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AUDI A3 (2003-CURRENT)

We Say...
Forget the A2, the proper entry-level Audi starts with the A3 "Sportsback". Safe handling, superb materials, excellent fit and finish--it may be based on the Volkswagen Golf, but it gains a more upscale look. It's rather pricey for what you get (especially 3.2 Quattro). Surprisingly, 1.6 is outperformed by the Mazda3.
Entry-level but high quality.
The A4's just a few thousand bucks away...

Last Updated: April.22.2009

Ownership 3.2 Quattro 2.0 TDI 2.0 TFSI 1.6
Price P 3,850,000 P 2,650,000 P 2,500,000 P 2,250,000
Vehicle Classification Executive Car
Warranty 2 years / unlimited mileage
Under the Hood
Engine 3.2 DOHC 30V V6 2.0 DOHC 16V I4 2.0 DOHC 16V I4 1.6 SOHC 8V I4
Maximum Output (bhp @ rpm) 250 @ 6300 143 @ 4200 150 @ 6000 101 @ 5600
Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) 320 @ 2500-3000 320 @ 1750-2000 250 @ 3500 148 @ 3800
Fuel Type / Recom. Octane Gasoline / 95~ Diesel Gasoline / 95~ Gasoline / 95~
Fuel System / Aspiration EFI / NA Common Rail / T Direct Injection / NA EFI / NA
Fuel Mileage (km/L) 9.43 (mfg.) 16.94 (mfg.) 14.28 (mfg.) 13.15 (mfg.)
Transmission 6-speed S-Tronic 7-speed S-Tronic 7-speed S-Tronic 5-speed MT
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 4292 4292 4292 4292
Width (mm) 1765 1765 1765 1765
Height (mm) 1423 1423 1423 1423
Wheelbase (mm) 2578 2578 2578 2578
Curb Weight (kg) 1565 1410 1390 1245
Body Type 5-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine / Drive F/AWD F/F F/F F/F
Seating 5 5 5 5
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent,
MacPherson Strut
Independent,
MacPherson Strut
Independent,
MacPherson Strut
Independent,
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Independent,
Multi-Link
Independent,
Multi-Link
Independent,
Multi-Link
Independent,
Multi-Link
Front Brakes Vented Disc Vented Disc Vented Disc Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Vented Disc Solid Disc Solid Disc Solid Disc
Tires 225/45 R 17 (f & r) 225/45 R 17 (f & r) 225/45 R 17 (f & r) 205/55 R 16 (f & r)
Wheels Alloy 17 x 7.5 (f & r) Alloy 17 x 7.5 (f & r) Alloy 17 x 7.5 (f & r) Alloy 16 x 6.5 (f & r)
Safety Features
Airbags 6 6 6 6
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist Yes, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist Yes, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist Yes, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist
Traction / Stability Control Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
Other Safety Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: none
2.0 TFSI
Plus: none
Rear parking sensors None
Exterior Features
Fog Lamps Front, rear Front, rear Front, rear Rear
Other Exterior Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: automatic HID headlamps; headlamp washers; rain-sensing wipers; rear spoiler
2.0 TFSI
Plus: none
1.6
Plus: none
Rear wiper and washer system
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt/telescopic, manual Tilt, telescopic, manual Tilt, telescopic, manual Tilt/telescopic, manual
Steering Wheel Material Leather Leather Leather Leather
Seating Adjustment Electric (f) Manual Manual Manual
Seating Surface Leather Leather/fabric Leather/fabric Fabric
Other Interior Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: none
2.0 TFSI
Plus: none
Door scuff plates; foot well lighting Silver accents; 60/40 split-fold rear seat with pass-through; rear cargo cover
Convenience Features
Power Amenities Steering (electric), door locks, windows and mirrors Steering (electric), door locks, windows and mirrors Steering (electric), door locks, windows and mirrors Steering, door locks, windows and mirrors
Climate Control Auto, dual Auto, dual Auto, dual Manual
Audio System Stereo/6-disc/MP3/Aux with 9 speakers Stereo/6-disc/MP3/Aux with 9 speakers Stereo/6-disc/MP3/Aux with 9 speakers Stereo/CD with 6 speakers
Other Convenience Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: none
2.0 TFSI
Plus: none
1.6
Plus: Driver Information System (on-board computer with mileage, range, temperature)
Keyless entry with alarm, central locking and immobilizer
Our Take
Rating *** **** **** **
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