THE Audi A3 Sport looks the business – but the 1.6-litre model I tested has an Achilles heel.
Something that costs more than £18,000 with the legend 'Sport' attached should have a bit of get up and go about it.
Sadly the 1.6 FSI petrol engine powering this A3 is a bit of a let down.
Yes, it's frugal, returning more than 40mpg. Yes, it's more punchy than the basic 1.6-litre power unit.
But even with FSI direct injection technology – originally developed for the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race – pushing things along, this compact sport hatch isn't really quick enough to justify the price-tag.
Suffice to say the quoted 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds seems a touch flattering when the pedal is put to the metal.
In its defence, this power unit is cheaper than the equivalent diesel and has relatively low emissions helping reduce the tax burden for company car drivers.
But if left with a choice I'd go for one of the bigger engines in the range instead and swallow the extra cost.
Because given the right power unit this is an extremely attractive car built to the highest standards that handles with real polish.
The speed sensitive, power assisted steering is responsive and cornering is a joy thanks to an electronic stability programme that includes enough technology to make a Space Shuttle blush.
Inside, Audi provide a comfortable, ergonomically-designed cockpit offering a decent driving position thanks to a steering column that adjusts for height and depth, and a seat that can easily be manoeuvred into the best position.
There's also good head, leg and shoulder room for all occupants.
Audi's attention to detail is evident in the way the controls are clustered around the driver and all have a quality feel about them.
The boot is spacious for a car of this size providing plenty of room for the family's luggage or the weekly supermarket shopping. The rear seat also splits and folds, creating even more space.
Safety is taken care of by driver, passenger, curtain and side airbags. There are also active front head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
Those with sticky fingers are deterred by deadlocks, central locking and an alarm.
The Sport trim adds £2,000 to the cost of the A3 – but for that you get 17-inch alloy wheels, 'Matrix' design cloth upholstery, aluminium sill strips, Concert II radio/CD player, a driver information system and electronic climate control.
Also fitted are front fog lamps, front sport seats, gloss finished decorative inlays, sports suspension, a sun blind in the rear parcel shelf and last, but not least, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel.
The overall effect is to give the A3 a muscular appearance Sylvester Stallone would have been proud of in his prime.
Given a muscular engine as well it is easy to see why the car is so attractive to UK car buyers.
FAST FACTS
Audi A3 1.6 FSI Sport 3dr
Price: £18,180
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 158g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust