Even though the A3 is based on the Golf platform? (The Volkswagen 'Group A' platform, as is the Seat Leon, Seat Toledo, VW Touran, Audi TT and Skoda Octavia. The Audi model based on the Polo (PQ25) platform is the A1)
A Golf would be a good choice in that sector, but if the badge is important (as it would appear to be for the OP) then Audi all the way, a much better choice then the 1 series.