Audi A3 Hatchback Overview
The Audi A3 is a first-class hatchback. Audi’s turbocharged 2.0T gas four-cylinder produces 200 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the five-seat A3 are available in the 2.0T trim level. A diesel model comes only with front-wheel drive. It competes with models like the Lexus CT 200h. Gas models can have a six-speed manual gearbox or the S tronic automatic with a manual-shift mode and front- or all-wheel drive.
Audi A3 Hatchback
The diesel A3 TDI has 140 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque and comes only with the S tronic automatic and front-wheel drive. The Audi A3′s single-frame tapered grille dominates the front end. The Audi A3′s profile gets flatter toward the rear, like a coupe. Round wheel arches enhance the Audi A3′s stance. A low seating location couples with a tall, wide center console. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather on all models. Round air vents have aluminum surrounds, and there’s aluminum trim on the door and glove box handles. Wide-opening rear doors are intended to ease entry and exit. The offered Open Sky two-section glass sunroof includes divide blinds to keep the interior from overheating and guard against the sun’s glare.
Audi A3 Key Features
- Four-link independent rear suspension
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Dual exhaust outlets and wraparound taillights
- Standard hill-hold assist helps control vehicle on steep grades
- Electromechanical steering offers speed-dependent power assistance
- New chrome accents
- Two new wheel designs are available
- Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
- Sirius Satellite Radio standard
- Standard auxiliary audio input
- Standard leather seating surfaces
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- New chrome accents
- Side curtain airbags
- Rear side-impact airbags are optional.
- Active front head restraints
- Electronic stability system
- Wood trim optional
- Audi magnetic ride suspension optional
- Optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps
- Optional black headliner and shiny piano-black accents
Audi A3 Hatchback Specifications
Ride & Handling
The Audi A3’s body control and grip are strong, but the wispy steering is short of feel. On entry-level and SE versions, the ride is firm without being uneasy, but models fitted with sports suspension jolt too much over bumps.
Performance
- Engine: 2.0L in-line 4 double overhead cam with VVT
- Fuel: premium unleaded
- Fuel consumption: city= 22mpg; highway= 28mpg; combined= 24mpg vehicle range: 382 miles
- Turbo compressor
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 15.9 gallon fuel tank
- Power: 200 HP @ 5,100 rpm; 207 ft lb of torque @ 1,800 rpm
Alteration
The 1.6 petrol sounds throaty at high revs. Some wind- and road noise are present on the motorway, but it’s not too much. Sadly, sometimes you can’t make clean gear changes; there can be stiff resistance to the change.
Class & Consistency
Audi concerns the equal high standards of build to the A3 as it does to its more costly models. There’s a well-crafted feel all through, and the engines should all give years of trouble-free service.