2011 Audi A3 Review


Luxury brand hatchbacks - which are the next big thing, trust us. They are very popular in Europe, and that is great across the pond, inevitably, ends up being the best thing since sliced ​​bread more here. Take the beret and the musical style of Robbie Williams, for example. Or football. See, a luxury sedan like the Audi A3 2011 is forced to take off at any time.

2011 Audi A3
Or not. In fact, if history is any indicator, we believe that the U.S. is in a luxury sedan in the near future. But if you're more the type Continental, which carry the shame of it all is a little sedan 'fool, 2011 A3 is a fascinating choice of entry-level luxury car. Unlike any other car in its price range offers a combination of a lot of useful, well-made interior, refined driving experience and the available turbo diesel.

Of course, diesel engines are almost as popular among Americans, such as sedans. '82 Oldsmobile burning oil grandfather saw it. However, the A3 TDI engine with clean diesel technology that makes their emissions as clean as if it ran on gasoline - in other words, there is crap in the exhaust. Is also relatively quiet and offers acceleration grip on the city. Most importantly, the TDI can achieve 34 mpg in combined driving. Better than a hybrid Toyota Camry. If you go for the green nozzle treated the Shell station is too different, operating with the essence of the A3 turbo-4 is much more attractive too.

There are many luxury cars on the left that can be had for about $ 30,000, not to mention the sedan models. Of course, the A3 has a clear advantage compared to the benefits of regular entry-level luxury sedans like the Acura TSX and Volvo S40 and the Lexus 250h hybrid luxury HS. However, compared with some other mainstream sedan, A3 is a bit 'wobbly given a value of more heavy price and feature content to a minor. Less than the Volkswagen GTI, in particular, the engine of the A3 and the quality of the interior such as the VW Golf TDI. And if you can live without a back-door, the Mini Cooper S and Volvo C30 should be considered.

While the luxury brand like Audi A3 sedan 2011 may not actually be the next big thing in this country. But they are common sense ... Trust us.

Body styles, trim levels and options

2011-Audi A3 is a four-door sedan is available in two versions: Premium and Premium Plus. Standard equipment on the Premium includes 17-inch wheels, fog lights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker audio with CD player , satellite radio and an extra audio jack. Bluetooth Value Package adds a power seat with eight positions of the conductor (four-way lumbar adjustment), a multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Premium Plus comes standard with Bluetooth Value Pack, adding different wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, steering wheel shift paddles (with automatic transmission) and the inside of aluminum. Audi Navigation System Plus Package adds a navigation system, dash mounted Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), and the choice of either a six-CD changer or an iPod interface. The Convenience Package adds automatic headlights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, auto dimming mirrors and a Bose sound system one.

Both cars have an option package adds cold, heated front seats, heated mirrors and heated washer nozzles. There is also a panoramic sunroof, rear side airbags and the Sport package, which includes 18-inch wheels, summer tires, sport suspension and sport seats. Titanium Sport package available for Premium Plus provides special exterior trim, and the Sport package.


Engines and performance

The 2011 Audi A3 is available with two different engines. The A3 2.0T is a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder 200 horsepower and 207 lb-good feet of torque. With the standard front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as the S tronic available. Quattro four-wheel drive, S tronic is standard. In performance tests, an A3 2.0T with manual six-speed went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds - the average of the powers such as luxury cars, entry-level. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 21 mpg mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 in combination with manual and 21/28/24 with the S tronic, regardless of voltage or four-wheel drive.

The A3 TDI is a diesel 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. The wheel drive and S tronic as standard. Audi estimated 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds. It is quite slow, but the EPA estimates are 30/42/34, which is exceptional for a brand of luxury cars.

Security

2011 Audi A3 comes standard with front airbags, side seat, full-length side curtain airbags, whiplash reducing front headrests, ABS and stability control. Side seat airbags for rear passengers are optional.

In brake test was a A3 2.0T Sport package with one stop from 60 km / h in a very short 107 feet. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has received the top rating of A3 "good" in frontal offset, side and test the strength of the roof.

2011 Audi A3 interior

Interior Design and Special Features

As with other cars in the Audi range, the cabin of the Audi A3 2011 is underestimated in the design, quality materials and workmanship throughout. There are a few pieces of hard plastic than you think, but they are textured to match perfectly. Vent surrounds and metal buttons Add to high end of the A3 and feel, like most teams.

The A3's cabin is not without some minor flaws, however. The optional navigation system brings with Audi MMI control electronics in the A3 is located on the dashboard rather than in its traditional location with easy access in the center console. You want to touch screen control, but you must use the button and the buttons that surround the place. In addition, the driver's seat may not have enough for shorter trips people, while the rear seat is tight for the larger ones.

Suitable for creating a lot of big suitcases and golf bags, with rear seat space for nearly 20 cubic meters. 60/40-split rear seats fold down (but not flat), and expand the 39 cubic feet of cargo space more cumbersome. There is also a center armrest pass-through to accommodate long objects even rear seat passengers.


Driving Impressions

For Audi A3 2011 2.0-liter engine provides sufficient power and corresponds to the choice of either transmission. A3 TDI feels strong enough around the city thanks to its abundant torque, but ran out of steam when loading ramp on a highway because of its lack of power. The compromise of exceptional fuel economy, however, seems worth it for us.

As with many Audis, adjusting the suspension of the A3 is on the side closes to improve performance, but there is still enough to fulfill absorb most road imperfections. Whether traveling in heavy traffic or cruising on the road, the A3's cabin is elegant and quiet nice.

Price $ 27,270