Light sabre, check. A handy knowledge of the Force, check. Audi A3 Sportback, check. Everything a Jedi knight needs.
Not quite sure why but this just seems like the kind of car a Jedi would drive if he were short of a spaceship or other gravity-defying runabout. Perhaps it's because Audi's new five-door hatchback has a high-tech, space-age look.
Luke Skywalker would be impressed with the pace of its 3.2-litre V6 engine too.
Audi calls the Sportback a fusion of coupé and station wagon, citing its longer, lower roofline and sportier look than hatchbacks of the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 307 persuasion.
It makes a refreshing change from the tall-roofed mini-MPVs you struggle to see over on the roads, whatever you label it.
It's low and sleek with the go-faster look favoured by the young at heart, enhanced by funky-looking lights front and back.
It wears the prominent single-frame grille that features on all of Audi's latest models, its trapezoidal shape repeated in the hub of the leather-clad steering wheel.
The Sportback is longer than the three-door A3 with a larger cabin, proof that practicality and good looks can co-exist with minimal compromise.
There's no evident disadvantage in the car's abbreviated roof height and its headroom is more than adequate. So is legroom, and four adult passengers won't fight for personal space in the Audi's quarters.
The boot also holds a useful 370 litres (20 more than the three-door), which means two golf bags can be stowed sideways, and it expands to 1 120 litres with the rear seats folded.
The test car tested was the 3.2-litre model with quattro all-wheel drive selling for R324 500, the most powerful version in the eight-model Sportback range.
Its V6 petrol engine punches out a claimed 184kW and 320Nm, making it one of the hottest hatches in the business. Its top speed is governed to 250km/h and Audi claims the car will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3sec at sea level.
We attained a more modest 7.7sec at Gauteng altitude in the six-speed manual, putting the Audi in the same league as high-performers such as the BMW 330i, VW Golf GTi and Alfa Romeo 147 GTA.
The car's real strength is through the gears - it has really good overtaking acceleration. It's nearly three seconds quicker from 60-120km/h in fourth than the BMW 330i.
The manual gearshift is satisfyingly slick but the clutch action feels awkward; smooth pulloffs take a bit of practice - the DSG (direct shift gearbox) version that sells for an extra 16 grand might be worth looking at.
DSG has no clutch pedal and uses F1-style paddle shifters on the steering to change gears; and its speed and smoothness make it the best robotised manual gearbox on the market.
Speed and flair
The agility suggested by the Sportback's athletic shape is no false promise; it carves through fast bends with speed and flair. Roadholding is superb - especially in the wet - as you'd expect in a car with both all-wheel drive and traction control.
There's also no wheel-wrenching torque steer when you boot the throttle, thanks to the quattro system and the brakes are powerful with good pedal feel.
Speed-dependent power steering makes the turning action light in car parks but heavier in fast cornering to improve the feel. Sports suspension and 17" wheels with low-profile tyres are standard on the 3.2 Sportback, giving a firm but not uncomfortable ride.
Despite all of the above, this is not a specially charismatic car - everything's a bit too slick and smooth and sanitised. Maybe a louder growl through the tailpipes would have done the trick; the V6 makes a politely gruff Bryan Adams note that neither offends nor really excites.
If you want a more visceral experience, the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA delivers similar performance with a loud and hearty holler.
Class leader
Audi knows its knitting, however, when it comes to interior decorating; BMW and Mercedes could take lessons from the cabin's quality and design. The cockpit styling echoes that of sporty Audis like the TT and A4 Cabriolet, enhancing Audi's reputation as the class leader for interior style.
The 3.2-litre model has suede and leather-covered bucket seats that ensure a snug fit and the steering column is adjustable for height and reach so drivers of varying physiques can find comfortable driving positions.
The price is high but so are the specifications; the flagship A3 Sportback comes with traction control, six crash bags, a CD audio system, and electric windows. The automatic air conditioning is sometimes too automatic; the self-regulating fan tends to blow at hurricane intensities.
The optional extras available for the Sportback - if your pockets are deep - include satellite navigation, electric seats, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, roof rails, xenon headlights and seat heaters.
Audi SA will offer the striking S-Line exterior package on the A3 Sportback range for the first time. It costs R16 000 and gives the car an even racier persona thanks to deeper front and rear bumpers and a revised rear spoiler.
SUMMARY
The flagship A3 Sportback is fast, agile, sophisticated and practical, if a little too squeaky clean, aimed perhaps at accountants with a need for speed.
It needs to be more in touch with its dark side to attract serious sports drivers. - Star Motoring