Audi's new subcompact series A3 brings a five-door car with hatchback styling under the descriptive label of Sportback. First model on tap for 2006 is the A3 2.0T FrontTrak, which has the new turbo FSI four-cylinder engine. The plant delivers 200 hp with a manual six-speed gearbox or Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) shifter.

A3 2.0T rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with safety gear like ESP aboard and substantial standard features, including a dual-zone automatic climate system, power windows and door locks, plus a 140-watt audio kit with ten speakers and dash-mounted CD deck. Further, there are three trim packages -- base, sport and premium. And a second model -- A3 3.2 Quattro -- arrives later for the 2006 line packing a 3.2-liter V6 worth 250 hp and the DSG gearbox with Hill Holder feature.

Audi's compact two-door machines appear as a slinky sports coupe or daring convertible roadster with curvy skin stretched tautly over exaggerated wheels. The FWD TT 1.8T employs a 1.8-liter turbo four rated at 180 hp with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed manual. The Quattro TT massages the same engine, although inter-coolers are also attached to pump up a juicy 225 hp.

Another Quattro edition extracts 250 hp from that plant and sends it through a DSG shifter. This most powerful TT wears 17-inch wheels capped by performance tires and a taller tail spoiler, plus bigger brakes and a modified exhaust system. It also adds shifter paddles to the steering wheel. The cockpit for all TT models is a creative exercise of form following function with a silvery metallic theme. (...BACK)