Audi A3 (1996 - 2001)

Image, quality, galvanised body. 3-year warranty. 100 bhp 1.6, 125 bhp 1.8, 150 bhp 1.8 Turbo, 200 bhp S3 quattro turbo. First application of Golf Mk IV platform. 13' 7" long by 6' wide and from 1,090kg. Front-drive alternative to the BMW Compact. Joint top-of-the-class for secondary safety in NCAP crash testing. 3-door version handles better than Golf Mk IV. 5-door complemented 3-door from autumn 1999. Three year warranty. Engine range from 100bhp 1.6, through 125bhp 1.8 20v and 150bhp 1.8T to 180bhp 1.8 Quattro Sport. Also 90bhp and 110bhp diesels. 

210bhp S3 quattro from June 1999. 

Low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model. 2001-2003 models average for breakdowns, problems and faults in 2003 Which survey.