AUDI A3, 2.0 FSI 3-DR HATCH, LAUNCHED 2004

AUDI’S new A3 needs to keep its wits about it if it’s to maintain station as a top contender in the increasingly busy “A” segment for prestige cars. Fortunately, the basics are all there for the German three-door. There’s the mechanical techno fest that comprises the torque-rich TDi turbo-diesel, the direct-injection FSI petrol engine, and the pumped-up 3.2-litre V6 Quattro. Then there are the transmission choices, which include five and six-speed manuals, a six-speed Tiptronic auto and the new DSG manual-automatic. On top of that, we find unquestionably high standards of quality, an interior that is probably the most spacious in its class and an underlying sportiness that ensures it’s fun to drive. Only the lack of doors works against it.