Although base A3s come with FWD, I’d heartily recommend spending the extra $5,100 for Quattro. For that money you also get a six-speed S-Tronic transmission rather than the base six-speed manual stick. Although it functions much like an automatic, the S-Tronic is really a dual-clutch manual system with normal and sport modes and paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

There’s a lot of regular back-track when it comes to the animal that is the Inside Story. This means that the Kudos given are constantly being re-evaluated. A dash-mounted card tray is by no means a deal-breaker for most, but a more sensible HVAC system is definitely needed, an omission that would only present itself during colder periods. And don’t forget an owner’s lit-specific glovebox cubby. The Oh-Eight’s five-star ruling has now dropped to four for Oh-Nine.