Audi A3 History
By
LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
- #12LEADERBOARD RANK
- 4885ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 96COMMENTS POSTED
1,702 views
It shares its running gear with the similar Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, but the Audi A3 is a distinct entry from the German automaker. For one, it's available only as a five-door wagon. And for two, it's a good measure richer inside than the stock VW counterparts--which are very well outfitted in their own right. With a base price in the mid-$20,000 range and options that send the sticker soaring to more than $40,000, the Audi A3 attracts some of the same shoppers that would otherwise be looking at the BMW 1-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The Audi A3 came to America first as a 2006 model. With a choice of front- or quattro all-wheel drive, the A3 also brought with it a choice of dual-clutch and manual gearboxes, and four- and six-cylinder engines. The 200-hp turbo 2.0-liter four made nearly the same use of its lesser power as the heavier 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, making it the enthusiast favorite of the two. The A3's nimble handling won favor with the same crowd, though the somewhat stiff ride and the electric power steering were found a little lacking in reviews from around the Web, including those here at TheCarConnection.
Carried over with small running changes in 2007 and 2008, the Audi A3 received a new magnetically controlled suspension option in the 2009 model year, along with a slight cosmetic revamp. The suspension system adopted shocks with magnetic fluid that change firmness in milliseconds, offering a Sport and a Normal driving mode. The physical changes to the body included new mirrors and wheels; inside, there were new audio controls and metallic trim.
For the 2010 model year, the A3 received a few important changes. The former S-line appearance package became the norm on all versions. Under the hood, the turbo four was joined with a new turbodiesel "TDI" four-cylinder option, while the V-6 engine was dropped. The 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter clean-diesel four-cylinder engine is offered with the same manual and "S-tronic" dual-clutch gearboxes as the gas-powered A3. The TDI is the narrow favorite of TheCarConnection.com’s editors, because its engine cranks out heaps of torque, giving it the response of a torquey big-displacement V-6 off the line or in top gear. With either engine, fuel economy is better than average, but it’s downright excellent with the TDI; EPA ratings are 30 mpg city, 42 highway with S tronic, and TheCarConnection.com has seen more than 45 mpg in long-haul interstate
cruising.
While it's relatively well-equipped, the A3 leaves some surprising features like Bluetooth on its options list--which explains how the base price can quickly run up the tab.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the A3 a "Top Safety Pick," but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested it yet.
