Or, if you prefer to let the computer do the work, leave the control on normal and the shifter in drive. That way the computer optimizes the shift depending on things like speed, throttle position and the gear the car is already in.
Ride quality on the A3 can vary a bit depending on if you choose the sport suspension with stiffer shocks, springs and sway bars. Audi engineers have done such a good job that you will notice the stiffness, but not be uncomfortable. Pot holes, frost heaves and anything short of a water main break are absorbed easily, but you do know you’ve been over a rather large item. On the standard suspension, these same objects are still felt, but not as harshly.
Inside the A3, this test unit came with the top of the line S Line trim and the only thing I could find to complain about was the fact that the seat heater switches were a bit hard to locate. All the instruments, switches and controls were within easy reach and clearly visible. Once used to Audi’s paddle shift system, it was nearly as easy as leaving the shifter in drive.
Seating up front consisted of two well placed bucket seats that were broad enough to be comfortable and supportive enough that hard cornering when playing boy racer on the cloverleaf, you didn’t move about. When in the driver’s seat, the dead pedal on the floor was large enough to accommodate just about everyone’s extremity. Passengers had to make do with a flat firewall to put their feet on.
Those assigned to the back seat were not quite so comfortable. This is a small car and as such, back seat space is limited. Leg and knee room depend largely on the benevolence of the front seat occupants. Hip and head room are real good for two, but stuff a third XL sized adult into the rear and it will be cramped.
The back seat does fold down to enhance cargo capacity of this hatchback, but the seat doesn’t quite fold flat and for some items this can be a bit of a nuisance. For groceries, I found it easier to stack the back and place the remainder on the back seat rather than fold it down.
During the week that the A3 lived at my house, an unusual thing happened. The Stuffy Boring Accountant took a liking to the A3. She declared it to be the right size for town. It hauled us about in comfort and could be had with All Wheel Drive, something she considers a “must”. She too, found the controls well laid out and the driver’s seat comfortable. The 2.0 FSI Turbo motor passed her frugality test and she liked the automatic.
If both of us agree on the A3, Audi has built a car with a truly broad appeal. Getting her to part with money is a totally different issue!!
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Ride quality on the A3 can vary a bit depending on if you choose the sport suspension with stiffer shocks, springs and sway bars. Audi engineers have done such a good job that you will notice the stiffness, but not be uncomfortable. Pot holes, frost heaves and anything short of a water main break are absorbed easily, but you do know you’ve been over a rather large item. On the standard suspension, these same objects are still felt, but not as harshly.
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| The only thing I could find to complain about was the seat heater switches were a bit hard to locate. |
Inside the A3, this test unit came with the top of the line S Line trim and the only thing I could find to complain about was the fact that the seat heater switches were a bit hard to locate. All the instruments, switches and controls were within easy reach and clearly visible. Once used to Audi’s paddle shift system, it was nearly as easy as leaving the shifter in drive.
Seating up front consisted of two well placed bucket seats that were broad enough to be comfortable and supportive enough that hard cornering when playing boy racer on the cloverleaf, you didn’t move about. When in the driver’s seat, the dead pedal on the floor was large enough to accommodate just about everyone’s extremity. Passengers had to make do with a flat firewall to put their feet on.
Those assigned to the back seat were not quite so comfortable. This is a small car and as such, back seat space is limited. Leg and knee room depend largely on the benevolence of the front seat occupants. Hip and head room are real good for two, but stuff a third XL sized adult into the rear and it will be cramped.
The back seat does fold down to enhance cargo capacity of this hatchback, but the seat doesn’t quite fold flat and for some items this can be a bit of a nuisance. For groceries, I found it easier to stack the back and place the remainder on the back seat rather than fold it down.
During the week that the A3 lived at my house, an unusual thing happened. The Stuffy Boring Accountant took a liking to the A3. She declared it to be the right size for town. It hauled us about in comfort and could be had with All Wheel Drive, something she considers a “must”. She too, found the controls well laid out and the driver’s seat comfortable. The 2.0 FSI Turbo motor passed her frugality test and she liked the automatic.
If both of us agree on the A3, Audi has built a car with a truly broad appeal. Getting her to part with money is a totally different issue!!
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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