2016 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 S line S tronic first drive

Few manufacturers move at the same rate of change as Audi, and the next model to be brought into line is its Audi A3. A new grille, alloy wheel designs, headlights and tail-lights make up the headline changes to its exterior. Meanwhile, there are new 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine options and more power for the range-topping S3 hot hatch.

Every A3 now gets more standard equipment, too, including xenon headlights, cruise control and more advanced smartphone integration. It means that although prices across the range are up by around £500, you're effectively saving money. Features such as Audi's excellent Virtual Cockpit and Matrix LED headlights are also now available as options.

The A3 Sportback's competition remains intense from the likes of the Volkswagens Volkswagen Golf and the BMW 1 Series, particularly when sporting a similar-capacity diesel engine to the 148bhp 2.0 TDI we're focusing on here. For the record, this 2.0 TDI is also wearing S line trim and is fitted with Audi's six-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

This is a relatively minor facelift, so the A3 holds its position in the class as the decently spacious, refined and genuinely upmarket choice amongst its peers, yet still not the keen driver's choice.

Not that this diesel is short on performance; despite a slight dither while the engine and 'box agree terms, the 2.0 TDI picks up well and feels brilliantly muscular across its mid-range in all driving modes. It certainly feels a little brisker than its sprint times suggests, especially in its most urgent Dynamic mode.

This 2.0 goes about its business in a more hushed fashion than its lesser 1.6 stablemate, too, but isn't afraid to let itself be known when really pushed hard. Still, it settles nicely at a steady speed and the A3's diesel rivals are similarly raucous at high engine speeds. There's also very little wind or road noise to speak of at high speed.

Even in its most sporting S line form (albeit, in our car's case, with its sports suspension deleted) the A3 remains a very competent but hardly inspiring steer. Wearing large 18in wheels, an S line feels a touch sharper when changing direction, and builds on lesser models' already stout grip. There's little playfulness from the A3's chassis, however, and its precise but hardly invigorating steering rarely excites.

Still, our car rode a not-perfect German test route well, showing off taut but compliant damping. Over the very poorest of sections that we encountered (of which there were few) there was more of the tell-tale noise and fidget from the A3's MQB underpinnings, but certainly not enough to cause concern.

The A3's party piece, though, is its interior quality, and it's still class-leading in that respect. Dense, soft materials, beautifully damped switches and cold-to-the-touch metallic surfaces adorn the cabin, giving it real class-above appeal. 

Our car's brilliant Virtual Cockpit can now be added as part of a pricey £1395 Advanced Technology Package (on Sport and S Line models only), but we'd say it's worth the extra cash if you can afford it. Vitally, it's clear and easy to use, but is also visually superb. Once you consider the pack also includes Audi's larger-screened Navigation Plus infotainment system, advanced online services and wireless smartphone charging (if your phone supports it, that is), it looks to be of fairly good value.