If you like to scamper around and need room to take the dog to the vet, this Audi A3 might be the perfect ticket, and I do mean ticket, because it is a fast rascal. Priced more than we expected starting in the mid- $20,000 (US) range, the A3 was powered by a 2.0 four-cylinder engine pressed by a turbocharger that articulated an automatic transmission.
Two problems immediately emerged when we received the Audi A3. The first was the pricing. If you are not careful with your options it can quickly cost more than the larger, and nearly as agile, A4 with the same engine and more room. The second was torque steer. Under normal driving conditions this was not a problem, but when challenged there was both a small turbo lag and a notable tug on the well-padded steering wheel.
The brakes are very impressive and the feel more BMW than BMW. The engine should give you over 25 mpg, but look for wide variations as it can get over 30 on the highway and under 20 mpg in heavy traffic.
Full review here