Audi's A3 has been doing a good job for the four-ringed marque, not least because it's the entry-level introduction to the Audi model family.
But something hasn't been quite right about the 3-door that was just launched in 2003 - it lacked a family resemblance with other thoroughly modern Audis.
Now comes a facelift and all's well. The key is a new look single-frame grille which at last gives the A3 the same corporate look as its siblings.
The A3 may be a junior member of the line-up but it now presents a comprehensive and formidable array of engine power extending all the way from the 1.6-litre 102bhp to the 3.2-litre 250bhp V6. Sandwiched in between are highly desirable versions such as the 4-cylinder 2-litre T FSI with 200bhp, an engine sourced from the Golf GTi, which was the star performer at the A3 facelift launch in Munich. FSI, meaning petrol direct injection, is combined with turbocharging and Audi claims to be the first manufacturer making the combination.
The new 2-litre T FSI is also in the A4 and A6 ranges. In the A6 it becomes the entry-level petrol car, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 227km/h. Audi has also used FSI technology in motor sport and its R8's racing successes have included four Le Man victories.
Audi engineers believe that FSI with turbocharging will bring back appeal to the petrol engine which has suffered enormously in Europe at the expense of diesel technology. Now Audi and its Volkswagen parent are complementing the familiar TDI appellation for diesel motoring with FSI for petrolheads and promising much the same virtues of performance and economy.
The A3 range has also been enhanced by the addition of a sporty body-kitted S line model. Few sporty hatchbacks come with such choice in engines and other aids such as 5- and 6-speed DSG(Direct Shift Gearboxes), 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro permanent 4-wheel-drive.
The A3, it seems, is being well fortified to challenge other recent arrivals, such as one junior Bavarian from just down the road in Munich.