Introduced for 2006, the A3 is essentially a
gilded version of the Golf from Audi's parent company,
Volkswagen. Our front-wheel drive test model has VW/Audi's four-cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
The A3 does have a premium look and feel. Styling mimics more expensive Audis, and though the interior is less opulent, it's solidly assembled from high-grade materials. Most premium-priced cars are quieter, however. Road noise is an irritant cited by all our testers.
None of us is satisfied with the behavior of our test car's powertrain. The same setup responded smoothly and quickly in VWs we tested. In our particular A3, the transmission tends to delay downshifts and slur upshifts, both in manual and automatic modes. Once it gets in sync, acceleration is good, and our 26.3-mpg average is acceptable, if tempered by the extra expense of the premium-grade fuel Audi recommends.
Our test car forgoes the stiffer suspension of the optional Sport
Package, but still takes bumps quite firmly. The A3's small
size puts the squeeze on rear-seat leg room, but the hatchback body
style makes the most of cargo carrying opportunities.
Our 2006 test car is well-equipped, but stickers at $30,085, and there are any number of additional options, even a more powerful all-wheel-drive model, that can push an A3 well above that. We love space-efficient hatchbacks, but we're not convinced the A3 2.0 T has climbed the social ladder enough to warrant premium pricing.
Editors' Comments
John Biel: A3 mixes a surprising level of fuel economy with turbocharged performance. Unfortunately, the transmission's quirks and the turbo's occasional low-speed power delivery problems can detract from the optimal driving experience.
Ed Piotrowski: A3's price tag is out of reach for entry-level buyers who might be looking for a compact hatch. Pity, because A3 is a very nice car. It simply costs too much considering that some features require other options be ordered first.
Jennifer Geiger: This compact hatchback is a pleasure to drive long distances with versatile cargo room, adequate gas mileage, and ample highway passing power. I would be hard-pressed, however, to shell out $30,000 despite all the accompanying bells and whistles, especially in light of all the recent introductions of other hatchbacks.
| 2006 Audi A3 | ||
 |
||
| Bodystyle: | 4-door hatchback |
|
| Model: | 2.0 T |
|
| Engine: | 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cyl |
|
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
|
| Total Miles: | 12,290 |
|
| CG® Observed Fuel Economy: | 26.3 mpg |
|
| Problems During Test: | None |
|
| Base Price: | $26,140 |
|
| Price as Tested: | $30,850 |
|
| Major Options: |
Special paint, Premium Package (leather upholstery, power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, aluminum interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, special exterior trim, unique alloy wheels), Cold Weather Package (heated front seats and mirrors, heated washer jets). | |
