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

Audi’s A3 hatchback has carved a small and moderately successful niche in the Australian new car market for itself, a bit like Audi itself. But the challenges now start getting more serious for the A3 with the 1 Series presenting a tough new challenge when it arrives in October. To ensure the fight is as difficult as possible for the new rival, Audi has introduced an A3 that offers more choice and more size inside and out for a lower introductory price than the outgoing car. Let the battle commence.