The Audi A3 2.0T is front-wheel drive and powered by the heralded 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 200 horsepower. Two transmissions are available: a standard six-speed manual or optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DGS) automatic. The A3 3.2 Quattro has all-wheel drive and a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6.

The A3 2.0T is available in three trim levels, 2.0T, 2.0T S line, and 2.0T Premium. In line with the A3's near-luxury market placement, there's no dearth of appropriate amenities. The base A3 2.0 T ($24,620) comes standard with automatic climate control with pollen filter and sun sensor; cloth upholstery; tilt and telescoping adjustable steering column; 10-speaker 140-watt stereo with satellite prep; central locking with remote keyless entry; power windows; electronic cruise control; anti-theft vehicle alarm; two cup holders in the center console; and vanity mirrors in the sunvisors.

Designed to be as much sporty driver's car as well-tailored transportation module, the A3 comes standard with upmarket technologies. These include a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension; an electronic stability program (ESP); standard full-time traction control (ASR); ABS with an electronic differential lock (EDL); Servotronic electro-mechanical steering; and 17-inch alloys with all-season radials. Low-profile 225/45 performance radials are a no-cost option. These elements all contribute to a persona that begs for tight, winding mountain roads, thrives in the slice-and-dice of urban traffic and quietly relieves the tedium of commuter slogs.

Safety features that come standard include front and side-impact airbags for the front-seat passengers. All five seating positions get three-point belts with automatic pre-tensioners and an adjustable headrest; the front seat belts feature height adjustment, automatic pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters.

The new for '07 A3 S line package ($2,200) features a more aggressive treatment to the nose and tail as well as 16-spoke bi-color alloy wheels wrapped with 17-inch all-season radials, sport-tuned shocks and stiffer springs to tighten up the handling. Distinctive exterior touches includes a roof spoiler, front fog lamps, front grille and side moldings with S line badge, brushed aluminum beltline trim and S line front and rear bumpers. Leather seating surfaces, aluminum door sills with S line logo, a trip computer, and sport seats with manual height adjustment upgrade the interior along with illuminated vanity mirrors; alloy inlays and trim; aluminum door sill trim with the Audi logo; a three-spoke multi-function sport steering wheel; and alloy shift paddles on cars with the DSG transmission.

The revised 2.0T Premium package ($1,650) gets leather seating surfaces; specific 16-spoke silver alloy wheels with 17-inch all-season radials; a storage package; trip computer; illumination package; power front driver's seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment; multifunction three-spoke sport steering wheel; alloy shift paddles on cars with DSG; aluminum beltline trim; and front fog lights.

Option packages include an Audio Package ($1,350) with Bose electronics, an in-dash six-disc CD changer and Sirius satellite radio; a Cold Weather group ($700) with heated front seats, ski sack, heated windshield washer nozzles and heated exterior mirrors. A new Technology Package ($1,500) offers a light/rain sensor; auto-dimming interior mirror; Bluetooth phone prep; and bi-xenon headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting system. The Audi Navigation Plus package ($3,300) includes the content of the Audio Package in addition to the navigation system. Stand-alone options include an Open Sky sunroof ($1,100); rear side airbags ($350); and a stereo upgrade ($350). Separate pearl effect or metallic finishes are available ($450) as well as sold-order only paint finishes ($750).

The A3 3.2 Quattro ($33,260) comes in just one configuration: a 3.2-liter 250-horsepower six-cylinder engine driving all four wheels through Audi's terrific Auto DSG transmission. The 3.2 comes standard with 17-inch five-spoke alloys; all the equipment from the 2.0T's S line package; and the Audio package from the 2.0T. The 3.2 also is available with a Cold Weather Package ($700) and a Technology Package ($1,250), which are identical to the 2.0T packages.

Stand-alone options for the 3.2 Quattro include 18-inch 14-spoke alloys with high-performance radials ($1,000); Sirius satellie radio ($350); Open Sky sunroof ($1,100); rear side airbags ($350); Audi Navigation Plus ($1,950); and Premium Vienna leather upholstery ($800).