The A3's luxurious evolution

Audi's new A3 arrives in our showrooms this week, hoping to maintain the popularity of its predecessor, which established the sporty luxury hatch market in 1996.

While cynics refer to it as a rebadged and big-ended VW Golf, the A3's almost coupé-like styling and high-quality finish have made it a hit. Another factor to differentiate it from those who share its platform is its price: beginning at €25,950 for the 1.6-litre model and rising to €36,120 for the 1.8-litre 150 bhp turbo.

The new A3 is very much an evolution of the original. The most significant feature of this car is the fact it uses the new-generation VW Golf platform, in layman's terms the inner structure of the body, the suspension and some other small components. It gives us a good indication of what to expect from the future Golf, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia and Audi TT.

Three versions will be available initially - two petrol (a 1.6-litre and 2-litre FSI) and a 2-litre turbodiesel - all in three-door hatchback format. The 150 bhp 2-litre petrol with six-speed gearbox will go on sale at €31,950. The two-litre diesel, also with six-speed gearbox, will sell for €32,500.

Later this year a 1.6-litre petrol and top of the range 3.2-litre V6 with 241 bhp and Quattro four-wheel drive will arrive. By then, Tiptronic automatic transmission and the very impressive direct shift gearbox (DSG) options will also be available. Next year a two-litre turbo-charged FSI will join the range, along with the option of five-door bodies.

Standard includes ABS, ESP anti-skid, and six airbags. Road handling, which is impressive even on the rain-soaked roads on which we tested the car earlier this week, is assisted by emergency brake assist and ASR. A CD-radio is also standard.

For a coupé-like three-door hatchback, the A3 is pretty spacious, if less so for luggage. The boot is deep, but it's narrow and not especially long; much of its depth stems from the absence of a spare wheel - you get a puncture repair kit instead.