CS

Picked my 2001 model year A3 Quattro (6 speed) at the weekend.

First impressions are very favourable, and surprising.

In performance terms, it is only marginally less quick than the S3 I test drove during the Summer. The 6 speed box makes the pick-up very rapid indeed. Further, the low down torque (2000-3000rpm) is much better than the S3. The latter seems to have been compromised on torque to get the extra top end power. Best of all, you don't have to put up with the dreadfully intrusive loud droning from the engine as you do with the S3. It is just as quiet and refined as my previous A3 TSport was.

Handling and grip are superb, it seems totally unperturbed by wet roads, cross-winds and deep puddles. The ride is also better than the A3 TSport I had before.

Build quality and trim is fantastic - a huge improvement on 2000 models (I went for leather + vavona wood).

So far, so good, and looking forward to getting 1000 miles on the clock.