the optional low-profile 19-inch rubber fitted to the 1.8-litre petrol car will generate some tyre noise on our coarse-chip bitumen.The steering is light and direct but lacks the feedback of its German rivals, so cornering is based on visual rather than visceral stimulation. The 221kW S3 sedan should arrive in March to satisfy four-ringed fans who want more driving dynamics. A quattro system for the regular 1.8 model will be available at launch for those who want to take advantage of the ski port in the rear seat with trips to the snowfields.VERDICTAudi needs something special to take on the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the still gestating BMW 1 Series sedan. The A3 is that car - at least for those who want a premium sedan that performs but aren’t too bothered about buying a pseudo sports car.Audi A3 sedanPrice: from $38,600 (est)Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoService intervals: 12 months/15,000kmSafety rating: 5 starsEngines: 1.4-litre turbo 4-cylinder, 103kW/250Nm; 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder, 132kW/250Nm; 2.0-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder; 110kW/320NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWDDimensions: 4.46m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.42m (H)Thirst: 4.7L/100km, 109g/km CO2 (1.4), 5.6L/100km, 129g/km CO2 (1.8), 4.1L/100km, 107/km CO2 (2.0)Weight: 1250kg-1315kgSpare: Space-saver

Australians are moving away from large cars into smaller ones, but many are refusing to accept any loss of comfort or performance. And if possible they would like a solid dash of prestige at the same time.Between you me and the gatepost, you'd buy an Audi A3 in front of the larger A4 every day. Why? Apart from costing substantially less, the new generation A3 looks almost the same as its bigger brother and offers only marginally less room inside.VALUEThis is the third generation A3 which has form going back to 1996. It was part of a push back then to deliver premium compact cars to more discerning buyers and nothing has changed.It means plenty of goodies for buyers - the latest powertrain technology, eco-efficiency and generous luxury kit as well as the desirability factor in a concentrate. But Audi still offers options up to your eyeballs if you so choose.Starting point for the new five door A3 Sportback (a sedan, wagon and three door variants follow), is $35,600 for the 1.4 TFSi petrol Attraction complete with a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission, paddle shift, auto lights and wipers, tyre pressure monitor, parking assistance, cruise control and plenty more.Driver assist features are available, many as options or part of an option pack. They include adaptive cruise control, side assist, active lane assist and pre-sense for collisions. A driver information readout is standard along with rest recommendation.The green vehicle rating is five stars.TECHNOLOGYFour engines are available, two petrol and two diesel and all are force fed turbos. The petrol 1.4 and 1.8 TFSi units feature direct fuel injection and variable valve timing.The smaller unit achieves 90kW/200Nm while the larger capacity unit is good for 132kW/250Nm. The diesels are in 1.6 and 2.0-litre capacities with the former good for 77kW/250Nm and the latter 110kW/320Nm.The 1.6 diesel is economy king sipping an astonishing 3.9-litres/100km. All engines attain 5.6-litres/100km economy or better on the combined cycle.A3 has two grades, Attraction in the two smaller capacity engines and Ambition in the two larger. All have an S-Tronic gearbox with all but the 2.0-litre diesel getting seven cogs. It has a six-speeder.A six-speed manual 'box is available on petrol models on customer order. Drive goes to the front wheels through an electronic limited slip differential.The desirable 'drive select' system that alters calibration of the steering, gearbox and engine is on the higher grade Ambition models.Audi cut A3's weight by using aluminium for the bonnet and front guards as well as suspension components. It's shed up to 85kg compared with the previous model.DESIGNThe new A3 is built on Audi's latest modular platform shared with VW's Golf 7 that is set to underpin a whole range of models from both manufacturers into the future. The platform optimises interior space as well as forming a solid base for all functions of the recipient car.SAFETYSafety rating is five stars.DRIVINGWe drove a selection of new A3s in Queensland and found it difficult to pick a favourite. All have excellent ride and handling characteristics capable of smoothing rough roads while delivering sporty cornering and other dynamics.The 1.8-litre TFSi was possibly the pick and is the same price as the 2.0-litre diesel. Now there's a difficult call.The interior has a classy look to it with highlight metal ringed air vents and an understated look to the controls. The bank of piano key switches under the retractable info screen is a stand out interior feature.VERDICTIt's quiet, composed and classy. Better than a Golf 7? Maybe.Audi A3 Sportback Price: from $42,500 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.4 and 1.8 4-cyl turbo-petrol or 2-litre turbo-diesel; 103kW/250Nm and 132kW/250Nm or 100kW/320NmTransmission: 6 or 7-spd dual-clutch auto or 6-spd manual; front drive or AWDThirst: 4.7L/100km/5.6L/100km or 4.2L/100km; 95RON; 110/130 or 108g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: from 1205kgSpare: Space-saver

Australians are moving away from large cars into smaller ones, but many are refusing to accept any loss of comfort or performance. And if possible they would like a solid dash of prestige at the same time.Audi invented the premium small-car category way back in 1996 and has worked hard over the intervening years to maintain its position at the head of the upmarket German field. The introduction of the third generation Audi A3 lifts the game significantly.DESIGNThe company’s designers have come up with a sleek, sporting stance that works beautifully. The shape of the famed Audi single-frame grille provide a focal point that carries back to create a continuous theme over the headlights then onto the distinctive highlights on the doors. The rear hatch is aimed at visually emphasising the horizontal shape.At this stage only the five-door hatchback is on sale. A four-door sedan will come downunder before the end of the year as will the full-on S3 variant. Quattro S3, powered by big grunt turbo-petrol engines, is something we can’t wait to sample when they arrive in the first few months of 2014. Other models are on their way, with an interesting plug-in hybrid due here in 2015.New A3 Sportback has a body and wheelbase that are greater than the outgoing model to improve cabin and luggage space. Yet a clever ‘back to the drawing board‘ redesign means its lighter and stronger.About 85 kilograms has been taken out of the A3, chiefly by the use of an all-new design of platform, tagged as the MQB. This minimises the use of materials, without the need for expensive metals. Aluminium is used in the bonnet and front guards, important crash safety areas use ultra-high strength steels.Despite the relatively steep slope of the rear, new Audi A3 Sportback has good headroom in the back seat. While aimed at the family unit of two adults and three children, it’s possible to fit three adults in the rear provided they aren’t into their large-teenage years.A3 is sold in two levels of trim, Attraction and Ambition and with several options packages to further let you customise them.TECHNOLOGYPrices begin at a handy $35,600 plus on-road costs for an Attraction with a 1.4-turbo-petrol and range up to $42,500 for the topline models with either a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.We drove a range of petrols and the diesel on a course chosen by Audi Australia in far north Queensland and found them to be impressively tractable at low engine revs. At the other end of the scale the petrol powerplants were more than happy to rev right up to the top of the tacho.Even the diesels can stretch out to 5000 revs, a higher than usual number for this type of powerplant, giving them a sportier feel than most others of their type.DRIVINGNimble handling shows the new Audi A3 is so well balanced it’s hard to realise it’s being driven by the front wheels. Comfort remains very high, despite the strong sporting dynamics tuned into the car.Noise and vibration levels are very low and more like those of much larger, more expensive luxury cars. Australia’s notorious coarse-chip surfaces did increase noise levels, but seldom to an irritating stage.VERDICTThe all-new Audi A3 Sportback provides an impressive combination of luxury and sportiness and seems likely to remain in a strong position in the premium small-car sales race in Australia.Audi A3 Sportback Price: from $42,500 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety:5 starsEngine: 1.4 and 1.8 4-cyl turbo-petrol or 2-litre turbo-diesel; 103kW/250Nm and 132kW/250Nm or 100kW/320NmTransmission: 6 or 7-spd dual-clutch auto or 6-spd manual; front drive or AWDThirst: 4.7L/100km/5.6L/100km or 4.2L/100km; 95RON; 110/130 or 108g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: from 1205kgSpare: Space-saver

The problem with the A3 has been not so much what it is as what it isn't. It's been too much of a Volkswagen Golf and not enough of an Audi. Still, if you're going to embark on badge engineering you could do no better than to base your compact hatch on the same platform as that of the Golf, especially the deliriously received new Mk VII.If you're going to call it an Audi and charge a bulging premium before the buyer so much as ticks an option box (of which there are not a few), it had better boast some pretty dramatic points of departure. Or so goes logical thought.Audi's new boss Andrew Doyle will tell you, however, an A3 punter simply doesn't consider a Golf. Imagine a Grange lover going in for Koonunga Hill. If you don't do plonk, imagine eschewing a long neck of Cooper's Pale Ale for a can of VB.It's not that the A3 is better than the Golf in a functional sense because it isn't. This time though, it's different enough. Besides - and this is kind of its point - you look better in an A3 at the golf club.VALUEThis A3 starts at a new low price. So does the Golf (less than $23K) but enough of that for now. The auto trend of the year is affordable, compact, prestige hatches. The A3 belatedly joins BMW's 1 Series, Benz's A-Class and the V40 Volvo at the $35K starting point. It's been out for ages - before the Golf, in fact. (Sorry - it just keeps cropping up.)In entry level Attraction trim, the kick-off sticker is $35,600 for the 1.4 petrol and $36,500 for the 1.6 diesel with its meagre 3.9L/100km. Ambition is the top level before quattro and S models arrive later in the year. Starting price for both 1.8 petrol and 2.0-litre diesel is $42,500.All are decently equipped but Audis are built as essentially blank canvases to be coloured with options. There are no less than six bundles of these, Assistance package being the least expensive at $1800 for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and high beam assist, which dips the lights automatically as a vehicle approaches.For $2K more a Style package adds xenon lamps with daytime running lights and 17-inch alloys to Attraction variants. The Ambition version of that gives you the lights, 18s, sports suspension and 15mm lower ride. A Technik pack hits you for $2990 and adds navigation system with touchpad, seven-inch monitor and park assist with rear view camera.Had enough? Then chill with the Comfort kit, a $2200 ask for electrically adjustable and heated front seats with lumbar support, keyless go, auto dimming rear vision mirror and folding exterior mirrors with kerb view.Ambition owners can also chuck $4200 at the S line pack, which adds some of the above to 18s and go-fast-looking bits. These are largely superficial but it's almost necessary to add some - any - visual flair. Dual-clutch auto transmission is standard on all models. You want a manual? Really? It's special order - a free option no one will take.TECHNOLOGYHere's where the Audi begins to depart from its sister model. You begin to suspect you're in a good thing when, without prompting, a senior executive of another German car company starts praising the A3 for its use of aluminium to save weight. This model is up to 85kg lighter than the one previous with commensurate savings in fuel.If CarsGuide can at times appear infatuated with small and uber-efficient German turbo engines it's only because we are. Especially those that run on petrol. So sharp have these become that the economy advantage of turbo diesels - which is in any case largely denuded in urban traffic - is ever more slight. Generally it's a matter of about 1.0L/100km.Of the four VW Group engines in the starting line-up, the one unique to the A3 (oh, and Skoda's new Octavia) is the 1.8 TFSI, which CarsGuide drove earlier this month. No doubt capable of greater outputs than its 132kW/250Nm, this is nevertheless enough for a 0-100km/h sprint approaching that of a hot hatch - 7.3 seconds isn't much outside a MkV Golf (whoops) GTI. Its 5.6L/100km, however, would keep the A3 going long after the latter had dried up.Whether you call them S tronic, DSG or Fred Smith, the shift quality of twin-clutch automatics varies wildly between not just model lines but different cars. Audi's have as a rule been among the nicer to live with but they still frustrate those of us who believe the left foot is for braking. If you're not careful to lift clear of the stop pedal before pressing the accelerator, the throttle is electronically cut and an agonising pause can result - often just when this is least desirable.DESIGNThe car you see here is the new A3. No, really. Look again. All right, look closer. Understandably Audi has gone for design continuity, wishing to create from this still fairly recent model line the dynastic sense of, um .th.th. the Golf. This aspect of the brief just might have been taken too seriously, because if you can on first glance distinguish the new one from the 2005 model, I'd like the number of your optometrist.Our test car was of a dull grey hue. We used images of the red 90 TFSI, because these are not adjacent to invisible. Of course there are differences between old and new. For instance, the standard alloys are not as ugly as those previous.Open any of the Ambition's doors and the generational change becomes obvious, especially (but not only) up front. Not as overt as Benz's A250, this is still one of the inside stories of the year, a compacted but not diluted take on one of Audi's bigger luxury devices, such as the $80K A6.In S and special-edition variants, this interior will doubtless be embellished with coloured stitching and such-like, but not I hope to a distracting extent. The feature here is the four big circular air nozzles. As simple, functional and pleasing as these appear, they contain more than 30 separate parts, which reflects either over-engineering or pig-headed perfectionism.SAFETYPremium active safety technology is optional. To a land where the overtaking lane is for cruising below the limit and car makers might as well save themselves the cost of including indicator stalks, comes Audi's side assist.At 30km/h and above, two radar sensors in the rear monitor the area to the side of and behind to some 70 metres. If it detects activity in the blind spot or approaching it at pace to imperil a lane change, it flashes a warning in the relevant side mirror. If you are among the rare breed to activate the indicator, it blinks brightly and rapidly.DRIVINGPreviously Audi was apt to so stiffen its less able cars that they both rode and handled poorly. New platforms, lighter engines and the realisation that alert dynamics needn't mean busting your fillings have come to prevail.Even with its sporty embellishment the ride/handling character of our 1.8 TFSI is more in keeping with that of a compact grand tourer than a hellfire hatch.The steering still isn't sufficiently well-weighted for full-on apex hunting and after nearly 400km I still found myself readjusting through longer corners. It never conveys enough information as to what the front end is doing. There's a sense that more than a little is being kept in reserve for the overt variants, which arrive in coming months.Not that it lacks for straight-line pull. All of the 1.8's grunt arrives at 1200rpm and hangs in there until 5800rpm. It's difficult not to be in the fat of the range, the auto kicking down smartly for overtaking. The GT motif is emphasised by refinement not always or even often found in a small hatchback, especially not in the back.VERDICTIf you want $80K Audi refinement and luxury in a $50K five-door, here it is.Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSIPrice: from $42,500 ($49,940 as tested)Warranty: 3 years/unlimitedCapped servicing: NoService Interval: 12 months/15,000kmResale: 58 per centSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol; 132kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed twin clutch auto; FWDThirst: 5.6L/100kmDimensions: 4.3m (L); 1.78m (w); 1.4 (H)Weight: 1280kg (unladen)Spare: space saver