Helping it feel modern years after launch, the second generation Audi A3 features a high quality cabin. Audi’s interiors of this era were often used as benchmarks by other manufacturers, and the A3 feels just as well put together as the Audi A6 it shared showroom space with.

Audi A3 comfort levels are excellent up front, there’s plenty of passenger space and the chairs offer decent support. Although the car makes good use of space, the rear compartment may feel a little claustrophobic, particularly with a dark coloured interior.

For a relatively small hatchback, there’s plenty of space. The driver’s seat and steering wheel offer a good range of adjustment, while the materials in the cabin look and feel refined.

Air conditioning was optional on entry-level models but all cars built from September 2008 come with it as standard, along with electric front windows. Facelifted models (from late 2008) also have an improved cabin overall, with softer touch materials, new black dials with red needles, and upgraded switches.