2006 Audi A3 2.0T Road Test

The compact Autobahn cruiser

In order to keep costs down, car manufacturers have been reducing the sheer number of unique platforms and powerplants. Most of the builders are sticking to a couple of high-tech skeletons that can easily be modified to accept different drivetrains or for various types of vehicles. Volkswagen is not a rookie in this business. Their fourth generation Golf/Jetta chassis served as a basis for the New Beetle, the previous A3 and even for a few Seat and Skoda models. The trick is to build a good backbone and work with it.

This road test has found me soaking up every kilometre in a 2006 Audi A3. This is the first time that North America gets the A3. It has been around in Europe for a while and only now can we finally get to see them on our roads. The A3 is actually built on the same platform as the new fifth generation Volkswagen Jetta and upcoming Golf. They also share many mechanical components.

Base price is $32,950. If one was to add all available options, the price would be of over $56,000. I tested a DSG equipped 2.0T with the premium package. It retails for $39,650.

Styling

The A3 is available in 1 body style for the moment: a 5-door hatchback. A 3-door should arrive in the near future. The car is very elegant and receives the same level of attention as does its more expensive siblings. It shares the corporate horse collar front grille and rising beltline which have become synonymous (for me anyways) with absolute class. The overall design of the car is simple enough, however it is clear that every line and angle received careful attention. 2006 Audi A3 2.0T Road Test from (http://www.auto123.com/en/audi/a3/2006/review?carid=1060600500&artid=53767)