Corporate identity is big business when it comes to designing cars. Manufacturers wax lyrical about 'family faces' and 'brand design' language, desperately striving to identify their product in a teeming market. Audi have realised this and their models have, for some time, replicated each other to a certain degree in look and feel. This design language evolves over time and the current look hinges around a boldly defined front grille. The current A3 three-door wears this front end, dubbed the 'beard' by some, giving it real gravitas.

If you haven't driven a second generation A3 since the adoption of this mild facelift, then you won't be aware of the tinkering that Audi has done in recent times to the engine line-up on offer. 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 (now optimised to put out just 119g/km of CO2) or 140 and 170bhp versions of the more advanced 2.0 TDI engine at prices from around £17,000.

Petrol buyers get a 102bhp 1.6 at the foot of the range at prices from around £15,540, but most opt for one of the turbocharged TFSI engines: either the 125bhp 1.4, the 160bhp 1.8 or the 200bhp 2.0-litre unit. These are powerplants 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. Interestingly, the S3 uses a version of the 2.0-litre Turbo engine which is significantly lighter than the V6 but in this instance, it's tuned to achieve 263bhp and heart-stopping performance.

"A great small car that feels like the concentrated goodness of a great big one?"

All these engines, bar that of the S3, also come fitted to A3 Sportback models, basically 5-door versions of the 3-door line-up we're looking at here but positioned by Audi slightly more towards the 'lifestyle' end of the premium compact market. At an extra cost, model-for-model, of around £500, it's probably worth seriously considering the Sportback option, even if you don't really need the extra doors. There have been specification changes too. Standard versions have been upgraded to include a Chorus radio with single CD player, SE models move up from a 16-inch alloy wheel to a new 17-inch 16-spoke design and Sport specification now includes a change to a 17-inch 5-spoke wheel.

Many A3 buyers upgrade their cars to Sport and S line specifications, trim levels tweaked in recent times by the UK importers to include an upgraded sports suspension kit with modified spring and damper settings designed to improve ride comfort without compromising on agility. For around £1,500 over the cost of a Sport-trimmed model, the S line variants now include full leather trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, S line badging, a more aggressive front and rear bumper design and a roof spoiler. Inside, there's leather trim for the steering wheel plus leather sports seating.

It's also worth mentioning that the ESP stability control system has also been updated across the whole range, now featuring a function that increases or decreases steering weight to help a counter steering response in the event of a skid. The ESP can also be programmed with Audi hill hold assist, an optional function that prevents the vehicle rolling backwards on a slope.

On the road, the 140bhp 2.0 TDI diesel I tried offers the sort of performance you'd expect from Audi. It hits 60mph in 9.2 seconds and tops 130mph, which makes it only marginally slower than the non-turbo 2.0-litre FSI. With 60% more torque, however, there's no doubt which of the two cars will feel the stronger when accelerating up a motorway on-ramp. It's pull matches the 3.2-litre V6 model, a car which makes 60mph in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 153mph. Driving manners across the range have been improved in recent times, with even the humblest versions riding on multi-link rear suspension.

Where Audi really pulls clear of the opposition is in the availability of its revolutionary dynamic shift S Tronic gearbox on the most powerful petrol and diesel models. First seen in the TT 3.2 V6 coupe, this system is based around a sequential manual gearbox but utilizes an ingenious twin clutch system to ensure creamy smoothness. Engage first gear and the gearbox will pre-engage second gear in advance, the second clutch engaging as soon as you flick up to slot instantly into second gear. This means a seamless flow of power. The electronics predict what gear you're about to engage, depending on whether you're accelerating or braking and the result is astonishing, making every other gearbox look distinctly clunky. The other option is to slip it into 'D' and drive it like a normal automatic. Even in this mode it's butter smooth and makes other attempts at sequential manual systems such as Ferrari's F1, BMW's SMG and Alfa Romeo's Selespeed appear distinctly clunky and yester-tech.

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 A3 three-door has always been a great small car that feels like the concentrated goodness of a great big car. Nothing's changed. You'll still want one as soon as your strides hits the seat.

TOP 5 A3 DEALS

The results below show the top A3 deals on buyacar

	Audi A3 1.6 Special Edition 3dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £216	Saving £1,105	Price £13,895
	Audi A3 1.9 TDi 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £248	Saving £1,275	Price £15,385
	Audi A3 1.9 TDi Special Edition 3dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £243	Saving £1,285	Price £15,475
	Audi A3 S3 Quattro 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £458	Saving £198	Price £26,807
	Audi A3 2.0 TDi 170 Quattro S Line 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £385	Saving £2,037	Price £22,373

typical 10.44% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000