When Audi launched the latest generation A3, in three-door form first, I failed to take much notice unfortunately.
It wasn't until I saw the first preview pictures of the new five-door version, dubbed the "Sportback", that my interest started to increase. My wife and I used to run two cars, ... Read review
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 7 Speed multitronic Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1986 cc - Max Speed: 131 mph - 140, 120 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: S line, SE, Executive S line, Executive SE
Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed tiptronic Automatic, 5 Speed Manual - 1595 cc - Max Speed: 116 mph - 102 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Technik SE, Technik, S line, Sport, SE
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Advantages: Incredible build quality, performance/economy mix from diesel, looks Disadvantages: Expensive to buy new, other rivals more exciting to drive, diesel noisy from cold
When Audi launched the latest generation A3, in three-door form first, I failed to take much notice unfortunately.
It wasn't until I saw the first preview pictures of the new five-door version, dubbed the "Sportback", that my interest started to increase. My wife and I used to run two cars, but with my change of job to work locally we knew one car between us would make sense. It also meant we could buy one really nice one, ... .../>
Inside is where the Audi really shines. There is nothing in its class to touch the quality and finish of the materials and parts used. It looks classy too, and all the controls and switches have a nice soft touch to them. There's lots of neat features too, like if you press the indicator stalk up or down briefly, you get three flashes of the indicator, and the SE has an extra lighting package which has details like puddle lights when opening ... more
When Audi launched the latest generation A3, in three-door form first, I failed to take much notice unfortunately.
It wasn't until I saw the first preview pictures of the new five-door version, dubbed the "Sportback", that my interest started to increase. My wife and I used to run two cars, but with my change of job to work locally we knew one car between us would make sense. It also meant we could buy one really nice one, too!
Choosing a diesel-powered model from the range would not only mean low running costs and slow depreciation, but also flexibility in all driving conditions. The 2.0TDI engine is surprisingly noisy from cold, especially when compared to Ford's TDCi, but once warmed up it's not too bad. Like the best diesels though, forget about the 138bhp power output; the maximum 236lb/ft of torque dominates the driving experience, and the way it takes off from 30mph in third gear to 70mph is just astonishing!
According to the onboard fuel computer, we've got an all-time average of 44mpg over 15,000 miles which is excellent, especially since we make a lot of short journeys. On longer drives to see the folks, we've seen as much as 55mpg, and probably more if you drive very carefully.
The ride is nothing particularly special. It's relatively firm but the SE suspension is quite supple, and coupled with standard 16" wheels soaks up bumps quite well, but with a lot of tyre roar. It also handles quite tidily too - the Sportback has independent rear suspension - but there is a real lack of steering feel, and it is slow to change direction quickly, like when you're exiting a roundabout. We test-drove a Sport model, but the so-called sports suspension felt harsh and noisy, and didn't seem to improve the driving experience. The SE has more interior kit like cruise control and a centre arm-rest.
Inside is where the Audi really shines. There is nothing in its class to touch the quality and finish of the materials and parts used. It looks classy too, and all the controls and switches have a nice soft touch to them. There's lots of neat features too, like if you press the indicator stalk up or down briefly, you get three flashes of the indicator, and the SE has an extra lighting package which has details like puddle lights when opening the doors plus an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Audi claim that the Sportback is a crossover between a hatchback and an estate. True, the boot space is quite big at 350 litres, but the rear seats don't fold completely flat. My old Ford Escort could do that - so why can't a £20,000 A3? Having said that, it easily seats four in comfort and still carry a fair bit of luggage, proved by our regular channel trips to France for some booze.
We've owned our black example for nearly two years, and in that time we've not had a single problem with it - not even a blown bulb! On some owners forums however I have read of some poor reliability, but I still believe overall it's not far behind the Japanese cars. In the JD Power survey, the A3 did better than the mainstream rivals (Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra).
I know it's a terrible cliché, but this really is a car you buy with your head and not your heart. With some of the best residuals of any car at this price (60% retained over three years), cheap diesel running costs and a low insurance group (11), this easily offsets the high initial outlay.
Advantages: A 5-door premium "mini-estate" Disadvantages: Cost. It's really just a Golf, buy you pay for the badge...
...delivery of our brand new Audi A3 Sportback SE 2.0 TDI, to replace my Mercedes CLK (check out my other reviews), a splendid car but really not a suitable family-mobile...
I know I've not had the car very long, so maybe am not in a fantastic position to give a full review, but as no-one else has reviewed this car on Ciao (yet), I wanted to make this information available to you all. I hope this is OK, and will update this review as time goes by and ... ...logo is still used by Audi today.
Volkswagen purchased Auto Union in 1964 - they also own Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Seat & Skoda, and, apparently, "Each brand retains its differentiated brand image and operates as an independent entity on the market. Together, the product ranges extend from low-consumption small cars to luxury class vehicles.") The A3 hatchback sits towards the small end of the current Audi range, with the A2 supermini, the ...
matt_fantastic 02.06.2006 (06.06.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI
Advantages: Super looks, great build quality Disadvantages: Audi service..AVIOD
Audi is a german company. I could leave it there, but audi currently i believe lead the german luxury car market, the A3's competitors are the VW Golf and the BMW 1 series, this mercedes currently not offering a sporty hatchback. The golf firstly won't give you the same luxury that the A3 will which justifies it being £6000 cheaper, and the 1 series will give you the luxury at a slightly most expensive price and without the sporty looks of the A3. ... ...that make up the great audi package. The sportback being the 5-door version is exteremeley spacious im 6ft tall and i would get into the back seat with no problems with a 6ft driver in front! and compfort is no afterthought you sink into the seats and feel very secure and in control. The boot aswell is incredibly spacious i plpay cricket and honesly i could easily get 4 cricket bags in with no problem, for those who don't know each one was around ...
piiindy 21.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI
Advantages: Well built, resale value Disadvantages: Pathetic engine
...be for the price. Local Audi dealer worse then useless (boys in suits selling products they know nothing about). Huge delay on delivery.
Good points:
Use of space in the car is spot on for us (excellent boot/rear space balance - shame the rear seats don't fold flat though).
Bad points:
THE ENGINE THE ENGINE THE ENGINE
Noisy (rattles embarassingly loudly - far more noisy than a mate of mine's cheap Renault Kangoo)
Economy is poor until it has ... ...lag is massive and dangerous. Audi claims 0-60 in something like 9 seconds. Feels like 0-10 in 8 seconds and then 10-60 in 1. I can out accelerate it on my bicycle. If you keep it on turbo it drives swiftly (good for country lane motoring and boy racers perhaps). Awful car to drive around town though, heavy, slow, chunky, dangerous: always think twice about pulling out 'sharply'. Because of lack of torque very easy to stall.
Wish I'd never bought ...
GT999 29.12.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI
Value for Money
Road Handling
Comfort
Features
Fuel consumption
Looks
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Advantages: Build quality; Stability; Grip when cornering; comfortable ride Disadvantages: Prince when you start adding extras
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tjents 01.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Audi A3 2.0 TDI
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