13 Aug 04
Although the basic suspension layout is shared with the three-door A3, the Sportback feels more agile and better-balanced, even in front-wheel drive form. We haven't driven the 2.0 T FSI yet, but the quattro 3.2 V6 (250 bhp) is sharper, more communicative to steer and more adept round corners than the old S3, and the DSG transmission is an excellent innovation. The 1.6 FSI would probably struggle with a full load of passengers plus luggage, especially if those roof bars were employed - and though we haven't driven the 1.6 8-valve version, we suspect that this will be comprehensively underpowered - but the 2.0 FSI and the 2.0 TDI are both fine compromises between real-life considerations and performance, the petrol 2.0 less nose-heavy. The A3 isn't an all-out driver's car like the 1-Series - that rear-wheel drive layout will always do it for the hardcore - but like the Mk 5 Golf, it's much more fun than it used to be and entirely credible, especially when quattro-equipped.
The main appeal of the A3 Sportback, however, remains with its grown-up demeanour (strangely, this is in inverse proportion to the actual age-range of its buyers, amongst the youngest in its class) and the fact that, like a certain lager, it is reassuringly expensive. Prices start from a hefty £16,010 (1.6) with the 3.2 quattro Sport at £24,625 - before you start adding the DSG (£1,400) or any of the worthwhile audio upgrades (from £200). Sat-nav's another £1,300, DVD navigation £2,530 and a TV tuner and screen a further £705; as for seats, electric lumbar support is £190, alcantara/leather or leather sports seats start from £670 and the full leather trim is £1000-plus. Further options include rear parking sensors, auto-folding door mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, front fog lights (standard only on Sport versions), headlamp washers... all accounting for a few extra hundred pounds. Xenon headlamps are a cool £590 more. The £30,000-plus A3? All too easy a price to tot up once a few of the boxes are ticked on the order form. Still, image-conscious buyers are all too willing to spend out on personalising their cars, however small they are - the MINI is evidence of this - and at least with the A3, it's not a bad investment; consistently strong residual (resale) values ensure that even a top-spec car is not a ridiculous proposition. As style statements go, the A3 is a pretty sensible way to feel superior to common Golf drivers.
