New A3 test drive

[Tom Nas]

Hi all,

Drove the new A3 today, in 102 hp 1.6 FWD and 2.0 TDI 140 hp FWD guise. The
1.6 is incredibly smooth at idle (as in 'is it running?') but really
lacking in power once you get moving. Might be that at 200 km it's not
exactly run in, but it felt incredibly flat-spotted to me and even pretty
slow at full throttle. Which makes it really clear that the suspension is
incredible and capable of handling MUCH more power.
The 2.0 TDI is a wonderful engine, not peaky like the VW 130 hp PD TDI but
incredibly smooth and quiet with oodles of power all the way along the rev
band. This suits the suspension much better and makes you feel what it's
capable of. The six-speed gearbox is much improved also, very slick and
easy. In sixth you can hardly hear the engine run (doing 100 km/h and about
1500 rpm) and when you floor it without changing down it picks up
immediately and goes like stink.
Audi have really done an incredible job, the A3 is easily as competent as
the A4. The previous model was excellent but not as smooth, certainly a lot
firmer. This one isn't that much less sporting but overall much better.

Nothing much to comment on interior-wise... it's incredibly well put
together and very solid. A4 Cabriolet and TT influences abound, and it's
very well thought out. No creaks or rattles anywhere and full of little
thoughtful details (like a shopping bag holder underneath the rear parcel
shelf).

I like it! The only thing I don't like is the pricing, with the base 1.6
with steel wheels and no A/C coming in at EUR 23,790 here in Holland.
Thanks to our new-car tax, because the before tax pricing is 15,798...

Tom