Walkaround

A compact five-door hatchback can't be a car designer's favorite project. There's only so much that can be done to fit all those doors on a short wheelbase, but Audi stylists have done a good job of it. In profile, the downward, coupe-esque sweep of the roofline is supported by a strong shoulder line that joins front, side and rear of the car and leads the eye to the strong haunches, all of which makes it appear as though the car is launching forward, springing into action.

The front end is particularly distinctive, again projecting a sense of forward motion. Audi's current family-look single-frame grille is flanked by canted headlamp clusters (forming a determined frown) and prominent lower intake grilles. It's an aggressive nose but doesn't overly dominate the design, as the eye gets drawn along the distinct shoulder line, which also forms a visual tension with the sloping roof, while bodyside molding and deeply creased lower side panels break up the large door areas into pieces of a well-crafted puzzle.

Wraparound taillamp clusters accentuate the broad sweep of the car's butt. They also give the shoulder line a "take-off" point that makes it look like a small spoiler has been integrated into the hatch just below the window line. Very sporty, as is the pair of bright exhaust tips not so bashfully protruding from below the bumper.

Reflecting recent Audi styling, the A3 is understated and elegant. Its masterly crafted panels fit just right, the paint is exquisite, and there's an overall expensive look to it that contradicts the usual expectations from a small, affordable car.

Interior Features

The new Audi A3 offers a fine combination of utility and comfort and should be particularly suitable for young couples and singles with an outgoing lifestyle. The wide doors make it easy to climb in and out and legroom is adequate front and rear. The slope of the roof means tall passengers may find rear headroom a bit compromised, however, and big families might find that the A3 doesn't quite fit their size requirements. The A3 Sportback, though it offers just about the same amount of people room and luggage space as the previous-generation A4.

The cockpit is a paragon of applied ergonomic science, blending pleasing materials with the logical placement of controls and highly legible read-outs. To evoke the feel of driving a sports car, the seating position was placed low in relation to the high and wide console. The standard seats are okay but are too short in the thigh, and we like more lateral support, too. Consider the $1,800 Sport package a must if you want to explore the sportier side of this very sporty car. The Open Sky dual sunroof option is also very cool. Although only the front of the two glass panels opens, both have retractable sunshades for hot days.

Because the A3 borrows so many elements from the other Audi models, even the base package, with cloth seats, exudes a high quality of workmanship. The point of a five-door hatchback, of course, is the versatility of the interior. For starters, the luggage area can be increased by folding flat the split rear seatbacks. Several package options are available to augment the trunk's utility, including a ski sack that can hold six pairs of slats. An optional roof rack is available in a choice of several different configurations depending on the intended use.