It won't be long and you'll see the new A3 3-door in Australia. Audi will continue their model offensive throughout 2006. And why wouldn't they? They are on a roll and the A3 is part of the roll.

But this time, the Next Car team tells the story of the delights of motoring in Audi's smallest model currently available in Australia, which is the A3. This particular model is available in 3 and 5 door hatchback form. The 5-door has the new Audi corporate face. And the new A3 3-door will be here soon, featuring the prominent front end which is becoming familiar on Australian roads. We suspect the new model 3-door will be available in numerous versions.

The test car, on this occasion, is the 2.0 litre version of a car which has some obvious features. Such as the attractive styling and the excellent packaging which represents a delightful proposition in an overcrowded marketplace of premium-branded compact cars from England, Germany and Japan. For example, you haven't read on these pages that the current compact cars from Munich or Stuttgart being labeled attractive! And we see no reason to do such labelling!

To be successful in this segment of the marketplace, an attractively styled car is important. And the car needs to be seen as a lifestyle choice. The quality needs to be inherent. The standard equipment list needs to be inclusive of the features sought by successful young professionals. On this occasion, I'm making a presumption that the average age of an A3 buyer is younger than the overall average age of Audi buyers. The A3 isn't expensive, as it sells in a price bracket with plenty of competition.

To be specific, the A3 2.0 FSI 3-door hatch is currently on the market priced from $42,050 (RRP), without options. There are numerous options available, such as a sunroof and parking sensors and more.

Driving the A3 is dream-like. It feels secure because of the quality build. And it feels comfortable because of the quality materials. It feels composed because of the ride, the handling abilities and the driving dynamics (including the excellent brakes and superb steering). And it feels complete, because the packaging is just right. Although it is compact in its dimensions, the A3 is sized perfectly for two. Naturally, there's a rear seat for occasional use. If you regularly take 3 or 4 on-board, you'd probably shop for the 5-door model. The 3-door hatch has a sporty appearance which, in the case of this A3, is an attractive car from any angle. There are attractive colours available. And doesn't the tailpipe look good! And the wheels too!

But is it perfect? During my 650 kms behind the wheel I could think of no reason why Audi should change anything at all with the A3. This is a well sorted package in any assessment.

Yes, with a composed 'persona', the Audi A3 sure is an attractive proposition. It's a premium product with appeal. And that appeal just goes on and on! When it comes to a premium-branded compact car, everything about the A3 is just right!

Stephen Walker
23rd January, 2006