Audi A3 2.0 TDI

The good: With its diesel engine, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI delivers exceptionally good fuel economy. integration and the Bluetooth phone system both work very well.

The bad: The DVD-based navigation system is slow and tedious to use. tronic transmission didn't always operate smoothly.

The bottom line: Although diesel driving takes some getting used to, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI's excellent fuel economy makes it worth it, and its cabin tech provides modern conveniences.

While test driving the 2010 Audi A3 TDI for this review, we showed it to friends and relatives, the fact that it gets about 40 mpg fuel economy. Inevitably, they asked us "Why aren't we all driving diesels?"

Being too close to the subject matter, we recited the history of diesel cars in the U.S., emissions regulations, and how the recession caused some automakers to pull back on their diesel plans. Five minutes into our lecture, our subject would go glassy eyed and comment on how the A3 looks like a really nice car.

Although the A3 is at the bottom of Audi's model lineup, it holds up Audi's premium car reputation with an overall look of quality and good materials. It really is a nice little car. However, being at the bottom of the lineup, Audi hasn't kept its cabin electronics up with opting for what looks like the first generation of Audi's Multimedia Interface, with a DVD-based navigation system and interface controls mounted next to the LCD.