Audi makes a big difference between three and five doors and, would you believe it, a lot of the difference is in the name? The A3, already available here in a three -door configuration, is enhanced with five doors and an extra bit of nomenclature that's meant to be alluring. Simply, the A3 five-door is the A3 Sportback.
This newcomer comes with the same engine range as the three-door, plus the latest 2.0 litre turbo FSI unit. But there's a strong visual distinction and Sportback features the new-look, supposedly controversial grille that's on the recently-launched A6. The rear area, meanwhile, has a coupé-like profile set off by high-mounted rear lights. It's far more eye-grabbing than the three-door, no slouch itself in the Irish sales charts with over 900 sold so far this year.
We have been driving Sportback in its 2.0 litre TDi manual manifestation with 140bhp on tap. That comes with a price tag from €34,260, which is for the entry-level attraction specification level. Our test model had the top Ambition level, boosting the price to €36,675.
Sportback has something for nearly everyone in the audience with 1.6, 1.9, 2.0 and 3.2 litres in petrol and turbo diesel modes along with other permutations such as direct shift and Tiptronic gearboxes and of course, Audi's well-known marker, Quattro or all-wheel-drive.
There are no fewer than 29 different A3 Sportback options ranging in price from €27,445 - for the 1.6 litre petrol manual - to the 3.2 litre with 250bhp, Quattro and a sequential box nudging towards €50,000. Sportback, or A3, is truly catholic in its outreach.
It may have a fancy new name, but the Sportback doesn't offer profoundly more accommodation that the three-door. The boot is 20 litres larger, and the rear seats go nearly flat, boosting capacity to 1,120 litres.
The extra doors make a difference with access to the back easy, much easier than in the BMW 1-Series, newest kid on the block and arch-rival to this Audi.
Rear seat space is distinctly better too, especially when it comes to relaxing the legs. All in all, the Sportback offers a less claustrophobic driving environment compared to its three-door sibling, and more importantly, the newest Bavarian.
What of the driving? When we turned a key, we found the engine lacked some of the refinement of other similarly-sized diesel units like those from Peugeot and Citroën. There's a very definite diesel clatter at idle, but like every diesel these days, once up and running it's hard to tell the differences from petrol.
Diesel clatter aside, the Sportback 2.0 litre TDI has a silken smooth power delivery, and it's actually one of the fastest models in the range. Audi tells us it will get from zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 129 mph and from the driver's seat they are figures that feel close to the mark through the car's driving character.
Above 1,750 rpm the car was at its most responsive, powering along in an easy yet determined manner. Like most diesels, it's well served in its torque speed, and at mid-range there's no need to go searching in the gearbox for that extra bit of power.
Our test drive included the M1 motorway and in sixth (i.e., top) gear the revs fell to 2,000 rpm at 70mph. In this optimum situation, the car is at its best. Noise levels are low, and in fact the engine sound is virtually imperceptible.
We would have preferred somewhat more "feel" in the steering, a fact that has been mentioned by other commentators. That's perhaps where the 1-Series has an advantage where the true driving enthusiast is concerned.
But the Sportback does most things right, handling well and giving a ride that is firm in the nature of most German cars but certainly not uncomfortable.
We have one niggle to mention, which embarrassingly led to the car's rear end making unscheduled contact with a pillar in a car park. We think rearward vision is impaired significantly in reversing by the thick, bulky rear pillars. We would commend the idea of reverse warning bleeps on the Sportback.
Diesels are great for long-legged travel, even when in the turbo diesel performance-style of the Sportback. We got a creditable enough 42mpg on a longish journey, a little short of the official combined figure of 50.4 mpg. The fuel tank takes 55 litres which suggests that you should get from Dublin to Cork and back on a tankful.
On specification, it's a matter of choosing between Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. At the "base" Attraction level, we were fascinated that some of the everyday comforts of motoring are extras, like air conditioning at a whopping €2,339, or a cup holder in the dash board at a miserable €26. Let us add that two cupholders in the central console are standard. Standard, too, is a space-saver spare wheel, in contrast to BMW's 1-Series which has run flat tyres.
What of competitors? It's the Sportback's close Bavarian neighbour that Audi has most in its sights. The competition here for the 2.0 litre TDI has to be the 1-Series 120d SE version with an Irish retail price of €40,700, putting it well ahead of the Sportback.
The gap is closer where the entry-level 1.6 petrol models are concerned: Audi 1.6 is €27,445 while the BMW 116i is over €1,000 more. You could say it's all down to charisma and aspiration, rather than driving feel and what you get for the money. Probably the BMW is the winner here but our Sportback did get attention in car parks fully lit and without pillars. Another possible competition is the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportswagon Lusso with the impressive 1.9 Multijet engine at €34,450.
Sportback brings a fresh look to the A3 and the sharp styling, well crafted interior and flexible diesel engine are other enhancing assets. It may not be a totally new newcomer but it certainly has to be on a par for consideration with that other totally new Bavarian arrival.