This A3 TDI has a turbocharged 2.0L direct injection, 4-cylinder clean diesel engine. On tap, 236 lb-ft of torque and 140hp. You can get the dual clutch S-tronic transmission in this TDI but if you’re like me, and you enjoy driving a manual, you will have to get the regular gasoline engine.
Keep it in mind that in order to achieve the best fuel consumption, the transmission can shift up to a higher gear very quickly. This means that when driving in the city or passing on the highway, and you put your foot down on the gas, the transmission can be a bit slow to react.
You can put it into Sport mode, if you prefer, or just do the shifting yourself with the gearshift or paddles behind the wheel. This does lincrease fuel consumption. It does make the car a bit more fun to drive, though!
We are having a lot of rain here in Vancouver this week (shocking, I know!) and with so much torque I am getting quite a bit of wheel spin at times. Audi is known for their Quattro AWD systems, but what I find surprising, and disappointing, is that it’s not even available on the TDI? Again, though, this is something that is available on the gas engine.
Honestly, this TDI is fun to drive. Something interesting to note is that none of my friends have any idea that it is a diesel. No one on the street can smell or hear anything different. But is the difference in price worth it?
The regular A3 starts at just over $32,000 and the TDI starts at about $35,300 ($38,000 for the TDI Premium). Standard equipment includes dual zone air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats, AM/FM stereo, single in dash CD player and 10 speakers.
You can upgrade to the Audio package and get things like SIRIUS Satellite Radio; upgrade to the S-line Sport Package for $2,900 and it gives you things like sport suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Open Sky System for $1,500 totally changes the experience in a city so picturesque as Vancouver. Bluetooth phone preparation for $850 gets you fully prepared for hands free driving and rear side airbags for $500 can really start to bring the price up.
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| You can put it into Sport mode or just do the shifting yourself with the paddles behind the wheel. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |
Keep it in mind that in order to achieve the best fuel consumption, the transmission can shift up to a higher gear very quickly. This means that when driving in the city or passing on the highway, and you put your foot down on the gas, the transmission can be a bit slow to react.
You can put it into Sport mode, if you prefer, or just do the shifting yourself with the gearshift or paddles behind the wheel. This does lincrease fuel consumption. It does make the car a bit more fun to drive, though!
We are having a lot of rain here in Vancouver this week (shocking, I know!) and with so much torque I am getting quite a bit of wheel spin at times. Audi is known for their Quattro AWD systems, but what I find surprising, and disappointing, is that it’s not even available on the TDI? Again, though, this is something that is available on the gas engine.
Honestly, this TDI is fun to drive. Something interesting to note is that none of my friends have any idea that it is a diesel. No one on the street can smell or hear anything different. But is the difference in price worth it?
The regular A3 starts at just over $32,000 and the TDI starts at about $35,300 ($38,000 for the TDI Premium). Standard equipment includes dual zone air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats, AM/FM stereo, single in dash CD player and 10 speakers.
You can upgrade to the Audio package and get things like SIRIUS Satellite Radio; upgrade to the S-line Sport Package for $2,900 and it gives you things like sport suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Open Sky System for $1,500 totally changes the experience in a city so picturesque as Vancouver. Bluetooth phone preparation for $850 gets you fully prepared for hands free driving and rear side airbags for $500 can really start to bring the price up.
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| The fit and finish on the interior is everything we have come to expect from Audi. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |