Audi A3 1.6 TDI

At launch in 1996, the A3 was the first small Audi in decades, but it quickly became the benchmark for the premium hatch sector. When it was replaced in 2003, designers stayed faithful to the original.

That’s no bad thing, as even now, the A3 remains a handsome car. A wide track and subtly flared arches give it a sporty stance, and this is enhanced by our S line’s alloys and deep bumpers.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Audi A3

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Up front is the Audi family nose, with an oversized grille, sharp headlamps and deep-set foglamps. As you’d expect, neat detailing abounds, with jewel-like tail-lamps, a chrome exhaust finisher and subtle rear diffuser.

Our only real criticism is that the A3 isn’t as interesting visually as the Volvo – you can tell it is the older design. Inside, everything is well thought out, although after seven years on sale, it’s no surprise that the A3’s layout and some of the switchgear can’t match the modern and clean-cut feel of the C30.

It trumps the Volvo on quality, though. The dash is beautifully finished in soft-touch materials, and much of the detailing – such as the metal-ringed air vents and clear dials – looks as if it belongs in a car costing many times more.

In S line trim, it also benefits from superb sports seats that are supportive and comfortable, with a good range of adjustment.

Crucially, the manual sliding operation also makes getting into the rear easier. And while the dark seats, plastics and headlining can give a rather claustrophobic feel, most passengers will find there is ample room. The A3 also has an extra rear seatbelt, so can carry one more person than its rival. Audi has offered stop-start systems for some time, but this A3 is the first model on which the set-up has been mated to the S tronic automatic gearbox.

Bring the car to a halt with your foot on the brake, and the engine is shut off. Then when you lift off to move to the throttle, it fires back to life.

At traffic lights it works well, with the delay between the engine kicking in and achieving drive barely noticeable. However, at busy roundabouts or junctions this can leave you missing your intended gap in the traffic – we kept having to disengage the system to make progress.

Move away from congested streets and the quick-shifting S tronic combines well with the torquey 1.6-litre diesel. At the test track, the A3 delivered similar acceleration to the Volvo, and the extra gear ratios ensure it’s more flexible. But while performance is well matched, when it came to economy, the Audi trailed the manual C30 by nearly 4mpg.

On the open road, body roll is well contained. And although the sports suspension makes for an unforgiving ride on any surface, the A3 inspires more confidence from behind the wheel. Its steering is well weighted and the brakes are sharp.

The A3’s £22,855 price tag appears well justified given the quality on offer – until you realise the Volvo is nearly £2,500 cheaper. And our well equipped test car wore a price tag in excess of £27,500. Lower servicing and insurance bills help the Audi regain ground, although it puts out more CO2.

A classy interior, sporty looks, good handling and the blend of an automatic box and stop-start make the A3 an appealing choice. But will age count against it?

Details

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WHY: The Audi has a familiar face, but don’t be fooled. The addition of stop-start makes this the greenest model yet – and it’s even available with a twin-clutch S tronic gearbox...