Faults:

Radio not coded - dealer didn't know how to uncoded for three days.

Dash had stain on plastic.

Paint scratches on the bonnet and passenger door. Fixed by dealer - but took two separate days - They forgot to do both scratches on the same day - doh!

Suspension knocking (and too firm!) - dealer "adjusted suspension???" - spoke to dealer and asked for explanation - turns out that the transporter blocks had not been removed (drove for about 1500 miles with no spring compression)

Car really rattles very badly inside - especially back seat and main dash.

Dealer replaced rear hatch strut. Wasn't the strut but the back seat catch (hey but they know best) - back seat still rattling badly.

Front dash rattling very loudly - dash re-seated by dealer (does this really take 6 working days?) - told that only 4 securing bolts - not five! added bolt - rattle gone from the dash.

Asked to get the back seat fixed again - dealer taped the seat catches and packed the back seat hinge with foam (sellotape and bubble-gum approach! who are these guys?)

General Comments:

Problems with car really due to the shabby dealership. Rest of car OK.

Speed - VERY FAST! I laugh at Golf and Audi drivers now! All that wasted money for a badge!

Handling MUCH better than previous A3. Cornering crisper - but a little under steer! (watch out for those roundabouts in the rain)

Ride - bit too hard for town - but motorway cruising GREAT!

Very pleased with rest of cabin (except rattles).

Leather seats OK - but not particularly best of leather (but what do you expect for 16000 car?)

Faults:

The car is still new. I just got it last week and have put 1,000 on it.

There have been no faults so far.

Initial build quality seems to be up to Volkswagen and Audi standards. It even smells like a new Audi...

General Comments:

This review is based on my experience during a trip to Germany this weekend.

Although I'm treating it very nicely the first 2,000 or so kilometres, it's hard to keep from flooring it every chance I get.

Performance is excellent. There is so much power in every gear at almost any speed. Above about 100 km you can shift up to 6th gear and the revs will drop to around 2000 RPM, but it will still respond lively when you want to accelerate.

The engine sounds great, especially when the turbo kicks in.

The suspension is relatively sporty, but not to the point of becoming uncomfortable. Cruising at high speeds it feels like a larger, much more expensive car.

Having 5 doors and a large boot make it very practical as well.

The trim level in Holland has been upgraded for the 2002 model year, so to my surprise I got 8 speakers instead of 4, electric windows in the rear and electric mirrors.

Other standard features include: anti-lock brakes, traction control, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, board computer, sport seats.

Anyone considering to buy a Golf or an Audi A3, should have a serious look at the Seat Leon 20VT.