Audi A3 Sportback car leasing

What's new: Audi's stylish premium hatch receives the most powerful 170PS 2.0-litre turbo diesel that's also in sporty Seat Leons, Skoda Octavias and VW Golfs. We looked at the £21,257 2.0 TDI 170 SE.

Excellent: The interior oozes quality and the smart business-like A3 projects a classy image. The new engine offers up effortless and surprisingly relaxing go.

Good: For just £825 more on the P11D and 1.3ppm more to run you get performance in another league to the regular 140PS 2.0-litre, sprinting to 60 in less than 8.3secs v 9.7secs, while topping 138mph and averaging an impressive 48.7mpg.

Average: Steering is a little light and lacking in feel, and overall the car's not the most entertaining to drive in its class. You'll notice a firm ride, even without the S-line sports suspension, too.

Poor: The P11D's a little heavy at an eye-widening £21,257, especially since that's without leather. The equivalent Golf has a P11D £1800 less than the A3. And it's cramped in the rear.

Verdict: Engine delivers tyre-shredding ability without sacrificing economy, but for most, the lower 140PS version makes better fiscal sense. Only performance lovers need apply.

This Audi Car Review was done by John Mahoney for www.businesscar.co.uk

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