The Audi A3 is a high-quality car that offers premium handling and safety, roominess and practicality, yet is still easy to park and, with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, is easy on fuel. Five-door hatchbacks are very popular in Europe, but much less so in America. Those who are comfortable with its styling should find happiness in the Audi A3 Sportback.
Greg Brown filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report from Los Angeles.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 T 6-speed manual ($26,920); 2.0 T DSG ($28,400); 2.0 T DSG quattro ($30,500); 3.2 quattro ($36,975)
driver and passenger next-generation front airbag supplemental restraints; front side-impact airbags; three-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners, height-adjustment and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger; three-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners for rear passengers; central locking with safety unlock (automatically unlocks doors and switches off fuel pump if airbag deploys); reflectors in rears of doors; adjustable headrests for front and rear seats; active headrests for front seats; first aid kit located in storage compartment under passenger seat; ABS with Brake Assist; electronic locking front differential; ASR (anti-slip regulation); ESP (electronic stability program) with ABS and EBD (electronic brake differential)
Safety equipment (optional):
rear side airbags
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Ingolstadt, Germany
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 T ($26,920)
Standard equipment:
automatic climate control with sun sensor, dust and pollen filter; power windows with power retention when ignition shut-off (until door opened), one-touch up and one-touch down feature for four windows, pinch protection, comfort close and open with key in driver door; fuel filler door release button in driver door; electronic cruise control with coast, resume and shut-off feature; electric rear window defogger with automatic shut-off feature; power central locking system (doors and fuel door), with selective unlocking (enables unlocking of a driver door or all doors), plus convenient open & close feature for windows and master switch located in driver door; power remote keyless entry with trunk release, door/ignition key and valet key; leather seating surfaces; aluminum trim on center dashboard air vents, door release handles, radio button, glovebox cover; four floor mats; four-spoke steering wheel; two cup holders in center console; storage shelf in trunk; backlit instrument cluster with automatic brightness control, including tachometer, electric speedometer, digital clock with outside temperature, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge; digital odometer with trip odometer and service interval indicator; anti-theft vehicle alarm system with blinking theft deterrent lights on front doors; windshield wipers with four-position intermittent control; AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player and following features: RBDS (Radio Broadcast Display System displays radio station call letters and other information); GALA (Graduated Audio Level Adjustment, varies volume based on vehicle speed); CD changer operation capability; 140-watt system with 10 speakers and CD changer pre-wiring; radio antenna on roof; 7.5x17 five-spoke star cast alloy wheels with 225/45R17 all-season tires; tilt and telescopic (manual) adjustable steering column
Options as tested (MSRP):
rear side airbags ($350)
Destination charge:
($825)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$27,745
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
200 @ 5100-6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
207 @ 1800-5000
Transmission:
6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
21/30 mpg
Wheelbase:
101.5 in.
Length/width/height:
169.0/78.5/56.0 in.
Track, f/r:
60.4/59.3 in.
Turning circle:
35.1 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
39.3/54.3/41.2 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
N/A
Cargo volume:
19.5 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson strut with separate spring/shock arrangement, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
independent, four-link with separate shock/spring arrangement, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
4.0 in.
Curb weight:
3219 lbs.
Tires:
225/45R17
Brakes, f/r:
ventilated disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
14.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of February 16, 2009.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-FOR-AUDI -
www.audiusa.com
