This improved MK3 model A3 shows Audi at its slick, intelligent best.

Its styling might still be low key and the engineering eminently sensible, but there’s now a polish to this vehicle that escapes virtually all of its rivals.

Exterior changes to the A3 are slight but the front looks a little more purposeful, courtesy of sharper lines for the familiar and now broader Singleframe grille. The headlights are flatter, with distinctive outer contours and can now be ordered in Matrix LED form. Inside, the ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument display used in the TT and other pricier Audis is now available in this one as an option. Otherwise, everything is pretty much as before. The hatch most will want with three or five doors has a 365-litre boot - and there’s still the option of saloon or Cabriolet bodystyles if you want them.

Lots of changes have been made on the petrol engine front, the range now beginning with a downsized 115PS 1.0-litre TFSI unit that slots in below the more familiar 1.4 TFSI COD engine with 150PS and the efficiency of clever ‘Cylinder-on-Demand’ technology. If you want more power, then the next step is a 2.0 TFSI unit - this a new engine featuring 190PS and an innovative new combustion process. It can be ordered with a freshly developed 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox and there’s the option of quattro 4WD. Near the top of the range, the S3 hot hatch also gets 2.0 TFSI power - in this case with power upped by 10PS to a 310PS total.

The diesel line-up kicks off with the usual 1.6-litre TDI powerplant developing 110PS and progresses up to 2.0 TDI versions. Top diesels also get the quattro option and the Sportback e-tron petrol/electric Plug-in hybrid variant continues on for those with an eye on their tax status.

The A3 serves a need and serves it very well. The latest model is, by any reasonable measure, a smart, admirable and technically brilliant thing. The intelligent people who will buy it will nevertheless have the self-awareness to ask themselves whether they have been beguiled by brand awareness, even if only just a little. Those with typical Audi owner self confidence probably won’t mind either way.

  • CAR: Audi A3 range
  • PRICES: £19,365 - £35,480
  • INSURANCE GROUP: 15-32
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 99-141g/km
  • PERFORMANCE: [1.6 TDI] 0-62mph 11.4s / Max Speed 124mph
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 TDI] 67.3mpg (combined)
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS with EBA, twin front,side and curtain airbags
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4423/1793/1409