Audi A3

Sales of the three-door are running at a record high, and the German model is becoming a very familiar sight. But with renewed competition in the shape of the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class just around the corner, Audi's salesmen are under pressure.

To stay ahead of the game, the firm is launching a new five-door version of the stylish machine to broaden the A3's appeal - and Auto Express got behind the wheel of the newcomer to see if it has what it takes to stay on top. Unlike the previous-generation car, the new five-door A3 has been given a look and identity all of its own. Christened Sportback, it's 68mm longer than the three-door, with the extra length coming cour-tesy of an increased rear overhang.

Audi's new family grille dominates the aggressive nose, while the altered roofline - the top now slopes down towards the tailgate and rear doors - is reminiscent of the new A6. At the rear, the Sportback gets a fresh tailgate and lights which take inspiration from the Nuvolari concept. These will remain unique to this model and, along with the roof rails, set the five-door apart.

The majority of the engine range will be familiar, as the new A3 is available with a choice of 1.6, 1.6 FSI and 2.0-litre FSI four-cylinder petrol units, plus 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI oil-burners and the flagship 3.2-litre V6 petrol. However, it will be the first model to get the 2.0-litre T FSI engine, which combines direct injection and a turbo for the first time in an Audi road car. Also destined for VW's Golf GTI, this 200bhp unit uses lessons learned with the FSI turbo from the Le Mans 24 Hours racer, the R8.

In the A3, this engine impresses with its smooth delivery, as power picks up from below 2,000rpm and really builds beyond 4,000rpm. Refined at cruising speeds, the quattro model we drove is offered with a six-speed manual box only - the front-wheel-drive car is fitted with the slick DSG dual-clutch transmission.

With the diesels and frugal 1.6 FSI petrol sure to appeal to family buyers, we also tried the 1.6 FSI SE. Inside, the material quality and faultless driving position are unchanged from the three-door, although the Sportback does get Audi's new steering wheel, which mimics the grille with its centre shape.

Rear passengers benefit from a bit more legroom, and having the two extra doors also aids access. Yet while the Sportback's boot boasts a 20-litre advantage over the three-door car, there's nothing particularly clever in terms of practicality. The seatback features a 60/40-split fold, but you can't tumble the base to get a flat load area. The A3 may not be able to match flexible rivals such as Mercedes' A-Class for versatility, but the driving experience remains as satisfying as the three-door's.

With fluid steering and a compliant chassis, the Audi is accomplished rather than thrilling, but refinement remains a strong point. And while the 115bhp 1.6 FSI won't sell on its performance, the low CO2 emissions should tempt company buyers. Thoughtfully styled and superbly built, the A3 continues to offer premium standards in a family sized hatch - and the Sportback increases the customer choice further.