While the front buckets are exemplary, it's a whole different story in the back. The door opening is narrow, the step is high and limited legroom awaits you. Just to be perfectly clear: the rear seats are better suited for children. In fact, the A3 almost feels like a "2+2".
The Open Sky dual-panel glass roof system ($1,500), featuring a power sunroof over the front row, somewhat makes up for the tight feel inside by flooding the interior with sunlight and creating an airy environment.
Mechanical twin of the A4
The A3 is the mechanical twin of the A4. My tester, a base 2.0T model, was powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (also used by the Volkswagen Eos, GTI and Passat). Producing 200 horsepower, it propelled the smallest Audi from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds -- only 8 tenths of a second slower than the high-end A3 3.2 quattro with 250-hp V6.
The 6-speed manual transmission of the A3 2.0T offers well-calibrated gear ratios and a particularly precise shifter. A sophisticated, 6-speed S tronic autobox is optionally available with this model (and standard with the V6).
The six-cylinder proves more flexible than the four-banger yet equally fuel-efficient. You can expect an average of 10 liters per 100 kilometers with either A3 model. At the end of my road test, I wound up with a combined city-highway result of 9.7. The only thing is, these engines require premium gasoline.
Superb tourer
The Audi A3 benefits from a suspension that maximizes handling and agility without making the ride uncomfortable, let alone jarring. Moreover, the speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical Servotronic steering feels nicely weighed regardless of your velocity, unlike a number of modern power steering systems. The 10.7-meter turning radius makes for exceptional maneuverability in crowded city streets.
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| The Audi A3 2.0T shares its engine with the A4, not to mention the Volkswagen Eos, GTI and Passat. |
The Open Sky dual-panel glass roof system ($1,500), featuring a power sunroof over the front row, somewhat makes up for the tight feel inside by flooding the interior with sunlight and creating an airy environment.
Mechanical twin of the A4
The A3 is the mechanical twin of the A4. My tester, a base 2.0T model, was powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine (also used by the Volkswagen Eos, GTI and Passat). Producing 200 horsepower, it propelled the smallest Audi from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds -- only 8 tenths of a second slower than the high-end A3 3.2 quattro with 250-hp V6.
The 6-speed manual transmission of the A3 2.0T offers well-calibrated gear ratios and a particularly precise shifter. A sophisticated, 6-speed S tronic autobox is optionally available with this model (and standard with the V6).
The six-cylinder proves more flexible than the four-banger yet equally fuel-efficient. You can expect an average of 10 liters per 100 kilometers with either A3 model. At the end of my road test, I wound up with a combined city-highway result of 9.7. The only thing is, these engines require premium gasoline.
Superb tourer
The Audi A3 benefits from a suspension that maximizes handling and agility without making the ride uncomfortable, let alone jarring. Moreover, the speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical Servotronic steering feels nicely weighed regardless of your velocity, unlike a number of modern power steering systems. The 10.7-meter turning radius makes for exceptional maneuverability in crowded city streets.
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| On the road, the Audi A3 feels like a grand touring sedan. |