We test drive the Audi A3

.

The perception of luxury is beginning to change and the proof is the Audi A3. It may be the most inexpensive way to leap into Audi’s Line-up. But at least it’s not a penalty box. Here’s why:

The 1.8 turbo that was shared with the Volkswagen Golf is no longer offered. Instead you get to choose from two very potent 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The front-wheel-drive configurations get 186hp while the versions with Quattro All-wheel-drive get the familiar 220hp output. Pick of the range depends on what you want the most from your A3. If you really do need the extra traction your only choice is to get the more powerful engine option, while everyone will find that the front-wheel-drive form is good enough for their needs. Our tester car came equipped with the all-wheel-drive seeing that the first time around when we drove the A3 it was front-wheel-drive and had a 1.8 turbo engine.

The A3 is quite easy to drive around town and is very nimble. What we enjoyed the most about the A3 is how refined it felt without ever feeling dull or boring. The 2-liter turbo engine offered the low-end torque that we loved especially when merging and overtaking on faster paced roads. We did get the chance to experience the all-wheel-drive in action as it did rain during our test. The grip was there and we loved it but like we said prior, you’ll have to really want it to justify the slight increase in price and the spike in running costs. The 1.8 turbo we tested proved that the front-wheel-drive A3 is just as capable of holding its own on slippery surfaces. Steering feedback was where it should be, it provided enough feedback to provide confidence in corners and bends without being overly heavy like in some BMW vehicles we’ve encountered. Wind and road noise are far from an issue but the ride comfort can get slightly too firm with the larger alloy wheels. The sports suspension option that our tester car came equipped with made the ride comfort overly firm and borderline unforgiving. It would’ve been different if the A3 had the trade-off of fantastic handling like the Mini Hardtop 4-door Cooper S, but it’s nowhere near as good as the Mini.

Audi knows how to make an interior and the A3 is no exception to this, even though the A3 is the cheapest of the range. The materials used inside of the cabin feel high class and well put together, you won’t have any complaints about the interior. We love how the infotainment system leaps out of the dash, it adds a bit of classiness to the overall impressive interior layout. The controls and dials are easy to read and are also easy to navigate through. What we love the most is how everything feels substantial and doesn’t feel like it’s built to a price. The front seats offer plenty of support while those in the rear seat will feel shortchanged on legroom. The boot space is actually quite good for such a small sedan.

The A3 we had as a tester car was the Premium Quattro which came fitted with the following options: keyless entry with push button start, sport front seats with Audi drive select, heated front seats and a sports suspension riding on 18-inch alloy wheels. Bi-xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and leather-wrapped gear selector all come standard on the A3.

The Audi A3 is a great option for those who want an Audi but can’t afford the price premium of the A4. However, just like the CLA we have to say that the A3 is pretty hard to justify when there are so many indirect rivals that offer more standard kit and a bigger backseat. You’ll really have to want an Audi to be willing to dish out the premium that is associated with it. Our tester car mildly kitted came with a price tag near $40k and well for that money we could go elsewhere and get more value for our money.

Likes: The new 2-liter turbo engine is way better than the old 1.8 turbo. The interior is classy with high quality materials used.

Dislikes: The A3 is bland to look at. Our tester car was pretty pricey and that was just the entry-level trim.

Our pick: The premium with front-wheel-drive will be enough for most buyers. You don’t really need all-wheel-drive unless you just have to have the extra traction. Otherwise, running costs wise and performance wise the front-wheel-drive is just as good and can hold its own well.

Devon test drives an Audi A3 (Used)

If you acquire the taste of luxury but the price tag leaves you running for the hills. Fret not because the Audi A3 is here.

There are two engines to choose from. The standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 170hp while the top of the range 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 220hp. Picking between the two is all a mere matter of taste. The 1.8 only comes with front-wheel-drive and is our pick of the range. It makes the most sense financially and running costs are decent too. It’s nice though that you can have more power with the 2-liter turbo but you can only have it with all-wheel-drive. Both versions don’t even offer a manual gearbox, in both cases however you’ll have to go with the upcoming redesigned Volkswagen Golf/GTI to satisfy that desire.

Unless you’re downgrading from a Bentley, the interior won’t be as classy in comparison. However both are classy and both won’t disappoint. Audi's interior decors are some of the best in the industry. Even the optional infotainment display that sort of leaps out of the dash is a welcome touch; everything is within easy reach of the driver’s hand and the seats are comfortable with plenty of support. Rear passengers however may suffer a bit in legroom.

Premium trim offers leather seats, Xenon headlamps, dual zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Premium plus trim adds keyless start, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats. You’ll have to step up to the Prestige trim to full LED headlights, 14 speaker 705watt sound system and voice control navigation system.

The A3 may seem expensive compared to indirect rivals such as the Mazda3 and even Volkswagen GTI. But for those who crave the Audi badge but can’t afford the A4 we strongly suggest sticking with the standard form and you’ll be fine. Resale value is too soon to call since the A3 is new to the market.

The A3 is a classy offering and is worth considering if you want a four-door sedan with premium image. However it’s just not as compelling to look at compared to the Mercedes CLA and it’s not as fun to drive as a BMW 2-series. It is the best between the two and we think it’s the top pick for those who want a classy well rounded sedan.

Likes: Both engines have strong pull. The standard kit is impressive for such a low asking price.

Dislikes: Bland exterior looks. There are so many indirect rivals that offer more for similar money.

Devon’s Choice: The A3 Premium 1.8t is where our money would go. It offers enough kit to satisfy most needs without being too expensive. Plus running costs are decent too.

[Updated] Audi Allroad

If you take an Audi A4 raise the suspension slightly and throw on plastic body panels. You get the Audi Allroad, it's designed to compete with the Volvo V60 CC and Subaru Outback. With standard Quattro all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, can Audi give a justifiable reason to buy an Allroad over a luxury crossover?

Performance: The Allroad only comes with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder upgraded to 252hp with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. We love how there’s tons of torque at low revs which helps make the engine feel much more flexible around town and on the highway. It also comes with decent running costs too, despite the increase in horsepower over the outgoing model.

Ride & handling: Even though the Allroad has a raised driving position for mild off-roading. The downside is that the Allroad is that there's a bit more body roll than the A4 Avant on which it’s based on. The ride comfort is vastly improved over the previous generation and steering feedback is also much more responsive.

Refinement: The Allroad is quiet and smooth at highway speeds. There's a bit of wind noise, but it can be easily drained out with the radio. Suspension and road noise are also well suppressed.

Behind the wheel: There's a wide range of adjustments for the driver's seat and steering wheel. The instrumental panel is easy to navigate and visibility is great thanks to large glass area.

Space & Practicality: There's enough space for four adults and their luggage. Headroom and legroom and plenty and the boot is a good size as well. The rear seats fold down to add more space, but they don't fold completely flat.

Equipment: Premium trim comes with leather seating surfaces, xenon headlamps, Audi drive select with off-road mode and Audi smartphone interface. You’ll have to step up to the Premium Plus trim to get Full-LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen sound system and Audi’s advanced keyless start with hands-free boot release. Top of the range Prestige adds Audi’s virtual cockpit, head-up display and MMI navigation system with voice control.

Buying & Owning: The Allroad comes with a hefty price tag which is similar to the Volvo V60 CC. Even though the Subaru Outback is much cheaper to buy, it doesn't have the styling appeal of the Audi Allroad. Gas mileage a combined 23 miles to the gallon which is decent for a wagon that has all-wheel-drive and weighs near 4,000lbs. Resale value should be good as with all Audis.

Reliability & Quality: The interior quality is excellent for its class. All the materials feel upscale and the overall impression is superb. Audi hasn't really enjoyed the best reliability record in the past, but from what we've seen in recent years. The question still remains over the longterm reliability of the mechanicals and electronics.

Security & Safety: The Allroad comes with lots of safety equipment, including six airbags and stability control. Rear side airbags are optional. Deadlocks and an alarmn are fitted as stanard to guard against theft.

The Allroad is a nice wagon with plenty of luxury features galore. The engine is decent for the task, and fuel economy is respectable. However the bigger question remains. Why Audi didn't offer the A6 Allroad instead of the A4 based Allroad. The price tag would've been a little more justifiable and overall packaging would've been more convincing seeing that the Volvo V60 CC and Subaru Outback are both larger vehicles with more space. However, if you want a splash of style, wagon practicality and desire the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive, the Audi Allroad is the perfect car that blends all three very well.

Devon's Pick: Premium Plus adds Xenon headlamps which look better on the Allroad than the halogen headlamps that come standard on the base trim. Plus it feels like an alround better deal than both the base trim and top of the range.

Likes: Restyled exterior is a breath of fresh air. Turbo engine adds the punch you need and still offers decent running costs.

Dislikes: Priced rather steeply and reliability record is still iffy. On road dynamics aren’t as sharp as the sedan.