Audi A3: A luxurious hatchback
If you like to scamper around and need room to take the dog to the vet, this Audi A3 might be the perfect ticket, and I do mean ticket, because it is
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Two problems immediately emerged when we received the Audi A3. The first was the pricing. If you are not careful with your options it can quickly cost more than the larger, and nearly as agile, A4 with the same engine and more room. The second was torque steer. Under normal driving conditions this was not a problem, but when challenged there was both a small turbo lag and a notable tug on the well-padded steering wheel.
The brakes are very impressive and the feel more BMW than BMW. The engine should give you over 25 mpg, but look for wide variations as it can get over 30 on the highway and under 20 mpg in heavy traffic.
Dad's view: I didn't really get the A3. I would much prefer the less feisty and similarly priced A4. I can't help but wonder what the market is going to be for this car. The Mazda 3 is priced several thousand dollars less, has essentially the same warranty, although 40 fewer horsepower, but weighs 400 pounds less. They get identical gas mileage and have similar luggage and people room, but the Mazda doesn't need premium fuel. But honestly, who is going to really cross-shop these two hatchbacks. The Audi crowd wants the more luxurious German car and the Mazda buyers like value and the sporty handling the 3 offers. And for those who think the Mini Cooper is a competitor they would have to ignore the Cooper's superior handling, lower pricing, and limited interior space. The Audi is much more upscale, and if they bring over the V6 powered version with all wheel drive you are no doubt many veteran rally drivers are going to see this A3 as the reincarnation of the long lamented Audi Quattro Coupe from the 1980s. 2006 Audi A3 Road Test from (http://www.auto123.com/en/car-reviews/new/2006-audi-a3-road-test?artid=50868)
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