Singapore — The second-generation version of the Audi A3 was long the only mainstream “old-school” model left in their line-up — it first appeared in 2003. A nip here and a tuck there in the ensuing decade meant it was a decent offering, but never a frontrunner.

Audi of course, has upped its game considerably in all areas since then, and now the premium hatchback A3 gets in on that fun.

The A3 would have come to market earlier, but we missed out on the less popular three door model and it debuts only in five-door Sportback form, as Audi terms its hatchbacks.

Audi’s latest A3 has significantly improved driving dynamics. The steering boasts fairly decent weighting and feedback. Also noteworthy is the A3’s handling — it offers plentiful grip as you throw it round corners. It’s not quite as entertaining as the BMW 1 Series, but it offers safe and secure handling, which should be more than enough for most people.

At launch, the A3 Sportback is available with a choice of two engines, with the 1.4 TFSI version producing 122bhp and 200Nm of torque, and the 1.8 TFSI churning out 180bhp and 250Nm of torque.

The 1.4-litre version tested here packs the same engine as its corporate cousin the Volkswagen Golf, and is lively despite the seemingly unimpressive (on paper) figures.

That’s likely because the new A3 weighs 85kg less, thanks to clever engineering techniques and touches like an aluminium bonnet and fenders — which also helps it be very efficient. Twenty km per litre of fuel is the official figure, and it isn’t too optimistic either, and its lack of emissions net it a S$15,000 CEVS rebate.

The car’s sprightly acceleration off the line makes a mockery of the quoted 0-100kmh sprint time of 9.3s, and most of the power is delivered in a fairly smooth and linear fashion, while the refined and quiet nature of the car lends it a much more mature, “big-car” feel.

Inside, the new A3 Sportback boasts a revitalised interior, with a more modern-looking dashboard featuring rounded air vents and simplified centre console.

Clutter is minimal, thanks to the new, clean layout, and the car boasts the newest Multimedia Interface (MMI) system, which now has a large rotary scroll wheel that’s imbued with a trackpad.

There’s too little space here to catalogue all the new features, but suffice to say that the new A3 Sportback moves Audi firmly back into a great position in the hatchback game.

Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Ambition

Engine: 1,395cc turbocharged i4, 122bhp & 200Nm

Performance: 203kmh, 0-100kmh 9.3 seconds, 5.0L/100km, 116g/km CO2

Price: S$164,150 with COE