FOR AUDI to continue on its sensational upward curve in the premium car sector, it is essential that its A3 model continues to grab a fair old slice of the glory.

This is a car which made a huge impact when it first appeared, and successive versions have steadily and reliably upped the game.

With a new three-door version already on sale, the five-door Sportback is now joining the fray with added practicality to appeal to a wider customer base.

Those customers will – according to Audi – be ‘tech-literate’ and from the i-Pad generation.

Excuse me, but I would count myself as neither of the above. But I do really like this car.

Hero models aside, it’s what Audi is all about – totally premium, pushing back the boundaries of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, weight and beautifully simple and enjoyable to drive.

The extra pair of doors on this new Sportback are very well integrated into the overall shape. The A3 is indeed another example of how Audi manages to evolve a design, keeping a clear visual link to the previous model but introducing some fresh elements. Job done.

There’s a third window and D-pilar now, for instance, to let in more light and give an airy feel for rear seat passengers.

The nose is narrowed and looks more purposeful, the headlights have a more edgy appearance, in particular the strong lines produced by the LED elements, and the roof curves neatly into the rear. What’s more, it wears virtually any colour well, be it a conservative metallic, solid white or vibrant red.

The bonnet and wings, by the way, are made of aluminium now, thereby helping to shed 90kg from the car’s weight. And the weight is despite a 35mm increase in the length of the wheelbase and a boot now boasting a 380-litre capacity, or 1,220 litres with the seats folded down, Yes, this could very easily be your rather plush family car.

Behind the wheel, you soon discover the car’s hidden talent. The A3 is the first Audi to use the MQB architecture that will underpin several other Audis and other compact-sized cars in the Volkswagen Group.

You soon notice that the A3 is remarkably quiet on the move. I tested the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine – a VW group stalwart – and it proved a perfect match. Lots of lowdown torque and a willingness to push on means it will tick the boxes for virtually all of your needs.

Like the rest of the engine range, there’s a ten per cent improvement in fuel economy over the previous generation The other significant element here is the ride quality.

Even in sportier S line trim, which has sports suspension and big alloy wheels, the A3 Sportback feels superbly controlled and comfortable, riding with the bumps without divorcing you from them altogether. So whether you're simply cruising to your destination or having a bit of fun on a challenging road, it is extremely capable.

The cabin – already of a high quality in the previous version – moves the game on yet again.

There are numerous options, of course, and various combinations of trim, but it almost feels like you’re sitting in a luxury car rather than something that’s merely premium.

The revised MMI system takes up less space and is quite easy to get to grips with – even for a non-techie like me – while the pop-up colour screen is crisp and clear without being intrusive.

Practical, comfortable and efficient, this is a beautifully packaged car that will serve many needs. It comes with only a £620 premium over the three-door version and is certain to help the Audi curve keep heading upwards.

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK SPORT

PRICE: £23,350 (range from £19,825)
ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel producing 150 PS and 184lb.ft of torque
TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels (S tronic available)
PERFORMANCE: top speed 134mph, 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds
ECONOMY: 67.3mpg combined
CO2 RATING: 108g/km