Bodacious body
No doubt, the A3 looks good. The muscular stance of the car is further enhanced by the optional 18-inch wheels. The black-painted roof adds to the sporty theme, as does the S-Line package's specific exterior trim.
It's too bad North America doesn't like hatchbacks, because this is one fine example of just how beautiful European cars are. There is a three-door A3 across the Atlantic, but it's less practical and, for my tastes, less eye-catching than the five-door we have.
Luxurious but tight cockpit
Audis have always pampered their occupants with lavish interiors, and even the A3 get one. It's pretty small in there, though, with its compact size and 2,578-mm wheelbase. Still, my 5-foot-10 frame fit perfectly, once I slid on the heavily-bolstered seat cushion. Rear-seat space is tight; don't count on hauling three occupants back there for very long. The rear skylight is a welcome addition, however, as it makes the cabin feel airier and less cramped.
The driving position is excellent, and all the controls you need while driving are conveniently placed within a finger's reach; you can shift, change the radio station or CD track, adjust the radio volume and change the display on the driver information screen, all while never letting go of the wheel.
Still, some things bothered me. The door hinges' indents are terribly annoying when trying to get out of the car. The climate controls are needlessly fussy, with too many look-alike buttons and spring-loaded rotary dials. I also found the navigation system too complicated to use. The audio system sounds great, but the CD changer mounted in the glove box doesn't read MP3 files; only the single-slot player can, which means you have to eject the navigation's DVD.
No doubt, the A3 looks good. The muscular stance of the car is further enhanced by the optional 18-inch wheels. The black-painted roof adds to the sporty theme, as does the S-Line package's specific exterior trim.
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| A three-door version is also available in Europe. |
It's too bad North America doesn't like hatchbacks, because this is one fine example of just how beautiful European cars are. There is a three-door A3 across the Atlantic, but it's less practical and, for my tastes, less eye-catching than the five-door we have.
Luxurious but tight cockpit
Audis have always pampered their occupants with lavish interiors, and even the A3 get one. It's pretty small in there, though, with its compact size and 2,578-mm wheelbase. Still, my 5-foot-10 frame fit perfectly, once I slid on the heavily-bolstered seat cushion. Rear-seat space is tight; don't count on hauling three occupants back there for very long. The rear skylight is a welcome addition, however, as it makes the cabin feel airier and less cramped.
The driving position is excellent, and all the controls you need while driving are conveniently placed within a finger's reach; you can shift, change the radio station or CD track, adjust the radio volume and change the display on the driver information screen, all while never letting go of the wheel.
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| Interior volume is limited but materials are well assembled. |
Still, some things bothered me. The door hinges' indents are terribly annoying when trying to get out of the car. The climate controls are needlessly fussy, with too many look-alike buttons and spring-loaded rotary dials. I also found the navigation system too complicated to use. The audio system sounds great, but the CD changer mounted in the glove box doesn't read MP3 files; only the single-slot player can, which means you have to eject the navigation's DVD.