The Audi A3 is an
affordable and compact five-door hatchback, but it feels up-market, like a
scaled-down A4. Like most compact cars, the A3 is fuel-efficient and represents
a good value. However, it's also luxurious, with a premium interior. Underway,
the A3 provides excellent driving dynamics from superbly engineered powertrain,
suspension and braking systems.
We like the A3 for its mixture
of open-road dynamism, long-haul friendliness, and around-town usefulness. The A3
is an example of the sensibilities in design and use of materials that
characteristic of Audi.
Two engines are
available. The Audi A3 with TFSI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder
engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, which drives
either the front wheels, or has all-wheel-drive with the quattro version. With front-wheel
drive the A3 is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a
6-speed automated S tronic dual-clutch transmission with electro-hydraulic
control. The all-wheel-drive Audi A3 quattro comes only with the S tronic
automatic. With the manual transmission, the gas-powered A3 2. 0 TFSI is
EPA-rated at twenty one mpg City, 30 mile per gallon Highway.
The A3 2.0 TDI diesel makes
up to 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It is available only with front-wheel
drive and the S tronic automated transmission. With all that torque it has no problem
moving the A3 down the road or up the hills, even with it fully loaded. Perhaps
most significantly, the A3 2.0 TDI diesel is EPA-rated at 30 mpg City and a amazing
42 mpg Highway, and like the VW Jetta and Golf does not require any fuel
additive.
Changes for 2011 are minimal
and mainly cosmetic. 2011 Audi A3 Premium Plus and Titanium packages get new
wheel designs, two blues join the palette, and door handles and the cabin get chrome
accents.
We found the A3 models
offer good balance and excellent throttle response that make for a convincing
sports-sedan experience when the road is right. Inside, the A3 is roomy and
versatile, blending pleasing materials with logical controls and highly legible
readouts.
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