MARC Mustard looks at the Audi A3 a prestige German for budget money.

ENGINES There are two petrols and three variations on the same diesel available. The 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrols are fine if you're anti-oil burner, but the 1.9-litre TDi powerplant is the sensible choice. Available with 90, 100 or 130bhp it comes in a state of tune to suit most tastes.

BODYWORK Most A3s will have been used by company car drivers, so should be relatively supermarket car park scar-free. Check all the usual places for rust (wheel arches and welds) as replacement panels will be on the steep side.

INTERIOR Quality trim and fabrics should be in good condition. Any major vibrations or rattling might be a sign that the car concerned has been in a shunt. If the car is kitted out with lots of ICE then make sure it all works properly.

DRIVING Sport and S3 models are the best performers, but handling is pretty accomplished across the range. The ride is firm and inspires confidence around the bends. Diesels have plenty of torque for overtaking and the like.

IMAGE This is an Audi's raison d'etre. It is essentially the same car as a VW Golf but the four-ringed badge is even more desirable than the Wolfsburg firm's emblem. The Ingolstadt brand has gone from relative obscurity to a genuine BMW and Mercedes basher in the space of 15 years.

OWNERSHIP Fuel economy in the diesel models is good (60mpg extra urban). Servicing and insurance, however, will quickly wipe out any savings made at the pumps. Only minor issues such as an ignition coil problem on the 1.8-litre model have been reported.

Facts about a used Audi 3...

PRICE RANGE 1996/P, 1.6-litre, 80,000 miles, private sale (poor condition), £2,660.

2003/03, 1.9-litre TDi quattro, 10,000 miles, private sale (good condition), £15,785.

REASONS TO BUY Fashionable badge cuts a dash on the high street. Civilised driving characteristics and quality engineering make ownership pleasant.

REASONS TO BEWARE Running costs are higher than with Golf or Leon siblings. Lack of rear interior space is a problem for the long of leg.

RECOMMENDED Post 1998 1.9-litre (130bhp) TDis are fast and frugal. If you want a proper fire-breather go for an S3.