Faults:

Nothing beyond wear and tear.

General Comments:

My first car, what good memories.

Solid little hatch, sporty, fun and modern (for its time).

Put decent mileage on it with no issues.

1.8 Sport model, looked very nice inside and out. 35 + mpg, good performance, solid build. Good to drive.

Parts were not cheap when it did need something, but Audi parts are always dear.

Miss it to be honest, 2003 was probably the last time Audi made simple cars that were easy to work on, not now where the interiors are basically smart phones!

Faults:

1) Intermittent problem of hesitant gearchange from auto box which leads to a jerky ride - not solved by Audi.

2) Whistling noise becomes audible at speeds above 40 mph - Audi adjusted the positioning of the plenum chamber cover, wiper arms and bonnet catch, but noise still present.

General Comments:

Pros:

1) Attractive styling

2) Smart, elegant interior (if a little dark)

3) Excellent safety features

4) Handling superb (but at a price - very harsh ride... see below!)

5) Brisk acceleration

6) Good build quality, very solid feel.

Cons:

1) Bad reflection of dashboard in front windscreen and side windows

2) Very firm ride - takes a lot of getting used to

3) Poor heat distribution to the footwells - in winter, driver's left leg gets very hot and right leg remains cool

4) Pedal positions not great and take some getting used to.

5) Don't believe Audi's claim that the FSI engine is more economical - I rarely get over 30mpg.

6) My experience of Audi's after-sales customer care isn't great - failure to call back, not able to offer a suitable courtesy car whilst work carried out.

Faults:

Have had no problems so far.

General Comments:

The things I don't like about this car?

The steering is a bit vague - this can probably be attributed to too much power going through the front wheels.

The gear box could be sharper and who ever decided it was a good idea to put reverse next to first in a six speed gear box is an idiot!

Apart from the latter I can't really fault the car. The looks have been significantly improved over the old shape A3. It's not a fast car, but it is quick and provides more than enough acceleration for easy motorway overtaking. The interior, like most Audi's is excellent - simple, but elegant and well put together. The car has good space for 4 adults a fifth might be a bit of a squeeze. The boot is also large for a car of this size.

Faults:

Emission Control System has failed 3 times in 4 months.

Clutch Cylinder failed at 6000 miles.

Car has consumed 5 litres of oil in just over 6000 miles from new.

Drivers seat squeaks when riding on slightly uneven roads.

General Comments:

The Model we bought had an upgraded CD/stereo made by Sony and Speaker system designed by BOSE - undoubtedly the highlight of the car (not made by Audi!).

When it's not having faults fixed, the car is very quick, handles the road well and has a great sporty 6 speed gearbox.

Unfortunately our car is currently being held by Audi whilst we await the decision of a refund/replacement. Audi cannot currently resolve the oil and emission problems and have admitted this to me.

I am prepared to accept that things can go wrong with cars, even new ones. What defines the quality of a brand of car is how well the company handles the situation when things do go wrong. I'm afraid to say that Audi have handled our case appallingly. If you buy this car and have problems with it (like I have) you will be passed between: the dealership you bought the car from; the dealership that has the car for repair; Audi Roadside Assistance, Audi Customer Care and in our case, the finance company (Audi finance). Each of these parties will play you off each other with expertise; you will find that no-one will take responsibility for your problems and you will struggle to get anything resolved. It took me 13 phone calls one day just to arrange insurance for my partner on the Ford Focus we were supplied as a replacement car.

In summary - it's a nice car (if a little unreliable) but please be prepared for very substandard after sales support should anything go wrong with the vehicle.