Audi A3
Audis Impeccably Built A3 May Bring To Mind The Commodores Classic, But Theres Nothing Retro About This Well-Built Baby. June Neary Reports
I must admit to a penchant for small Audis. No, scrub that any
Audi. They seem so well screwed together and so nicely understated that they appeal to my more mature side. The A3 is no exception and from behind the wheel you really do feel as if youre in a much bigger and more expensive car.
The bright yellow of the A3 2.0-litre TDi diesel that we had delivered took a little getting used to but its difficult not to be seduced by an interior that feels bulletproof and doors that thunk shut with all the security of a bank vault. The shape is an evolution of the last models and it looks a little longer and a tad lower but still recognisably an A3 which is no bad thing in my book.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
|
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
 |
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
Space inside the latest A3 has been boosted by
Audi grafting another 65mm into the 3-door cars wheelbase and a further 68mm onto the 5-door. This has rectified one of the old A3s faults, namely that rear
seat accommodation was a bit pinched. The extra 30mm of width also helps a little with shoulder room. The three-door versions were offered first, with five-door Sportback cars following on.
That mirrors the evolution of the old A3 range and, like the old A3, this version rides on Golf underpinnings. Not just any old Golf though. The A3 was the first car to use the 2004 model Golf chassis, a vehicle platform that allows for far more customisation than before. In a way, its the
Volkswagen Groups tacit admission that certain Audi/SEAT/
Skoda/VW models of the past were a little too similar to justify their vastly divergent prices.
The Mk V Golf platform allows more far more components to be chopped and changed, making for more variation and more choice for customers.
You wont be short of choice here. The two most popular engines are the 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine thats been so successful in the A4 range and a 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel that had never been seen anywhere before.
You can also order a more affordable 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI and a less affordable 240bhp 3.2-litre V6. A 102bhp 1.
6-litre petrol engine is also offered as an entry-level model, theres a more advanced 1.6-litre FSI option and theres a 2.0-litre FSI turbo unit as well. The V6 is fitted with quattro all-wheel drive transmission as standard and its also offered as an option on the 2.
0T FSI and will be available on the 2.0-litre diesel. This diesel offers the sort of performance youd expect from Audi. It hits 60mph in 9.
2 seconds and tops 130mph, which makes it only marginally slower than the 2.0-litre FSI. With 60% more torque, however, theres no doubt which of the two cars will feel the stronger when accelerating down a motorway on-ramp. Its pull matches the 3.
2-litre V6 model, a car which makes 60mph in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 153mph. Driving manners across the range have been improved with even the humblest versions riding on multi-link rear suspension. The revolutionary paddle-shift DSG gearbox can also be specified with this model and the twin clutches offer a level of smoothness never before experienced with a sequential manual box.
Perfect for drivers like me who are serial killers of clutches. Standard safety equipment includes window airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, a part-electric power steering system and anti-whiplash head restraints. The cabin has been restyled to offer a little more design flair, Audi realising that high quality alone isnt enough to lure buyers into showrooms. There has to be some style on display too.
The fascia struts ape the interior design of the TT, as do the round air vents and chrome-rimmed dials. Its still not what youd call revolutionary, but its beautifully executed.
If the A3 was a premium lager it would doubtless be referred to as reassuringly expensive. Prices are a good deal more than you can expect to pay for something like a more mainstream
Ford or
Vauxhall but many will consider it a fair price given the overall aura of quality. The entry-level 1.6-litre 3-door model starts at £15,510 with the 3-door 2.
0-litre diesel car that I sampled retailing at a significantly heftier £17,865. Factor in the options that were supplied with my car and youll easily breach the £20,000 mark. The latest Volkswagen Golf may have temporarily stolen the Audi A3s thunder but there will doubtless still be a steady stream of takers queuing up for the additional cachet of that four-ringed badge.
The Audi A3 is a car that generates few complaints. Its not too showy even in yellow and offers solid engineering and a huge feel good factor. Perhaps the only area where its possible to grouse is over the pricing, especially when you consider that its based around more humble Golf running gear. If you can swallow the chunky up front asking price, youll be rewarded with a car that does everything very well in a quiet, unruffled manner.
I for one was sorry to see it go.
<< Back to Audi car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Audi Cars For Sale UK
