Audi A3

It must take a huge degree of confidence to stop production of a car for 18 months and hope the customers will still be there waiting for you when the new model arrives. But it is with that kind of self-assurance that Audi has launched the new three-door A3 model and ceased production of the out-going five-door which it does not plan to replace until the end of 2004.

It's true the three-door has been the strongest seller in a market where three-door cars dominate. The A3's rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz (the Compact and the Sports Coupe) are both three-door cars, and alternative five-door hatchbacks are few and far between in the premium sector.

Audi claims to have invented this segment in 1996 when the A3 was introduced, and it says that unlike its rivals, the A3 is a purpose-built platform rather than a shortened chassis from a larger car.

Last year A3 sales beat BMW 3-series Compact by more than 1,000 units at 10,675, with Mercedes-Benz Sports Coupe on 7,067 and Alfa Romeo 147 (which spent 2002 without a diesel variant) on 6,067.

This year, out-going A3 on run-out still scored more than 1,000 units over the BMW at 4,126 for the year-to-date. Mercedes has achieved 2,968 units with the Sports Coupe with the Alfa 147 on 2,105.

The new A3 is launched with one engine carried over from the previous line-up – the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol developing 101bhp. It is joined by a 2.0 FSI as seen in the A4, and later in the year will gain a 1.6 FSI to sit between the two.

The 1.9 TDI has been upgraded to 104bhp and Euro IV compliance, with 57.7mpg recorded on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 132g/km. A new Euro IV compliant 2.0 TDI boasts 138bhp and 236lb-ft of torque along with 51.4mpg and 149g/km. A 3.2-litre V6 quattro model will also join the range later in the year. According to Audi's figures the 64% of owners of the out-going A3 previously owned a car from another manufacturer, compared with 32% for BMW's Compact.

The Audi also seems to have greater appeal for younger drivers with a far higher percentage under 40 years old compared to the BMW. Early residual value predictions for the new A3 show it to be more or less level on percentage terms with the BMW.

Behind the wheel

BIGGER and with a more aggressive demeanour than before, the new Audi A3 is still instantly recognisable. Angled headlamps and a wider track accentuate its more purposeful stance. Although this is an all-new car, the interior feels very familiar, although build quality has been moved forward again.

The dashboard and door panels are separated by a uniform gap, while the robust plastics have an appealing and upmarket texture. Rear passengers have sufficient space, with generous headroom and more than enough room to keep your knees from touching the back of the front seats.

Our 2.0-litre FSI test car is supposed to offer the best of both worlds – performance on demand along with low emissions and fuel consumption. With 148bhp and 147lb-ft of torque it is certainly lively, but doesn't feel quite as eager as the new 2.0 TDI. The engine note has a sports car tenor, but it is a little too muted for my liking.

The A3 is easy to throw around on challenging roads and holds things together well when the limit is breached. There is plenty of grip but then the rear edges wide in a bout of lift-off oversteer, it breaks away progressively and is easy to catch.

The steering uses electric motors instead of hydraulics (another fuel-saving measure), and while it varies significantly in its weighting between parking speeds and sweeping A-roads, it can't match the 3-series Compact for feedback and precision.

Driving verdict

THE new A3 is an all-round improvement – roomier, higher quality, better performance and increased fuel economy. It has always been a best seller in this sector and the new model reinforces its position as the class benchmark.