Key Points: • MacPherson strut front, four-link rear suspension
• Electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive steering
• Four-wheel-disc ABS with EBD and Brake Assist • 17-inch wheels standard
• Stability and traction control are standard

This Audi A3 is a nose-heavy car, saddled with a 61/39 front/rear weight distribution, but engineers have done a great job of erasing as much of the A3’s forward weight bias in real-world driving as possible. The result is surprisingly neutral handling for a front-driver, a car that pulls itself out of corners with authority even if the inside wheel does break traction every now and again.

Keep in mind, however, that our 2006 Audi A3 2.0T test car came equipped with the optional Sport Package, a $1,800 bundle of worthwhile goodies like P225/45R17 Continental SportContact 2 summer performance tires and a suspension tuned for better handling. The tires proved quite sticky but not loud, a benefit since no good driver wishes to announce his velocity to all within earshot. Despite carrying 61-percent of its weight over the front axle, the A3 handled bumps and dips extremely well, body roll was nicely controlled, and though the ride quality is stiff the sport-tuned A3 doesn’t beat you up.

Like any proper sporting machine, the 2006 Audi A3 communicates clearly with the road and exhibits little excess body movement. Steering is direct and linear with decent feel and an extra-meaty wheel to grip. This is a very entertaining car to drive, no matter what kind of driving you’re doing.

If we have to complain, it would be about the brake pedal. Around town, it proved tough to modulate, feeling grabby and sticky and making smooth stops almost impossible. But, when you’re driving hard, the brakes work brilliantly, just when you need them to be most effective.