2006 Audi A3 Sportback review from Australia and New Zealand

Side bolster of drivers seat has slightly chaffed from my leather belt when getting in/out. Leather was fitted locally, so not sure if it's a quality issue or just lack of conditioner from me.

Watch oil consumption in early engine life (<15,000km 'running in'). And that's it. Nothing else in almost 3 years.

DSG gearbox: An absolute blast if you get the wheel paddles, but you need to get used to NOT using both feet brake/accel like a regular auto - DSG will neutral with near-stationary braking - problem only if you need to escape in bumper to bumper traffic + turbo lag. Once she launches, you can outrun most other cars except the dedicated boy racers/V8's.

Factory sports suspension is awesome, it runs on rails.

Skyroof opening could be larger, 1 press-action open would have been nicer vs. 3.

Despite user manual spec., I didn't get particle filter, so it can be embarrassingly smokey if you blast off, normal driving is OK.

Some torque steer under heavy turbo boost.

My lease is almost up, not sure if I pay it out or trade up for new (lease) look A4 2.7L diesel touring (new A3 looks same as mine).

If you are looking for a 2006 A3, forget the 2.0L multitronic spongecake, try the DSG turbo diesel, or maybe a 2.0TFSI in quattro. Just treat the turbo right with some cool down time before switch off - probably mostly not needed, but I'm old school. You'll pay a premium for Audi badge vs same drivetrain in a VW, but I have no major regrets.

P.s. mileage: highway, between 4.4-5.0 L/100km (up to 55mpg) @ 100-110km/h (~2000rpm); daily 70km mix of equal city/suburban/short freeway blast is rock steady 6.8L/100km (35mpg). 0-100km/h is low 9 seconds... in a DIESEL.

My native instinct would be normally to go 6.0L Chevy in a Commodore (= Vauxhall GTS coupe / Pontiac GTO), but with this A3, I can be 'green' (I hate trains) and still have some fun... p.p.s this is my 16th 'regular' vehicle, so I feel 'qualified' to call it as it is...