A3
with the big monster engine inside the bonnet
Audi A3 is a small family car made by
opulent German automaker, Audi since 1996. The generations in which Audi A3 is
produced include First generation (Typ 8L; 1996–2003), Second generation (Typ
8P; 2003–2012) and Third generation (Typ 8V; 2012–present).
The main rivals of Audi A3 include the BMW
1 Series, the Mercedes A-Class, Volvo V40 and Lexus CT.
Monstrous Engine Plays Well
Most of the buyer’s choice is the 148bhp
1.5-Litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can turn off two cylinders at the
rove to save fuel. It’s a refined motor that is quiet at the journey and sends
few quivers through the controls.
It pulls strongly from low engine speeds
and feels quick when revved hard. The entry-level 1.0 TFSI has only three
cylinders, but it's an energetic engine that is best for town driving. There’s
also a powerful engine option, the 2.0-litre turbo petrol.
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| Audi A3 Engine |
Of the diesel, the entry-level 114bhp 1.6-Litre
engine is flat but not very lucky. The 148bhp 2.0-Litre is much more
enthusiastic, while the 181bhp version of the same 2.0-Litre is simply
exceptional but you have to scrutinize your pocket to pick that up.
Meantime, the amazing S3 and S3 Sportback
have a 306bhp 2.0-Litre turbo petrol engine and four-wheel drive. If you want
more power, then the turbocharged five-cylinder engine in the RS3 is seriously
expeditious.
It'll take you to 62mph from a halt in
just 4.1sec and won’t let up until you hit 155mph, or 174mph with an optional
speed limit increase. Audi A3 reconditioned engines are
no less in performance, at least.
The A3 Sportback E-Tron mingles electric
power with the 1.4-Litre petrol engine. It’s an astonishing hybrid that would
be very fun to drive within cities, but it’s not economical and its electric-only
range is limited.
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| Audi A3 Boot Space |
The added electric power does make it the
real entertainer.
The Cabin is Pretty Impressive
The A3 arrives with a decent amount of
standard kit but comparatively less than you receive in some rivals.
Entry-level SE Technik gives you sat-nav, air-con, 16in alloys, Bluetooth,
xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and cruise control.
The A3’s interior is
the basis for how family hatchbacks should feel like. Everything is built from
the sort of high-tech materials that you would want to have in an executive
saloon. It would be hard for you to find any uninviting plastics anywhere.
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| Audi A3 Infotainment Screen |
Even lower down on the dashboard, and the
materials which can be directly seen are a tactile treat, with classy metal
flourishes adding to the exuberant imperious feel.
Everything is made to look well balanced
together, while the well weighted and fantastically damped switches and
super-slim infotainment screen add the fuel to
the fire.
Compromise on comfort? Not the style of A3
No one will have a problem getting cosy
behind the wheel of the A3. The steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment,
and the seat can be moved up and down, as well as back and forth.
The seatback angle is
controlled with a dial controller, so that small changes can be made possible.
It’s frustrating you have to pay more for adjustable lumbar support on every
trim.
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| Audi A3 Rear View |
The A3’s dashboard looks skimpy, but that
it doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be wonderfully simple to use, with all the major
dials and switches. So, Audi has done a fantastic job to make A3 comfortable
and easy to ride.
Infotainment in Audi A3 has done a good job
Every A3 gets a slick, 5.8-inch
infotainment screen that comes out from the top of the dash. This is managed by
a rotary wheel on the centre console, which is an excellent feature to find on
entry-level models.
Safety in A3 is like you can hit the hay inside
Audi has provided the A3 with notable
levels of big-car safety kit, too. These include optional radar-controlled
cruise control that keeps a set distance to the car in front, lane-keep assist,
hill-hold assist and a pre-sense system to prepare the car in the event of an
accident.
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| Safety in A3 |
Another optional safety feature is a
self-park system that will help you get into a tight parking space. Audi
certified engine repairing workshop offers
Audi engines supply and fit service as well.
