Audi A3 2.0 TDI S line S tronic 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The A3 offers a comfortable, relaxing driving experience, and is undemanding on longer journeys. The 2.0-litre TDI is an effective power unit, producing 168bhp at 4200rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque. These figures are almost identical to the equivalent VW Golf GT 2.0-litre TDI DSG or BMW 120D SE Auto. At 7.6 seconds, it is quicker from 0-62mph than both the Golf and the BMW, and has a comparable top speed of 139mph.

The steering does feel slightly more laboured than some of its more sporty rivals, but on the whole it offers a very agreeable ride with good levels of front end grip. The 6-speed S tronic gearbox is, as you would expect given their shared parentage, very similar to the 6-speed DSG gearbox found in the VW Golf GT TDI.

The 3-door Audi A3 has been a strong seller for Audi, aided by its understated good looks and solid feel. Audi have facelifted the A3 over the course of its lifetime, but on these occasions have only made subtle tweaks to its handsome looks and, as a result, retained its successful formula. The A3 now boasts Audi's corporate face, with a deep grille incorporating the front number plate, behind which the 3-door hatchback is a simple but stylish design.

Audi have kept it simple inside too. The dash design gives off an air of quality, but without being overly complicated. It feels well designed, and with an excellent driving position it all adds together to create a comfortable, easy driving experience. Rear passengers can expect good head and legroom, although access past the front seats is a little awkward.

The A3 2.0-litre TDI S line S tronic comes with a list of standard features that corresponds with other cars in its class, like the VW Golf GT 2.0-litre TDI DSG or BMW 120D SE Auto. It has alloy wheels, climate control, stability control, CD player, MP3 connectivity, electric front windows and door mirrors, and driver, passenger, and front side airbags. Whereas the Golf has Bluetooth as standard, it is a £250 optional extra on the A3, and the Audi comes with part-leather seats as opposed to full leather in the Golf.

The Audi A3 2.0-litre TDI S line S tronic has an NCAP occupant safety rating of four, which is one point less than the equivalent Golf. Like its rival it is fully equipped as standard with driver, passenger, and front side airbags.

The Audi beats both the equivalent VW Golf and BMW 1-Series on CO2 emissions, falling into Road Tax Band D, a lower rate of road tax than its rivals. It is also in a lower insurance group than the Golf - Group 27 as opposed to 30.

The Audi A3 beats the BMW 1-Series - and matches the VW Golf exactly - when it comes to boot space, with a capacity of 350 litres.

The Audi brand has a reputation for reliability, and the A3 2.0-litre TDI S line S tronic certainly feels as though it is solidly built. The car comes as standard with a 3-year, 60,000 miles warranty.

At £24,920, the Audi A3 2.0-litre TDI S line S tronic is slightly pricier than the BMW 120D SE Auto, but over £1,000 cheaper than the VW Golf GT 2.0-litre TDI DSG.

With excellent CO2 emissions of 128g/km, the Audi falls into VED band D and offers a very impressive 57.6mpg.

The Audi A3 2.0-litre TDI S line S tronic should deliver excellent resale value, as the A3 model has previously enjoyed very slow depreciation.