A3 is Audi's curvier and more stylish take on the Golf Mk 3, from which it borrows most of its underpinnings including the excellent 1.8 20-valve and 1.8T turbo engines. When it was launched in 1996, pricing looked steep for what is essentially a three-door small family hatchback - albeit a sporty one with a prestige badge that's good to drive and has a high quality finish.

Used prices are lower now, so A3 is a realistic alternative to a used Golf or the pricier but less capable BMW 3-Series Compact. Five-door versions arrived in 1999; these are a better choice for family use. This car has many great features: plently of storage space, handles the road extemely well, roomy and extremely comfortable, and is nice looking.

Audi's compact sedan certainly looks the part of a prestige car with strong marks in the ride, handling and interior categories. Its build quality also is very good.