THERE is a pleasure in the Audi A3 that has nothing to do with how it looks or the way it drives.
The delight comes in having the chance to say 'fire up the quattro' in a rasping Mancunian accent while pretending for just a moment you are the Gene Genie in hit TV drama Ashes to Ashes.
I know it's childish - my 11-year-old son drove his sister batty by repeating the catchphrase all week - but the quattro four-wheel drive system deserves the attention as it gives the revamped A3 a poise on the road that inspires confidence.
Audi have tweaked their legend so that it responds even faster when the engine's power needs to be redistributed between the front and rear wheels to maximize stability and traction.
It's just one of a number of changes to the German company's A3 Hatchback and Sportback models that include better engines as well as a sharper look.
The A3 comes with seven engine options - four petrol and a trio of diesels - including the 170PS oil burner in the car I tested which is hugely effective both in terms of power delivered and amount of fuel used. Indeed all of the engines have been improved to offer lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
A redesigned exterior catches the eye thanks to a more sculpted bonnet and front wings plus a bigger radiator grille.
Audi have also changed the tailgate, redesigned the rear bumper and added new tail lights to give the back of the A3 a sleek appearance.
The design team has ensured the interior doesn't let the side down as the cabin has a classy feel thanks to top quality soft-touch materials. The fit and finish is excellent, while the dashboard and centre console are driver friendly as is Audi's multi media centre which makes accessing systems such as the sat nav and the radio/CD player simplicity itself.
A comfortable position behind the steering wheel is achieved without difficulty and the seats are comfortable and supportive.
The A3 can handle four adults with ease and five at a push with the Sportback offering a reasonable amount of luggage room in the boot.
Once on the road it is immediately obvious that the new A3 is going to be fun to drive. The car feels well balanced with neat accurate steering and good levels of grip making tight and twisty country lanes a hoot. The suspension is stiff without provoking the need for emergency dental work as only larger potholes stretch its cushioning capacity.
On the motorway the car is a refined cruiser so long distance travel is less of a chore.
Five levels of trim are available with the standard model getting electric windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, alloy wheels and a radio/CD player. This is a little disappointing as the A3 is at the premium end of the market as far as price is concerned, but you have to upgrade to SE for a multifunction steering wheel while Sport adds sports suspension, front sports seats, an MP3 input socket and climate control.
S line cars get larger alloy wheels, a muscular bodykit, part-leather upholstery and sporty interior trim while S3 gets full leather trim and xenon headlights.
The latest A3 is a safe place to be thanks to twin front, side and curtain airbags which are fitted as standard. Rear side airbags are available as an option. Electronic stability control and electronic brakeforce distribution are also fitted to all cars.
The A3 Sportback is a touch expensive compared to some on the market but it offers good looks and a great drive that should be enough to entice many to buy it.
FAST FACTS
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro S line
Price: £25,010
Mechanical: 170ps, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 138mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles