You have two engine choices for the Audi A3 sedan. The 1.8 L turbocharged engine produces 170 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The combination of FSI direct injection with forced-induction makes for great power and overall efficiency.
My test A3 came standard with “Quattro” all-wheel drive and the 2.0 L engine that boasts 220 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque. It also features FSI direct injection and turbo for peak performance. The EPA fuel economy is 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg average.
The A3 comes with “S tronic” 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing both responsiveness and a smooth power delivery.
Audi has built a quality product that has incredible mechanical fortitude and technological ingenuity. The A3 is designed for a high level of luxury with a roomy cabin.
Outside the A3 has the iconic Singleframe high-gloss black grille, an arching C-pillar, and a low roofline. The design gives the impression of a modern coupe. The “V” lines of the hood leaves the A3 with a bold approachable look.
The Audi on the outside has something called a Tornado Line. It is found below the window line, but it first starts its journey at the edge of the LED daytime running lights. From there it travels boldly on both sides of the vehicle where it rises into the broad shoulders of the full body. It ends when it meets the highly contoured rear edge above the Audi rings before joining the LED taillights.
The Tornado Line appears to string together and complement all the outward design features of the A3.
The cabin is the command central for the driver, empowered by the configuration and design of the center console. Slim line control buttons inspired by piano keys add beauty and spaciousness to the dash.
The panoramic sunroof with tilt functionality gives a feeling of infinite head room. The retractable shade features a reprieve from too much sun or heat. The sedan features a pass-through in the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The Chestnut Brown seats were beautiful and smelled of rich leather. For the seats to have been perfect I would have liked them to be a little wider and not so tightly fitted. Okay my butt may be a little big. So!
The A3 has been built to diminish any potential impact. High-strength steel body adds a measure of security while enhancing overall handling and performance. A crumble zone that gives way upon collision helps in dissipating the impact and mitigating potential injury. There are even laser seam-welded joints to further enhance the safety of the A3.
Active rollover protection, anti-lock brake system, and electronic stability control all work to prevent and minimize danger. There is a whole array of standard airbags adding to passenger safety. This includes seat-mounted thorax side airbags and standard knee-level airbags.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price was $34,200.
The Audi A3 offers several optional packages for consideration. The Sport package ($800) focuses on seating and driving dynamics for a more sporty flavoring. The Technology package ($2,700) delivers MMI touch which gives you the ability to give commands and retrieve media with just a few single strokes on the pad. Information such as music files, contact info, and destination are readily available.
The Audi A3 offers the comfort of a luxury car. Yet its handling and suspension offer the personality of a sports car. There is no vehicle with more technological possibilities than the A3. Quality of ride, attached to a powerful engine, delivers excellent mileage at a fair price. All these items together make the selection of the A3 a good choice.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
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