Roy Lewis road tests the Audi A3 Sportback 1.6-litre TDi S Line five-door five-speed manual (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the Audi A3 Sportback 1.6-litre TDi S Line five-door five-speed manual

8:00am Friday 12th March 2010 in Road Tests

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6-litre TDi S Line five-door five-speed manual, Start-Stop.

Price: £21,990 (on the road).

Top speed: 121mph.

0-62mph: 11.7 seconds.

Fuel: 68.9mpg.

Emissions C02 (g/km): 109.

Verdict: Competent, stylish, top quality build and equipment, more frugal and cleaner than before. Pricey, but a prestige vehicle.

IT may be upstaged for sheer value by the new VW Golf, but the Audi A3 remains the classiest compact hatch on the market.

It is a beautifully rounded car in its abilities and a pleasure to drive.

And while it may not be the most entertaining vehicle to drive in its class, it is better made, more attractive to look at and overall its motors are probably quicker and more sure-footed than most of its direct rivals.

The A3 has come in for a number of revisions largely under the bonnet to make it more economical and greener and the body has been freshened up, too, with subtle yet shapely changes mainly at the front end.

The interior gets a clearer console and more aluminium trim.

One of the new motors is the 1.6-litre TDi direct injection diesel which boosts flexibility, refinement and economy and delivers up to 68.9mpg with the help of start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

Actually, the 1.6 diesel, which pushes out 106bhp, is becoming a popular choice for the increasing army of motorists who are downsizing to save on purchase costs, fuel bills, road tax and at the same time help to save the planet by driving a squeaky-clean car.

Residual values are also excellent with the A3, so that when the time comes to sell, a good trade-in price can be obtained. But it is pricey.

The cost of the Sportback fitted with the new 1.6-litre unit starts at over £18,000 while the top of the A3 range, the quick 2.0-litre TFSi Quattro version, costs more than £28,000.

With other powerful motors available, the 1.6-litre diesel makes you question its ability to live up to the costly S Line pack billing with its sports suspension, figure-hugging sport seats, high grade leather interior, impressive 18in alloy wheels and attractive S Line embellishments.

But many buyers want to enjoy the benefits of this luxury trim level and, after all, the diesel motor itself is a refined all-rounder, able to provide a top speed of 121mph and a 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds with judicial use of the smooth fivespeed manual gearbox.

The A3 seems perfectly suited to the diesel engine’s characteristics.

Best of all the motor pulls strongly up through the gears without complaint and cruises well on the open road. With the help of its nicelyspaced gear ratios it offers ample acceleration for overtaking on both rural or motorway routes.

The start-stop system also works well in traffic and should save at least 5mpg on average and more if heavy congestion is encountered.

The system is similar in operation to those available from other manufacturers and as a bonus it comes as a standard item. It conserves fuel by cutting engine power at idle when the clutch pedal is released and the gear lever is in neutral. The engine restarts immediately the clutch is depressed.

Despite the accent being on economy, the A3 in S Line trim is very much a driver’s car with its taut suspension coming into its own while the car is being driven enthusiastically.

The car’s excellent composure helps ensure it handles predictably with its tenacious grip evident through tight bends.

The five-door is a comparatively roomy car for five, though rear legroom is rather tight for large adults. The boot space is very good for such a compact car and will accommodate the family’s luggage while the load area can be greatly extended with the rear seats folded.