Premium five-door cars are popular in Europe, much less in America. But a hatchback's practicality is undeniable, and logically, we should see a lot more of this type of vehicle on our roads.
Right now, there are very few direct competitors to the Audi A3 in North America. BMW's 5-door 1-Series is Europe-only, Mercedes only has the less-dynamic B200 to rival it, and there are only three Japanese products that come close. More on that later.
One size too small?
Smaller cars don't bother us; we actually prefer their nimbleness over bigger, heavier vehicles. The A3 is by no means spacious; a Honda Fit and a Nissan Versa are more accommodating. But the little Audi is glove-fit comfy, and once you're in, you don't feel claustrophobic. Rear-seat occupants will wish for more legroom, though, and forget about sitting three adults back there. The A3 is only a smudge less voluminous inside for passengers than the A4.
Cargo space is good; with the rear seatbacks folded down, there's as much room as in a B200 and, depending on the source of information, possibly more than in the new A4 Avant. The inside of the hatch is easy to grab in order to close it, which is nice.
The A3's switchgear feels solid, and in typical Audi fashion, the wheel-mounted controls work very well. But we'd prefer conventional rotary dials for the temperature control than the spring-loaded ones in our test car.
Audi gave the A3 a stronger family resemblance for 2009, inspired by the new A4, the A5 and obviously the R8. Yet it remains a light cosmetic update, with an updated front end including LED driving lights and a more dynamic chin spoiler as well as redesigned taillamps and new wheel options.
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| The Audi A3 is a great-looking, sporty and practical little car that rewards its owner with solid fit and finish and an attractive cabin. |
Right now, there are very few direct competitors to the Audi A3 in North America. BMW's 5-door 1-Series is Europe-only, Mercedes only has the less-dynamic B200 to rival it, and there are only three Japanese products that come close. More on that later.
One size too small?
Smaller cars don't bother us; we actually prefer their nimbleness over bigger, heavier vehicles. The A3 is by no means spacious; a Honda Fit and a Nissan Versa are more accommodating. But the little Audi is glove-fit comfy, and once you're in, you don't feel claustrophobic. Rear-seat occupants will wish for more legroom, though, and forget about sitting three adults back there. The A3 is only a smudge less voluminous inside for passengers than the A4.
Cargo space is good; with the rear seatbacks folded down, there's as much room as in a B200 and, depending on the source of information, possibly more than in the new A4 Avant. The inside of the hatch is easy to grab in order to close it, which is nice.
The A3's switchgear feels solid, and in typical Audi fashion, the wheel-mounted controls work very well. But we'd prefer conventional rotary dials for the temperature control than the spring-loaded ones in our test car.
Audi gave the A3 a stronger family resemblance for 2009, inspired by the new A4, the A5 and obviously the R8. Yet it remains a light cosmetic update, with an updated front end including LED driving lights and a more dynamic chin spoiler as well as redesigned taillamps and new wheel options.
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| Rear-seat occupants will wish for more legroom. |