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2007 Audi A3 Full Review
Date Published: 5/01/08
Also in the 2007 Audi A3 Review:
2007 Audi A3 Review
This 4-dr hatchback shares some underskin design with the Jetta and Rabbit from Audi-parent Volkswagen. The A3 is smaller and less costly than Audi's A4 compacts. The A3 2.0T has front-wheel drive and a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine. The A3 3.2 quattro S line has a 250-hp V6 and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.0T comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional for the 2.0T and standard on the 3.2 is Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox, which is a sequential manual transmission (SMT). ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. Rear side airbags are optional. Leather upholstery, sport front seats, alloy cabin accents, and sport-tuned suspension are standard on 3.2, optional for 2.0T. A navigation system is optional. New for 2007 are an available wireless cell phone link, and a 2.0T S line Package with 3.2 styling cues.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.
New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.
New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.
News
A 4-passenger A3 convertible is said to be due sometime in 2008, perhaps as an early-'09 model. It should share most features with A3 hatchbacks, powerteams included, and will probably have a power-operated cloth roof rather than a hideaway hard top. All A3s are expected to get a freshening at decade's end; look for them in the U.S. as 2010 or 2011 models.
Earlier reports had Audi working on a smaller "A1" hatchback to compete with the BMW Mini and other upscale subcompacts. We've heard nothing lately, suggesting the car is still some ways off. Indeed, sources don't expect to see it until early next decade, assuming Audi gives it the go-ahead.
Earlier reports had Audi working on a smaller "A1" hatchback to compete with the BMW Mini and other upscale subcompacts. We've heard nothing lately, suggesting the car is still some ways off. Indeed, sources don't expect to see it until early next decade, assuming Audi gives it the go-ahead.
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2007 Audi A3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
| Controls/Materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Audi's 0-60 mph claims for 2.0T--6.7 sec with SMT, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in test drives. But turbo 4-cyl lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2 also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 sec 0-60. SMT's shifts are rewardingly smooth, prompt in manual mode, but in some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Audi's 0-60 mph claims for 2.0T--6.7 sec with SMT, 6.9 with manual transmission--rang true in test drives. But turbo 4-cyl lags in low-speed power delivery, then supplies it with a rush. 3.2 also slightly tepid on takeoff, but strong thereafter. Test 3.2 did 6.7 sec 0-60. SMT's shifts are rewardingly smooth, prompt in manual mode, but in some test A3s, slurred automatic-mode shifts introduced some low-speed driveline jerkiness.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. With SMT, extended-use 2.0T averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 19.0-19.4 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. With SMT, extended-use 2.0T averaged 26.3 mpg over 12,290 miles. Other test 2.0Ts averaged 23.3-25.4 mpg. Test 3.2 S lines averaged 19.0-19.4 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Firm but reasonably absorbent in base-suspension 2.0T. S line models notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s stable at highway speed, even over dips, swells.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5.9 |
Firm but reasonably absorbent in base-suspension 2.0T. S line models notably stiffer, enough to thump on sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, especially with low-profile 18-inch tires. All A3s stable at highway speed, even over dips, swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Agile, no undue cornering lean, but base-suspension 2.0T suffers some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses, little noseplow. Steering accurate, linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction a boon in all conditions; test car unimpeded by 10 inches of unplowed snow. Brakes strong, easily modulated.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Agile, no undue cornering lean, but base-suspension 2.0T suffers some noseplow in tight, fast turns. S line A3s have sharper responses, little noseplow. Steering accurate, linear, though some testers want firmer feel. Rapid takeoffs induce minor torque-steer in 2.0T. 3.2's AWD traction a boon in all conditions; test car unimpeded by 10 inches of unplowed snow. Brakes strong, easily modulated.
Quietness
Some coarse-surface tire thrum; it's pronounced with 18-inch tires. Wind rush low at highway speeds. No untoward engine sounds even at high rpm.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Some coarse-surface tire thrum; it's pronounced with 18-inch tires. Wind rush low at highway speeds. No untoward engine sounds even at high rpm.
Controls
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges, handy switchgear, though complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. Single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions, which take time to master and inconveniently include several audio adjustments. Cabin handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
Like costlier Audis, A3s impress with clear gauges, handy switchgear, though complex dual-zone climate controls require familiarization. Single console control knob governs most navigation-system functions, which take time to master and inconveniently include several audio adjustments. Cabin handsomely assembled from tasteful, high-quality materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adult-size head and leg room. Seats all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. Rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to right rear.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Adult-size head and leg room. Seats all-day comfortable; S line's sport seats have slightly larger side bolsters for excellent support in turns. Oddly, even power seats include some manual adjustments. Rear roofline slightly impedes driver vision aft and to right rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Decent head room for six-footers, adequate leg room if front seats are set far aft. Cushion nicely padded, but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways not that large.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Decent head room for six-footers, adequate leg room if front seats are set far aft. Cushion nicely padded, but not long enough for good thigh support. Doors open wide, but entryways not that large.
Cargo Room
Less space than a small station wagon, but far more versatile than a compact sedan. Hatch door lacks opening glass, but lifts high for access to usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend load area, but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
Less space than a small station wagon, but far more versatile than a compact sedan. Hatch door lacks opening glass, but lifts high for access to usefully roomy, flat-floor cargo bay. Rear seatbacks fold easily to extend load area, but don't lay completely flat. Cabin has good small-item storage.
Value within Class
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers enough features, versatility, and driving enjoyment to qualify as a Recommended pick in the premium-compact-car class. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey.
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Upscale hatchbacks haven't been sales successes in America, but the tastefully designed A3 delivers enough features, versatility, and driving enjoyment to qualify as a Recommended pick in the premium-compact-car class. The 2.0Ts are the best dollar value, but you'll have to come to terms with some nonlinear turbo-engine power delivery. With its AWD and gutsy V6, the 3.2 S line is more rewarding but rather pricey.
Total Score
| 2.0T w/S line Pkg., man. | 2.0T w/Prem. Pkg., SMT | 3.2 S line | 3.2 S line w/18-in. whls., nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 62 | 63 | 61 | 57 | 59.7 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 55 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 67 |
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2007 Audi A3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/03/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.0T 4-door hatchback, manual | $25,340 | $23,404 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 2.0T 4-door hatchback, SMT | $26,820 | $24,856 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 3.2 S line 4-door hatchback, SMT | $33,980 | $31,561 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.0T
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/45R17 tires, alloy wheels.
3.2 S line adds to 2.0T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT), all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, aluminum interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,650
|
$1,502
|
|
Leather upholstery, 12-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, aluminum interior trim, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, additional interior lights, illuminated visor mirrors, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
S line Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$2,200
|
$2,002
|
|
Leather upholstery, sport seats, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, steering wheel shift paddles (SMT), trip computer, aluminum interior trim, additional interior lights, illuminated visor mirrors, unique exterior trim, rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Navigation Plus Pkg.
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$1,950
|
$1,775
|
|
Navigation system, trip computer. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,500
|
$1,365
|
|
3.2 S line
|
$1,250
|
$1,138
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror (2.0T), wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing wipers (2.0T), steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,350
|
$1,229
|
|
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio. Requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$700
|
$637
|
|
Heated front seats and mirrors, ski sack, heated washer nozzles. 2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$350
|
$319
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$1,100
|
$1,001
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$800
|
$728
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$350
|
$319
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$350
|
$319
|
|
Wireless cell phone link
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$450
|
$410
|
|
Premium paint
|
||
|
2.0T, 3.2 S line
|
$750
|
$683
|
|
225/40R18 tires
|
||
|
3.2 S line
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
|
||
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2007 Audi A3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3263 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 55.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.2 /191 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 | 236 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 23/32 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | 25/31 | 21/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Audi A3 4-door hatchback |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Audi A3 Review:
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