Audi A3

Having a family grille common to every model in the range is all the rage, but has it improved the A3? We reckon it looked sharper prior to its makeover, but it's still a hugely impressive hatch. Designers and engineers have made only minor changes, but this facelift should be just enough to keep the A3 feeling fresh.

Despite healthy sales, there is something about the three-door Audi A3 that has obviously been irritating company top brass since its launch in 2003.

And the firm has not wasted any time doing something about it. Just two years after its launch, Audi has decided to treat the car to a facelift. The most obvious update is the new-look chrome grille, which finally gives the A3 Audi's corporate look.

Beyond that, alterations are subtle, although the company says it has made changes to the front bumper, with a few minor tweaks at the rear too.

Inside, we struggled to spot any differences, but it is hard not to be impressed by the ergonomics and excellent build quality. Our test car also came with plenty of luxurious equipment, but buyers should beware of escalating costs if they raid the options list. Satellite-navigation, for example, costs a whopping £2,175.

Much of Audi's facelift work has gone on under the skin. Engineers aimed to enhance the A3's ride and handling, but have not been entirely successful. With the added advantage of upgraded steering, the Audi is better to drive, but the Sport model is still uncomfortably stiff over bumpy surfaces. Go for the standard suspension set-up and the ride is smoother. Our car was fitted with Audi's version of the VW Golf GTI's 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine. An impressive 198bhp is fed through the superb DSG transmission to the front wheels to deliver hot hatch performance.

Whether you like the new look or not, it is hard not to be impressed by the latest A3. The five-door Sportback might have to edge on practicality, but it cannot quite match the desirability of the newest member of the family.