Our cars: Audi A3 Saloon and Mini Hatch

Each day we take a look at a different selection of the cars that we live with on a day-to-day basis. Today we welcome the Audi A3 Saloon back to the car park, and get to know the Mini Cooper's cabin that bit better.

Audi A3 Saloon
Due to circumstances beyond its control, our Audi A3 Saloon has largely been dormant for a few weeks, but nonetheless it started first time and showed no ill-effects from its enforced sojourn.

I've been driving it around for a few days because I've had only limited contact with our Executive Car of the Year so far. It was definitely the right choice.

The engine is extremely smooth and punchy, the gearshift is light and accurate, and it would appear that it drinks fuel at about the same rate as a child drinks foul-tasting medicine.

The ride is definitely firm but not so much that it irritates and the handling is precise and secure, although the steering is a bit too light for my taste.

I'm also not sure about Steve's choice of white paint. To my eyes it cheapens the look of the car, and a plain red might set it off more.

Still, you can't see much white when you're inside the A3, which means you can focus on one of the finest interiors of any executive car. I'm looking forward to putting a few miles on the car over the next few weeks.

By Euan Doig
Euan.Doig@whatcar.com

Read all of our weekly updates on life with the Audi A3 Saloon

Elsewhere in the car park

The Mini Cooper's LED lights are brightening up the cabin