First impressions of a Dutch Audi A3 2.0TDI test drive by an Audi fan on a Dutch motoring board:

1. Well-built, bland exterior

2. Shutting the doors doesn't give the massive feeling you would expect from a car in that class.

3. Dashboard ergonomics are OK, but feel is a bit sterile. There is a calling-card holder instead of a cup holder! Typical... Cruise control has its own spoke on the left. Pretty confusing. Seats are lacking side support but have a tall back.

4. Almost no engine noise coming into the cabin, which exaggerates wind noise at high speeds. The gear change is higher than in the previous A3. Not a lot of feel in the steering.

5. Nervous engine, seemed not in tune with the ECU - could be because of the 200kms on the clock... Engine makes dump valve sounds on lift-off. Twitchy at ultra-high speeds, have to grip the steering wheel with both hands.

6. Sticks like glue through corners. Only a light touch of understeer followed by a smell of oversteer, until the ESP cuts in. Promising.

7. Base price plus options (Pro-line, xenon, sports seats, perhaps S-line and quattro) and this car will set you back for the same price as the old S3. Ouch - that seems hugely overpriced...

The common reaction: let's wait for the cheaper VAG versions. That is, if we can wait...

'Sterile'

That's a word about my Audi that I never really understood until I'd sold it. Very good or good in everything it did but boring. Something that I haven't felt about the Octavia oddly enough.