Audi A3

Impressions:
It's no secret that, as a manufacturer, if you can get younger buyers into your showrooms now, chances are good they'll be buying A6s and A8s when they get a little older. That means the new Audi A3 has to be impressive enough to keep their owners loving Audis once they take their first one home. First off, this is a serious motor vehicle, bristling with technology, features and style. The A3 is already a big hit overseas where it's available in a wide variety of models. Audi has brought only two of these across the Atlantic, both five-door Sportback (wagon) models. The first is powered by 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engines driving the front wheels through six-speed transmission (manual or automatics). Next up is a Quattro all-wheel-drive version with a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. The A3 stands out because of its style and impeccable interior. Space is a bit tight in the rear but suitable for a couple of good friends, pre-teens or child seats. Front-row occupants are treated to a first-class environment. Audi normally provides great interiors and the A3 does nothing to diminish that reputation. Fit, finish, quality of materials and design are all world class. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, climate control, stability control to keep you driving in a straight line and cloth seats (leather is optional). If previous efforts by competitors to establish a premium compact segment on these shores fell short, then the new A3 makes up for it with more style and substance than you might expect for its reasonable base price.

Base price: