The second lovely aspect of the A3's powertrain is Audi's optional 6-speed S tronic DSG automatic gearbox. This dual-clutch affair is essentially two manual gearboxes within a single housing that manage to work in tandem as an ultra-fast shifting automatic transmission.
When not being manually shifted via the paddles or shift lever, the DSG S tronic gearbox unobtrusively shifts itself at all the right points. And just to be clear, its dual-clutch technology doesn't require a clutch pedal. Like all conventional automatic automobiles, only a gas pedal and a brake pedal need administering.
Optional Magnetic Ride Suspension
My tester was equipped with Audi's optional Magnetic Ride Suspension technology that automatically adapts to road and driving conditions to ensure razor-like handling reflexes when needed. A 'sport' mode can be driver activated which firms-up the overall damping rate to emphasize cornering ability over ride comfort.
Frankly, I'm not a fan of bone-jarring ride dynamics irrespective of whatever benefit is derived in handling performance. Unless taking on the Germany's famed Nurburgring, the A3 S line harnesses all the cornering talent I will ever seek without selecting the Sport mode. Still, it's nice to know that such adroitness is merely button-push away.
Behind the wheel
I'll admit to harboring a fondness for Audi's entry-level sportback. This is an invigorating car to drive that seems to prefer being pushed rather than mollycoddled; and when it is pushed the rewards are plenty. The connection between driver and machine is outstanding. Few cars in this price-range can deliver that degree of sportiness, and even fewer can do it while carrying the family and loot from a Costco run.
The only detractions accompanying a stint in the A3's cockpit that I can readily identify include the presence of a little more road noise than expected and ride quality that's slightly less absorbent than I'd prefer. But neither of these trivial maladies would be deal breakers if I were considering adorning my driveway with Audi's family version of their sensational TT.
Surprising value and practicality
The A3 S line 2.0T quattro is a tremendously well balanced sports car with sensational brake performance. It can comfortably seat up to five occupants while providing room for their gear and groceries.
It's also economically attractive given its reasonable entry tag of $31,800 (front-wheel-drive) and its decent fuel economy rating of 9.6 and 7.5L/100km city and highway driving respectively. Unfortunately, premium fuel is the juice of choice. The as tested A3 2.0T S line quattro starts at $39,950.
photo:Rob Rothwell
When not being manually shifted via the paddles or shift lever, the DSG S tronic gearbox unobtrusively shifts itself at all the right points. And just to be clear, its dual-clutch technology doesn't require a clutch pedal. Like all conventional automatic automobiles, only a gas pedal and a brake pedal need administering.
Optional Magnetic Ride Suspension
My tester was equipped with Audi's optional Magnetic Ride Suspension technology that automatically adapts to road and driving conditions to ensure razor-like handling reflexes when needed. A 'sport' mode can be driver activated which firms-up the overall damping rate to emphasize cornering ability over ride comfort.
Frankly, I'm not a fan of bone-jarring ride dynamics irrespective of whatever benefit is derived in handling performance. Unless taking on the Germany's famed Nurburgring, the A3 S line harnesses all the cornering talent I will ever seek without selecting the Sport mode. Still, it's nice to know that such adroitness is merely button-push away.
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| When not being manually shifted the DSG S tronic gearbox unobtrusively shifts itself at all the right points. |
Behind the wheel
I'll admit to harboring a fondness for Audi's entry-level sportback. This is an invigorating car to drive that seems to prefer being pushed rather than mollycoddled; and when it is pushed the rewards are plenty. The connection between driver and machine is outstanding. Few cars in this price-range can deliver that degree of sportiness, and even fewer can do it while carrying the family and loot from a Costco run.
The only detractions accompanying a stint in the A3's cockpit that I can readily identify include the presence of a little more road noise than expected and ride quality that's slightly less absorbent than I'd prefer. But neither of these trivial maladies would be deal breakers if I were considering adorning my driveway with Audi's family version of their sensational TT.
Surprising value and practicality
The A3 S line 2.0T quattro is a tremendously well balanced sports car with sensational brake performance. It can comfortably seat up to five occupants while providing room for their gear and groceries.
It's also economically attractive given its reasonable entry tag of $31,800 (front-wheel-drive) and its decent fuel economy rating of 9.6 and 7.5L/100km city and highway driving respectively. Unfortunately, premium fuel is the juice of choice. The as tested A3 2.0T S line quattro starts at $39,950.
photo:Rob Rothwell
2009 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro
2009 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro
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