SMALL FAMILY cars are among the hottest tickets in town right now.
Far removed from compact cars of the past, the trend for downsizing amongst many drivers has forced car makers to provide the big-car feel in a more compact body.
The sector comprises an impressive line-up of runners with the likes of the Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf vying for position in a segment consistently led by the Ford Focus. They all provide agreeable running costs, flexibility and more than just a touch of driving flair.
Demand for more compact models has even brought so-called prestige manufacturers into the compact hatch market with models like the Audi A3 tested here.
While the A3 has been available in three-door form since the autumn of 1996, it wasn’t until 2004 that the Sportback roared onto the scene.
This stylish cross between hatchback and estate car offers five petrol engines – 1.6-litre 100bhp, 1.6-litre FSI 112bhp, 2.0-litre FSI 146bhp, 2.0-litre FSI 197bhp and 3.2-litre 246bhp – while diesel urge comes courtesy of a 1.9-litre 102bhp TDI, 2.0-litre 138bhp TDI and 2.0-litre 168bhp TDI.
Transmission systems available in the A3 Sportback are five and six-slot manual gear changing, plus the S-tronic 6-speed auto box with manual change alternative and the 6-speed Tiptronic with Dynamic Shift Programme (DSP) which adapts automatic or manual gear shifting to suit the driver’s style.
Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive set-up is also available with the 3.2-litre petrol engine.
There are four trim levels on offer – standard, SE, Sport and S Line. Driven here is the 2.0-litre TDI 168bhp A3 Sportback kitted out in Sport trim which includes as standard kit electronic climate control, sports seats, electric windows all round, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, cruise control, Audi Concert II sound system with single CD, Driver’s Information System, front fogs and six airbags.
On top of all that there's a barrage of driver safety aids which include ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (ESB) to help rein in the power and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to keep drivers on the right road.
While its looks may perhaps be considered a little on the conservative side by some, the A3 Sportback does make a strong statement on the tarmac.
From the single frame grille sporting those legendary four rings to a distinctive rear end which helps to emphasise its sporting and leisure pretensions, the designers have neatly side-stepped the long rear overhang typical of the estate car genre which, in Audi-speak, is usually referred to as Avant.
With a 65mm wheelbase extension over the three-door hatch, the A3 Sportback is also 83mm longer and the extra dimensions translate into more generous rear leg and shoulder room plus an extra 20 cubic litres of stowage space in a good-sized boot which offers 370 litres with all seats taken and 1,120 litres with the rear seats folded.
The cabin positively oozes fine Audi build quality and the plastics and fabrics are pleasing to the touch.
Settling into a driving position which will suit most people in the comfortable and supportive sports seats is a relatively easy exercise thanks to the two-way movement of the steering wheel and ratchet-style driver’s seat height adjustment. Overall vision is fine.
Typical Audi attention to detail is also in evidence in a dashboard where a lot of thought has gone into the siting of dials in relation to the driver and controls which operate with a soft but positive action are also easy to hand for the driver.
Paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gear change, the two-litre turbo diesel engine does its job well.
Although a little prone to reveal its oil-burning heritage when cold, this 16-valver quickly settles down to do its work in a powerful, yet pretty refined manner with little intrusion when cruising on the long haul.
Getting the best out of its extremely gutsy 168bhp diesel engine, the A3 Sportback is capable of the 0-62mph dash in well under nine seconds with a top speed, where legally allowable, of 137mph, and, subject to individual driving style, is pretty frugal in its use of the black stuff, accomplishing just under the 50mpg mark over a route of mixed driving miles.
The lack of road and wind noise intrusion also adds to the A3 Sportback’s long haul attraction and ride is good from a firmish, yet not unforgiving, sport suspension set-up. Cornering is entertaining with strong grip and body control making their not insignificant contribution to fine handling.
Overall, the A3 Sportback is a classy and distinctive looker which doesn’t hide its prestige heritage under the proverbial bushel.
As you would expect, there is an extremely well put together look and feel about it both inside and out and, while it is more expensive than the competition, this is an Audi in which desirability usually goes hand-in-hand with good retained value when it comes to selling on.
FAST FACTS
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 168bhp TDI Sport
Price: £19,430
Mechanical: 1968cc, 4-cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission
Max Speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Insurance Group:13E
Combined mpg: 47.8
CO2 Emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3-yr/ 60,000-mile warranty, 3-yr paint and 12-yr anti-rust