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Audi A3 Review & Road TestReview by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk
Summary Externally updates in 2003 represent an evolution of the previous design, however under the skin the A3 is the first car to use the new VW Golf platform and a few new engines have been added to the line up. Internally the car continues Audi's tradition of clinical, logical design and it is trimmed in high quality materials that are solidly assembled. The ride and handling of the new car is much improved over its predecessor and the A3 should now genuinely live up to its sporting pretensions. Grip is superb even without the 4-wheel drive quattro system, the ride blends a sporty firmness without compromising the cars performance over uneven road surfaces and the steering is accurate and direct. The A3 range provides five engine choices, three petrol and two diesel. Petrol engines are either 1.6, 2.0 or 3.2 litre, diesel engines are either 1.9 or 2.0 litre. The 3.2 litre variant comes with the quattro 4-wheel drive system as standard and manages 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 155 mph. At cruising speeds on longer motorway journeys the A3 is a quiet car; wind and road engine noise are very subdued and only the 1.9 diesel creates any audible engine noise. Practically the new A3 is a huge improvement on its predecessor, four adult passengers are treated to plenty of head and legroom and boot is slightly larger with split folding rear seats adding to the cars load carrying versatility. On the down side the rear pillars significantly reduce rearward visibility and the A3 is an expensive alternative the the VW Golf. However, residuals are very strong and in the long-run the A3 should prove to be a reasonable purchase. Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk Do you agree? Do you disagree? Click here to submit your own review of the Audi A3 >> |
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