Five-star Audi A3 changes

When Audi’s latest A3 appeared last year it looked only subtly changed but was, under the skin, completely different and much better than before. Now there’s a Sportback version — slightly longer and with five instead of three doors.

Costing between £19,825 and £25,030, the extra space and practicality costs £620 over equivalent three-door versions, which represents pretty good value.

The Sportback oozes quality, with a choice of 1.4 or 1.8 petrol engines with 122 and 180PS or a two-litre diesel with 150PS. A new 1.6 TDI unit will soon become available, which Audi says will do 74.3mpg and produce 99g/km of CO2, making it congestion charge-free.

All versions at the launch felt smooth and powerful and were happy to be nosed gently through traffic or pedalled rapidly across country.

There is almost no roll and all versions feel nimble and grippy.

The Sportback’s longer wheelbase further improves the ride and adds a little extra room for rear passengers.

The latest A3 has a premium feel to it and is so easy to drive rapidly that it would take a very fast car to cover a cross-country journey noticeably quicker.

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI (150PS) Sport manual

Top speed: 134mph; Combined

fuel consumption: 67.3mpg;

Emissions: 108g/km; Price: £23,350