2006 Audi A3 Test Drive

Best. Car. Ever.

It's either a Golf in wolf's clothing or it's an Audi for the not-so-well-heeled enthusiast. Actually, it's a bit of both, being based on the Golf platform but given a massive injection of Audi style and performance. The A3 is the most affordable Audi; starting at $25,460 with 200 turbo-assisted horses, an amazing 6-speed automatic, plus a common-sense hatchback configuration, it has a character all its own. VW wants drivers but Audi has them lining up.

First Glance

This car was made for me. I realised that within two blocks of following fellow tester Colin Hefferon in another manufacturer's press car. I had no doubts whatsoever after quickly reaching an illegal 110 mph on Vancouver's Highway 91 in a (successful) effort to catch the 3PM Vancouver Island ferry going home. (Note: only in brief spurts between clumps of traffic; I may be enthusiastic but I'm not crazy.) The Audi A3 is every bit a driver's car, equal to the BMW 3-Series without an over-rated rear-wheel-drive system. Performance is everything you could ask for unless you're a supercar fanatic; handling is safe, secure, and fun; the hatchback layout optimises interior space. And it still delivers reasonable fuel economy. After a week of driving I was ready to pronounce the A3 as the best car I've tested in the past twelve months. Best, I should make clear, for my personal taste.

In the Driver's Seat

Audi is widely regarded as having the best-looking interiors in the business. And the A3, though Audi's "economy model," maintains this reputation with a style of its own. The black and silver trim is handsome, restrained, easy on the eyes. Speedometer and tach can be read at a glance. Secondary instruments, however, are too small as are the digital information panels. Maybe they're designed for – or by – younger eyes than mine.

You'll hear no complaints regarding the controls which do, indeed, fall right to hand as the Brit test drivers are wont to say. In fact one of the things I liked best about the A3 was the way the cockpit – seats, steering wheel, pedals, gearlever – adjusted to suit my driving style. I was able to find a perfect driving position. Adding to this pleasure was a delightfully small steering wheel. Hatchback sedan the A3 may be, but it fits like a sports car.

Rear seat passengers are not so favourably treated. They'll find entry and exit awkward and though the front seatbacks are indented to allow adequate kneeroom, the seatback is too upright, seats are unusually firm and the view forward is partially blocked. Fortunately the side windows are large enough to compensate.

On the road

Many cars are described as being fun to drive when, in truth, they're not. Others are said to be driver's cars but if put to the test don't quite deserve the compliment. The Audi A3 is fun to drive and a genuine driver's car. To really appreciate the difference between hype and truth, though, you'll benefit from performance training; that said, the A3 is certain to improve anyone's driving as he or she learns to enjoy the perfectly balanced response of quick steering, dependable braking, and impressively linear acceleration.

The latter is the result of a turbocharged 2-liter four producing 207 lb-ft of torque and 200 hp coupled to a choice of 6-speed transmissions, one automatic and one manual. Blink when you read this, but the automatic is the better choice. It utilises two clutches. As one releases the existing gear, the other is taking up the next, so changes are almost instantaneous. Numbers tell all: The DSG auto does 0-60 in 6.7 seconds while the manual takes 6.9 seconds. Those ultra-quick shifts reminded me of an F1 car, especially when using the manual/automatic paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel. If he wasn't paid by Ferrari, Michael would approve.

Journey's End

Journeys in an Audi A3 should never end, it's that good. Though if anything, it's almost too good. Much as I tried it was almost impossible to resist flooring the throttle when the opportunity presented itself; listening to that sweet-sounding engine wind through six perfectly-spaced gears, changing in a heartbeat, is pure joy. And the handling is a match, especially with an electronic stability program to act as a safeguard. (Note: Even ESP has its limitations so don't depend on technology to always save your skin when you overcook it coming into a corner.)

But perhaps what makes the A3 so special is that it is totally practical for, say, a family of four. It's comfortable enough for a long journey and the hatchback, aided by a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, provides decent cargo capacity. Unlike sporty hatches and crossovers offered by other automakers, it also qualifies in the "near luxury" category, with a lengthy list of included features and desireable options. I have only one real complaint with the A3: Where was it when I was young, virile, and attractive to the girls who now call me "sir?" Oh well, you're never to old to... appreciate fine cars and beautiful ladies.