If you’re seeking a practical and reliable car rather than an exciting high-performance gaze-catcher, you need look no further than Audi’s A3 range. You’ll get a good quality hatchback which, whilst not winning many beauty contests, manages to be pleasing to the eye even so.

With the A3’s excellent insulation, cruising along the motorway becomes a real pleasure (although any passengers sitting in the rear will wish for a short drive – it’s a little cramped back there). The A3 offer three diesel versions and four petrol models. If you want a little extra verve and power, the 2.0 litre TFSI with its 197 bhp Golf GTI engine can do 0 – 68 mph in seven seconds. The diesel models at the higher end of the power scale, like the 2.0 litre TDI, will give you a more than respectable 168 bhp.

The car handles beautifully, and if storage space is a factor in your calculations, try the ‘Sportback’ A3s. These models are somewhere between an estate and a standard hatch and offer bags more space in the boot. However, the ordinary hatch boot space is 350 litres, which expands to 1,000 litres when the seats are folded.

Finally, if fuel costs are a consideration, the 1.9 litre diesel delivers an impressive 60 mpg and attracts relatively cheap company car tax. The A3 range may not be the most exciting in Audi’s repertoire but as practical, reliable cars, they more than worthy of their badge’s high reputation.