ENDED up parking behind an old version Audi A3 the other week in the side streets around BCM towers.

I thought it was quite interesting to see how my new Audi A3 Sportback looked compared to its predecessor.

First off, and the family heritage is quite clear.

There’s the same gently rising waistline crease leading to the rear light cluster; a similar treatment to the rear quarter glass.

But everything about the new Audi A3 Sportback is so much crisper, and better defined.

As it should be in a new car.

But while the exterior dimensions are very similar – length, width, height – the new Audi A3 Sportback scores with the wheelbase, which now measures 2,636 millimetres. That’s an increase of 58 millimetres, providing the newer car with greater interior room. And a much better ride, too.

And then there’s the killer punch. The new 1.6 litre diesel engine, which pushes out 105PS power and 250Nm torque, only has CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Which for company car drivers means less to pay on company car tax.

My Audi A3 is the Sport version, so with a company car tax banding of 14% that’s company car tax from just £52 a month.

Official fuel consumption is 74.3mpg. I’ve managed to get near that on single long runs with a best of 65.1mpg. The current average from the onboard computer is 49.3mpg – it’s been climbing steadily over the last month or so which is pleasing (especially as the price of diesel looks to be going up).

The key thing about this Audi A3 Sportback is to drive it on the torque, which means changing up early and letting the low down drivability waft you along.