*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***
Audi A3: A luxurious hatchback
If you like to scamper around and need room to take the dog to the vet, this Audi A3 might be the perfect ticket, and I do mean ticket, because it is
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Two problems immediately emerged when we received the Audi A3. The first was the pricing. If you are not careful with your options it can quickly cost more than the larger, and nearly as agile, A4 with the same engine and more room. The second was torque steer. Under normal driving conditions this was not a problem, but when challenged there was both a small turbo lag and a notable tug on the well-padded steering wheel.
The brakes are very impressive and the feel more BMW than BMW. The engine should give you over 25 mpg, but look for wide variations as it can get over 30 on the highway and under 20 mpg in heavy traffic.
Dad's view: I didn't really get the A3. I would much prefer the less feisty and similarly priced A4. I can't help but wonder what the market is going to be for this car. The Mazda 3 is priced several thousand dollars less, has essentially the same warranty, although 40 fewer horsepower, but weighs 400 pounds less. They get identical gas mileage and have similar luggage and people room, but the Mazda doesn't need premium fuel. But honestly, who is going to really cross-shop these two hatchbacks. The Audi crowd wants the more luxurious German car and the Mazda buyers like value and the sporty handling the 3 offers. And for those who think the Mini Cooper is a competitor they would have to ignore the Cooper's superior handling, lower pricing, and limited interior space. The Audi is much more upscale, and if they bring over the V6 powered version with all wheel drive you are no doubt many veteran rally drivers are going to see this A3 as the reincarnation of the long lamented Audi Quattro Coupe from the 1980s.
Driving the 2.0 liter four cylinder Audi with its 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque is quite entertaining because the power comes on low in the power range with constant acceleration from 1800 rpm up to just above 5000 rpm in a very linear fashion. The automatic transmission isn't bad, but the front wheel drive A3 we tested did have torque steer. It wasn't as bad as on some turbocharged cars such as the Saab Viggen, but it does get your attention when cornering. If this bothers you certainly consider waiting until next year when the Quattro all wheel driver option is said to be available.
When I first saw the Audi 3 in Europe it was a price leader and less adorned with features. As it now stands, this Audi is more expensive than the competition and does not offer much in terms of handling or capacity that the others don't. Thus Audi is relying on its substantial build quality as well as unique options such as a large sunroof, a hill holder, and superior interior design to win over consumers. There is no question it conveys a much richer and more luxurious feel than the competition.
All of these insights really beg the question of why do people buy hatchbacks? Is it utility, price, looks, handling, or just to be different? In the case of the Audi A3 this question is further masked by the fact that a fully loaded version costs just a few dollars less a month than a base A4 Avant wagon. So the buyer who is looking at the A3 must favor looks or handling as the Avant has more utility and is not priced that differently. As for handling, this is not the Audi you want wait for the Quattro. If it is looks, you are not going to be alone as this car gets plenty of positive attention.