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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: September.02.2006
Ownership 3.2 Quattro 2.0 TDI 1.6
Price P 3,850,000 P 2,650,000 P 2,250,000
Vehicle Classification Executive Car
Warranty 2 years / unlimited mileage
Under the Hood
Engine 3.2 DOHC 24V V6 2.0 DOHC 16V I4 1.6 SOHC 8V I4
Maximum Output (bhp @ rpm) 247 @ 6300 138 @ 4000 101 @ 5600
Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) 320 @ 2500-3000 320 @ 1750-2000 155 @ 4000
Fuel Type / Recom. Octane Gasoline / 95~ Diesel Gasoline / 95~
Fuel System / Aspiration Direct Injection / NA Common Rail / T EFI / NA
Fuel Mileage (km/L) 10.10 16.94 13.15
Transmission 6-speed AT 6-speed AT 5-speed MT
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 4286 4286 4286
Width (mm) 1765 1765 1765
Height (mm) 1423 1423 1423
Wheelbase (mm) 2578 2578 2578
Curb Weight (kg) 1565 1410 1245
Body Type 5-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine / Drive F/AWD F/F F/F
Seating 5 5 5
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent, MacPherson Strut Independent, MacPherson Strut Independent, MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Independent, Multi-Link Independent, Multi-Link Independent, Multi-Link
Front Brakes Vented Disc Vented Disc Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Vented Disc Solid Disc Solid Disc
Tires 225/45 R 17 (f & r) 205/55 R 16 (f & r) 205/55 R 16 (f & r)
Wheels Cast Alloy 17 x 7.5 (f & r) Alloy 16 x 6.5 (f & r) Alloy 16 x 6.5 (f & r)
Safety Features
Airbags 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
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)
Other Safety Features Rear parking sensors None None
Exterior Features
Fog Lamps Front, rear Front, rear Rear
Other Exterior Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: rear spoiler		 1.6
Plus: none		 Rear wiper and washer system
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt/telescopic, manual Tilt, telescopic, manual Tilt/telescopic, manual
Steering Wheel Material Leather Leather Leather
Seating Adjustment Electric (f) Manual Manual
Seating Surface Leather Part-leather Fabric
Other Interior Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: none		 1.6
Plus: none		 Silver accents; 60/40 split-fold rear seat
Convenience Features
Power Amenities Steering (electric), door locks, windows and mirrors Steering (electric), door locks, windows and mirrors Steering, door locks, windows and mirrors
Climate Control Auto Manual Manual
Audio System Stereo/6-disc with 6 speakers Stereo/CD with 6 speakers Stereo/CD with 6 speakers
Other Convenience Features 2.0 TDI
Plus: none		 1.6
Plus: on-board computer (mileage, range, temperature)		 Keyless entry with alarm, central locking and immobilizer
Our Take
Rating *** **** **
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