2012 Audi A3




Audi hatchback continues to offer a unique blend of practicality, style and sport. The exterior of the Audi A3 that has not changed significantly since the 2006 debut model, the car still manages to look like a fresh design. A3 interior is still the best in this segment.

Behind the hood of the Audi A3 2.0 liter engines are turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel foot pound-rated at 140 hp and 236 torque.

Audi A3 offers a fine six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic, dubbed S tronic in Audi-speak. If you want to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive, you must choose a gas-powered version and you will automatically get S tronic gearbox. Despite the lack of TDI quattro all-wheel-drive, diesel version comprises 55 percent of sales of the Audi A3 in the U.S. last year. Which makes us question the claim that is often heard from American car drivers do not want fuel-efficient diesel engines.

While the Audi A3 may not be used for entertaining sport sedan or even a hot hatch, the Audi A3 is not good enough when the road gets twisty. Although the steering feels a bit more reinforced, stiffened suspension optional Sport Package, adds sport seats and includes only summer performance tires. Improved handling, without really sacrificing comfort for highway cruising.


 

Audi A3 is a standard feature and is mainly to help differentiate it from the main entry sporty like the Subaru WRX or Mazda3. Fog lamps, automatic climate control, keyless entry, leather seats, and 140-watt, ten-speaker sound system are all standard. Premium Plus model a step forward and include xenon headlights, larger wheels, power driver's seat, steering-wheel audio controls, ambient LED lighting, and LED running lights. Bose premium sound, navigation system and iPod integration kit is one option. Features of our greatest disappointment, however, is that the Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard, and it is optional as part of the $ 2,000 Premium Plus package.