Performance in a small package.
CAR FRONT
Audi sent us an A3 sports sedan to try, so we took it out for a week of fun.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
PRICE
The A3 starts at $34,800 for front-wheel drive. Ours was the Quattro all-wheel drive for better traction, at $35,900. As always with fancy German rides, the option sheet keeps growing. In this case, it soared to a tidy $44,440. On the positive side, this car was made in a German factory by German workers, which is the preferred choice for Audi fans.
ENGINE
At this fee, we might expect a V-6 under the hood, but get a 2.0 liter four instead. Last year horsepower was 228, this time it's 201. But a 48-volt hybrid unit is attached, providing a better low-speed response. The transmission is a slick 7-speed automatic. Fuel economy is claimed to be 31/36 mpg. A more powerful 306 horsepower motor is available on the S3 model but is very expensive.
SHIFTER
Gone is the older stick shift control, which is obsolete. It took up too much room and required to be manually placed in park before the engine was turned off. This newly designed toggle unit doesn't take up much space, shifts gears at a touch, and automatically goes into park when the ignition is shut off. While not as efficient as a push-button style, it's still pleasant to use.
PADDLES
Those who want to pick gears manually can still do so with paddles shifters, located on the steering wheel, where they belong, not on the column where they do not. Audi gets it right.
DRIVE MODE
This is an important button. It provides COMFORT, DYNAMIC, INDIVIDUAL, or AUTO modes of operation.
ECONOMY
In 717 miles of fleet driving, we observed 30 mpg in mixed commuting.
ECONOMY #2
If you keep your foot light on the gas pedal and speeds down it is possible to see economy numbers like this.
TIRES
The more air you put in a tire, the less rolling resistance, and better fuel economy obtained. Thus car makers are suggesting higher tire pressure specs. Audi is taking it to the max, demanding a hefty 45 pounds on the front, and 42 in the rear. While this might contribute to improved gas mileage and better handling, it also translates to a lot of road noise, especially on rough pavement. This can be annoying on long trips.
We tested our car to factory specs, but there is nothing to stop the owner to experiment with slightly lower pressures to improve the ride. Others have found 34/32 psi to work but see what does best for you.
RADIO
This radio volume knob is an odd one. You use the tip of your finger and spin it clockwise to increase the sound level, or counter to lower it. It takes some getting used to.
OUTLET
A 12-volt outlet is located on the console, right next to the driver. This is easy to reach. However, it is also very close to the cup holders. Therefore it is important to make sure the cover is on tight. If not a spilled drink can flow into the hole, not a good idea, as liquid and electrics do not mix!
TRUNK
This A3 came with a spare tire. It also has a nice cargo net to keep gear from sliding around.
