I must admit to a penchant for small Audis. No, scrub that - any Audi. They seem so well screwed together and so nicely understated that they appeal to my more mature side. The A3 is no exception and from behind the wheel you really do feel as if you're in a much bigger and more expensive car. The bright yellow of the A3 2.0-litre TDi 140 diesel that we had delivered took a little getting used to but it's difficult not to be seduced by an interior that feels bulletproof and doors that thunk shut with all the security of a bank vault. The shape is an evolution of the last model's and it looks a little longer and a tad lower but still recognisably an A3 which is no bad thing in my book.

Space inside the latest A3 has been boosted by Audi grafting another 65mm into the 3-door car's wheelbase and a further 68mm onto the 5-door. This has rectified one of the old A3's faults, namely that rear seat accommodation was a bit pinched. The extra 30mm of width also helps a little with shoulder room. The three-door versions were offered first, with five-door Sportback cars following on. That mirrors the evolution of the old A3 range and, like the old A3, this version rides on Golf underpinnings. Not just any old Golf though. The A3 was the first car to use the 2004 model Golf chassis, a vehicle platform that allows for far more customisation than before. In a way, it's the Volkswagen Group's tacit admission that certain Audi/SEAT/Skoda/VW models of the past were a little too similar to justify their vastly divergent prices. The Mk V Golf platform allows more far more components to be chopped and changed, making for more variation and more choice for customers.

The A3 certainly offers a few mouthwatering selections. Increasingly popular are the diesel units - and there's a choice between an entry-level 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI powerplant or 140 and 170bhp versions of the more advanced 2.0 TDI engine at prices from around £17,000. Petrol buyers get to choose between 102 or 115bhp versions of 1.6-litre power at the foot of the range at prices from around £15,000, but most opt for either the 160bhp 1.8 TFSI or the 200bhp 2.0-litre unit, engines which sit below the 250bhp V6 3.2-litre FSI variant. The 3.2 is fitted with quattro all-wheel drive transmission as standard, something that is also offered as an option on the 2.0T FSI and the 2.0-litre 170 diesels. The S3 uses the same 3.2-litre engine but in this instance, it's tuned to achieve 263bhp and heart-stopping performance. Driving manners across the range were improved over the previous generation car with even the humblest versions riding on multi-link rear suspension. The revolutionary paddle-shift S Tronic gearbox can also be specified with this model and the twin clutches offer a level of smoothness never before experienced with a sequential manual 'box. Perfect for drivers like me who are serial killers of clutches. Standard safety equipment includes window airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, a part-electric power steering system and anti-whiplash head restraints. The cabin has been restyled to offer a little more design flair, Audi realising that high quality alone isn't enough to lure buyers into showrooms. There has to be some style on display too. The fascia struts ape the interior design of the TT, as do the round air vents and chrome-rimmed dials. It's still not what you'd call revolutionary, but it's beautifully executed.

The Audi A3 is a car that generates few complaints. It's not too showy - even in yellow - and offers solid engineering and a huge feel good factor. Perhaps the only area where its possible to grouse is over the pricing, especially when you consider that it's based around more humble Golf running gear. If you can swallow the chunky up front asking price, you'll be rewarded with a car that does everything very well in a quiet, unruffled manner. I for one was sorry to see it go.