Fridae

The second generation A3 came on to the market back in 2003, responsible for debuting the then brand new Volkswagen group's PQ35 platform which forms the basis of Volkswagen Golf and numerous models under the Volkswagen family. Evolution was clearly a priority for Walter de'Silva, the current styling director for the entire Volkswagen group, which includes Audi, Bentley, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini and Bugatti.

When Audi debuted the new single frame grille on the A6 back in 2004, the entire Audi range received the same frontal treatment; hence the single frame grille was abruptly slapped on the front of the A3 in 2004. A move usually unheard of with cars that were only on the market for only a year.

For all 2009 A3 models, yet another wave of revisions have been introduced to update the entry level model. LED daytime running lights are included with a revised nose and tail styling. Subtle but marked improvements to the elegant looks of the Audi A3. With sales blazing past the one million unit magical mark last March, the Audi A3 hardly needs fixing at all. Regardless, the LED lights at the front makes the A3 instantly recognisably as an Audi.

Our featured car is this new variant added to the growing A3 family; a 2.0T Quattro, only available as a three door model. The 2.0 turbocharged TFSI engine comes rated with 200 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes place in a snappy 6.6 secs. Ultra fast gear changes take place via Audi's six-speed S-tronic gearbox. S-tronic is Audi speak for Volkswagen's dual clutch DSG gearbox. The effortless performance is backed by a deep bassy exhaust note.

Quattro may be an Italian word for four, but "Quattro" to boys like me is entirely Audi. Four wheel drive system found on many of our modern performance cars is simply because of the success of the original Audi Quattro in the 80's. In a three door hatchback like the Audi A3, it means reckless driving can be contained with ease. Throw the kitchen sink at the 2.0T Quattro, it always defaults into a safe understeer. Every attempt to throw the A3 into corners at insane speeds is always toned into a small manageable drama. Power is still directed evenly to all wheels in this A3, which means a little less fun than the rear-bias systems found on the recently reviewed A4 Avant 3.2 Quattro.

While the driver may be enjoy the trills of having an unflappable car at his dispense, passengers will protest to the rather stiff ride of the A3. A short ride with three other fridae staff onboard of the A3 had some protest. Harsh words like "jerky" could be heard from the rear passengers. Blame the standard sports suspension that comes with all Singapore bound cars. As the managing director of Audi Singapore, Mr Reinhold Carl explained at the launch event that the gap between the beautiful 18" alloys and the wheel arches should be kept to a minimum for aesthetic purposes. Which I agree whole heartedly; as long as I am behind the wheel and not a passenger.

Peep into the A3's interior and you would immediately understand why Audi's ambition to become the world's biggest premium car maker by 2015 is entirely possible. The seamless blend of chrome and soft feel plastics is a carefully applied throughout the A3. As part of the facelift, there are now white-lit instruments to replace the previously orange one. The Xerox precision built and well damped interior of the A3 will continue to lure customers to sign cheques for one.

The Audi A3 3 door sits close to my heart as this is one hatchback that looks timeless and fits ideally between an impractical coupe and a mummsy looking five door hatchback. The perky rear end design with the small-ish window area has always been a big attraction for me.

As a respond to the harsh economic climate, many drivers are continuing to downsize their cars. The Audi A3 2.0T Quattro is a near sporting package as there is no compromise in equipment, performance and quality. Just do not expect me to ride in this one, I am driving it.

	Audi A3 2.0TFSI Quattro
Engine	1,984cc, In-line 4-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged DOHC
Transmission	6-speed S-tronic Four Wheel Drive
Max. Power	200 bhp @5100-6000 rpm
Max. Torque	280 Nm @ 1700-5000 rpm
0-100 km/h	6.6 secs
Top speed	236 km/h
Fuel Economy	12.2 l/100 km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	184 g/km (Combined)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4238mm x 1765mm x 1421 mm 1,415 kg
Price with COE*	$139,800

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.