2006 Audi A3 2.0T Road Test

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

The interior is charming and quirky, unique and different in that Audi sort of way. The dashboard is styled similarly to that of the TT. It's tidy, and assembled with reasonable attention to detail. I'm not crazy about the sandpapery texture on it, or the obnoxious reflective chrome rings around the vents. But who am I to challenge so many years of German design heritage? It is comfortable, roomy for four, with plenty of storage and good visibility. There are both a cigarette lighter and power outlet in the center console, as well as a second power outlet in the trunk to fire up your beer cooler if you park the A3 at a campsite for the weekend.

A few issues. There are volume and channel select knobs mounted to the steering wheel. Fantastic. But, there are two other buttons mounted there also-- and after trying for an hour and a half to find out what they do, and finally pulling over to read the owners manual, I discovered they were destined to control features not fitted to my tester. Usually such dummy-buttons are removed, but not in this case.

The triangular shaped handles on either side of the center console look interesting, but a bit more knee room would result from their removal. The ventilation controls are of a classic design: somewhat awkward and fussy, but you learn to like them.

Do a few bits of misplaced hardware spoil the inside? No, because with metallic slashes on the doors, red LED mood lighting and premium fabric

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

covering the A-pillars and ceiling liner, the interior quarters are really inviting, especially at night. The gauges are well lit and easy to read, with the speedo counting by fives up to 75 km/h, and then by tens up to the 260 mark. Headroom is respectable, even with the huge double-pane sunroof fitted. Just don't put taller folks in the rear--those approaching six feet tall will have a posture like Mr. Burns in no time.

The hatch is large enough to carry four or five weekend bags, and the rear seats can be selectively folded down to accommodate larger objects if need be. If you need to get a ladder quickly to a friend across town, this is your ride. There is even a pass-through in the center for any long, narrow objects you may need to lug. If not, rear occupants can fold the center armrest in the rear down for a pair of clever cup holders.

The interior, despite not being perfect, did grow on me considerably for reasons under the surface. For instance, the heater with automatic climate control is powerful enough to maintain a cozy 25 degrees or more with the roof wide open, even when temperatures outside hover around the freezing mark. The Bose stereo is sensational. Its clean and powerful

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

sound fills the cabin and brings most any type of music to life. Use it alongside the massive sunroof to let everyone around school or work listen to your favorite CD. The large glove box is organized into a few smaller compartments, the entire thing padded to keep everything in place.

A roof rack system is available too, as is Quattro all-wheel-drive and a 250-hp V6 engine with a DSG gearbox which would make the machine an unstoppable companion for activities in any season or weather. Fitted with such goodies, the A3 would be the ultimate ski trip hot-hatch.