Test drive: 2006 Audi A3

Technically Speaking, It’s a Hoot

It just hit me that I've been reviewing cars for two decades. In that time, I've probably test driven over 3,000 vehicles. Some were instantly forgettable, while others were forever memorable. What amazes me most, though, after 20 years, is how far technology has progressed. The Audi A3 sport wagon, starting under $25,000, is a perfect example of useful technology practically applied. The 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty with the matching maintenance protection plan is just icing on the cake.

First Glance

Don't call the A3 a hatchback. Not just because Audi wants you to think of it as a sport wagon, but also because hatchbacks don't enjoy the popularity in the U.S. that they do overseas. That's a real shame, too, because not only does the hatch add to the overall cuteness of the A3, but it's also incredibly practical for loading and unloading all kinds of cargo. Without insulting Audi too much, the A3 is reminiscent from the back and sides of a few other European hatchbacks, which is not a bad thing in my eyes. The European design means clean lines, big wheels and tires, and a prominent grille. My Brilliant Red tester, the 2.0-liter turbo MT6 (6-speed manual) came with the sport package that included 17-inch wheels, aluminum trim, a sport suspension and the roof spoiler. My neighbor John, an Audi loyalist, just bought a silver A3with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) which I'll explain in a minute. John's A3 also sported the available Xenon gas headlights, which I would choose for better visibility over the standard halogen lamps. He also had the Pirelli P6 performance tires while ours wore Continentals. It was a clear, sunny day, so we took them out on the canyon roads for a little back-to-back driving.

In the Driver's Seat

Audi classifies the A3 as a premium compact, and we have to agree. The interior fit and finish is impeccable. It's roomy as well, especially compared to the compact Chevy Cobalt we just drove (The Audi is 10 inches wider). I liked everything in here: the supportive leather seats (standard with the Sport Package), the clean dash with easy-to-read instruments, the round air vents with aluminum trim that easily closes the vents completely, and I especially loved the steering-wheel-mounted thumbnail controls for the radio. The manual's shift lever aligned perfectly with my seating position, and the throws were short and precise between gears. The heating and cooling controls in the center console with dual-zone climate controls are convenient, and the optional Bose Acoustic sound package is well worth the addition $900. My only gripe is that you can’t get a power driver's seat with the Sport Package.

My test model also came with the Open Sky Package, which means twin sunroofs for that convertible feeling inside a hardtop. The blinds that cover the sunroofs do a decent job of filtering out the rays, but in the hot Southern California sun, the heat does seep through, cranking up the temperature inside the cabin.

On the Road

That technology I alluded to earlier comes to the forefront when the A3 is on the open road. This little turbo 2.0-liter four-banger cranks out 200 grin-inducing horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque (which comes on between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm) but feels like a whole lot more since the get up and go is instant-on. The A3 is the first production vehicle to use gasoline direct injection with a turbocharger for amazing performance combined with great fuel efficiency. The A3 has a lithe feeling that enhances the nimbleness and balance as I hit the curves on world-famous Mulholland Drive. The 6-speed transmission was fast and fun, and I preferred it to the automatic DSG. The DSG works like a manual transmission with no clutch pedal. The driver controls the shifts through a shift lever or two paddle shifters on the wheel. The DSG system employs two computer-controlled clutches; its design allows shifts that are nearly imperceptible.

One thing that's hard to get used to on the A3 is front-wheel drive. I'm so used to the surefootedness of Quattro all wheel drive that I was surprised when I spun the wheels during a quick launch and heard the chirp of the tires. Keep the faith: the AWD model will arrive sometime next year.

Journey's End

Audi isn't looking to takeover the compact segment with the A3. The plans are to sell about 15,000 units in the U.S. and about 3,000 more in Canada. As Audi moves into this smaller group, it should not have a problem with those target sales numbers. One thing to keep in mind, though; there are still plenty of competitors for the A3, like the Saab 9-2x, the Mazda 3, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which have a less expensive base price. With all the extras on our test model, the total came to a hair over $29,000. However, to really experience the flavor of a technologically impressive European hatchback—um, I mean sport wagon—the A3 is a solid choice. The standard level of safety that includes the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, side curtain airbags, and a strong chassis need to be included in the overall cost of the product. Early next year, the A3 will be offered as a 3.2-liter V-6 with 250 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, if you absolutely have to have a six. It also will be the first A3 with the Quattro drivetrain. As we said earlier, a Quattro version of the 2.0 will also hit North America. But we think the turbo four, even in front-drive format, is a great mix of power, performance, and fun. What more could you ask for?