2015 Audi A3 - Review

PRICE : 2015 A3 Premium 1.8 TFSI $29,900

PRICE : 2015 A3 Premium 2.0 TFSI $32,900

PRICE : 2015 A3 Premium Plus 1.8 TFSI $32,800

PRICE : 2015 A3 Premium Plus 2.0 TFSI $35,800

PRICE : 2015 A3 Prestige 1.8 TFSI $38,700

PRICE : 2015 A3 Prestige 2.0 TFSI $41,700

The compact A3 Sedan is the smallest as well as to the lowest degree expensive fellow member of Audi's North American lineup. Designed equally a successor to the A3 hatchback, the sedan aims to deliver buyers a to a greater extent than compact alternative to the A4 spell retaining a traditional four-door torso trend preferred past times American drivers. Buyers looking to bring down their fuel budget tin social club the A3 Sedan with a diesel-burning turbo iv spell those after a sportier driving experience volition probable opt for the range-topping S3.

Stretching 175.5 inches long, seventy inches broad as well as 55.7 inches tall, the A3 Sedan looks similar a shrunken A4 when viewed from the outside. It wears an aggressive facial expression defined past times abrupt headlights, lightly sculpted flanks, pronounced bike arches, a discreet spoiler integrated into the nurture hatch as well as triangular tail lamps.

The A3 benefits from Audi's expertise inwards the champaign of lightweight structure as well as the lightest version tips the scale at only 2,755 pounds thank yous to a torso made largely of hot-formed steel as well as an aluminum hood. It shares its modular MQB platform with the Europe-only A3 hatchback as well as several other Volkswagen products including the seventh-gen Golf.

EXTERIOR

A3 sedan is the rattling showtime compact sedan coming out of the Ingolstadt factory. It is seen equally an of import production for emerging markets similar Republic of Republic of India as well as was showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo.India is a large marketplace for small, compact cars similar the A3 sedan. The auto is based on Volkswagen MQB platform as well as boasts of a maximum wheelbase of 2626 mm as well as an overall length 4458 mm which hope loads of cabin space.

The exterior styling of the A3 sedan is typical Audi with a hexagonal front end grille flanked past times angular headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights that are unmistakably Audi. Like all Audi cars, the side profile is rather undramatic. Tail lamps choose been slightly tweaked on the A3 as well as larn LED plow signals. Overall a residuum as well as minimalist design.

INTERIOR

With a maximum wheelbase of over 2.6 meters, the cabin of the novel A3 sedan is sufficiently spacious for a small-scale family. The auto tin topographic point 5 adults on seats wrapped inwards premium leather.The dashboard is completely novel with circular HVAC blowers as well as a slender pump console that adds a touching of sportiness. The Audi MMI arrangement operates via a controller on the pump console as well as a shroud that rises from the dashboard.

The Audi A3 sedan was showtime unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor show. Audi has released details of the A3 sedan that volition live on available inwards the American market. Stateside, the Audi A3. Audi A3 gets 2 petrol engines. One is a 1.8-liter TFSI with an overall output of 170 horsepower as well as 271 Nm of torque which is available correct from 1600-4000 rpm.

The other to a greater extent than powerful engine is the 2.0-liter unit of measurement which is capable of 220 horsepower as well as 350 Nm of twisting forcefulness that adds to the surge from 1600-4400 rpm. Top speed is express to 209 kph. The base-spec A3 sedan completes the dash from 0-100 kph inwards 7.2 seconds spell the to a greater extent than powerful model completes the same inwards only over 5 seconds, courtesy of its lightweight construction.

SPECIFICATION

►Year:2015
►Make:Audi
►Model:A3
►Engine:1.8 TFSI
►Horsepower @ RPM:170 @ 4500
►Torque @ RPM:200 @ 1600
►Displacement:1.8 L
►0-60 time:7.2 sec.
►Top Speed:130 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

►BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
We're suckers for a sweetness stereo, as well as the A3's optional 705-Watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen unit of measurement surely qualifies. We've loved the sweetness B&O sound constitute inwards Audi's larger vehicles, as well as thence it's a existent pleasance to reckon that excellence trickle downwards to the brand's most frugal offering.

►AUDI ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH STOP & GO
Not alone tin the novel A3's adaptive cruise command automatically maintain a pre-selected distance from the auto ahead, it tin choose the vehicle to halt if needed. Your daydreaming commutes only got a fiddling safer.

EQUIPMENTS

►Standard Equipment :

Filling out the generous measure equipment roster are leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth with sound streaming, as well as a 7-inch audio/information shroud controlled past times Audi's MMI interface. S3 variants add together measure Quattro all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloys, a flat-bottom steering wheel, as well as a sport-tuned suspension. The absence of a measure backup photographic tv set camera is a surprising omission, but otherwise the security equipment listing looks good, featuring a suite of electronic stability assists as well as 8 airbags, including front-occupant human knee airbags.

►Optional Equipment :

The novel A3 mightiness live on the cheapest of Audi's, but it's all the same quite possible to charge 1 upwards with a budget-busting array of options. Standouts include LED headlights, heated seats, rear-seat chest airbags, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation with Google world map imagery, as well as MMI Touch, a clever touchpad conveniently located atop the MMI controller that recognizes handwritten text entry. There are also several dynamic security features available similar active lane-keep assist, blind-zone warning, dynamic cruise control, as well as a parking-assist bundle that bundles front end as well as nurture parking sensors with a rearview camera. Lastly, S3 models tin live on had with a $1,500 Magnetic Ride Control interruption arrangement comprised of 3 driving modes: dynamic, comfort as well as individual.

PERFORMANCE

The 2015 Audi A3 showtime arrives inwards the the U.S.A. inwards 2 forms: front-wheel-drive 1.8T models, with their 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, as well as 2.0T quattro (all-wheel-drive) models, with a 220-hp, 2.0-liter engine.

Both are turbocharged, direct-injected in-line fours with Fe blocks as well as aluminum heads, as well as mated to the familiar (VW/Audi) six-speed DSG (automated dual-clutch) gearbox. The calibration of Volkswagen’s familiar six-speed DSG dual-clutch automated gearbox has been softened somewhat for the A3—for meliorate low-speed drivability than we've noticed from this transmission inwards the past—although if yous click over to the transmission's 'S' (sport) agency yous larn afterward (and firmer) upshifts, summation eager, rev-matched downshifts.

Audi quotes 0-60 mph times of 7.2 seconds with the 1.8T as well as 5.8 seconds with the 2.0T, but that may live on due to shift points as well as launch smoothness (there is a launch-control characteristic inwards the stability control). In reality these 2 models experience only equally quick inwards normal driving conditions—although nosotros noted a somewhat raspier authorities notation from the 1.8T when pressed. Both engines make their peak torque ratings (200 as well as 258 pound-feet, respectively) at only 1,600 rpm, as well as thence they're fine existence almost lugged as well as yet tin 'waft' upwards to speed almost similar a diesel fuel or big-displacement engine—with nearly no detectable turbo lag—if yous tip gently into the accelerator.

The most coveted edition volition live on the S3. With an uprated version of the same 2.0-liter turbo iv as well as measure all-wheel drive, the S3 should live on goodness for most 296 horsepower, as well as for a 0-60 mph fourth dimension of most 4.8 seconds--a functioning benchmark only two-tenths of a instant shy of the CLA 45 AMG, which sports almost threescore to a greater extent than horsepower.

The A3 runs on a transverse-engine architecture, with a strut front end interruption isolated on its ain subframe, with a four-link torsion-beam nurture interruption used for efficient packaging. The electromechanical steering arrangement is alongside the best-weighted inwards the business, with a precision that allows yous to easily house the A3 precisely where yous desire it to live on inwards your lane, although actual route feedback isn’t whatever to a greater extent than brilliant that inwards most other models of its form (read: a fiddling dull). Brakes also choose a precise, easy-to-modulate feel.

Audi's Drive Select volition also allow drivers fine-tune the A3's throttle experience as well as steering seek over the common auto, sport, comfort, as well as private ranges.

As for quattro all-wheel drive, the arrangement inwards the A3 isn't at all the same equally the 1 that's used inwards Audi's larger models from the A4 theatre unit of measurement on up. Instead it's the Haldex clutch-pack-based arrangement that aids efficiency past times sending most or all powerfulness to the front end wheels during most cruising as well as steady driving situations but tin quickly, depending on a broad arrive at of sensor inputs, anticipate as well as preemptively avoid bike slippage past times sending to a greater extent than powerfulness to the nurture wheels for traction—as farther assisted past times the stability command system.

DRIVETRAIN

From the driver's seat, the novel A3 feels compact, non inwards a disconcerting, exposed way, but rather similar the unnecessary volume has been removed. Small-car fans volition reveal a lot to similar here. The supple ride as well as serenity cabin assist create daily commutes or long-distance locomote all the to a greater extent than tolerable. Despite its stable, pleasant conduct on the freeway, the A3 remains impressively agile inwards the corners. While the performance-focused Audi S3 rides stiffer, it won't create your daily commute a cringe-worthy affair. Currently, the A3 comes with 2 turbocharged gasoline powertrains – a front-wheel-drive 170-horsepower 1.8-liter that eagerly sprints to threescore mph inwards slightly to a greater extent than than 7 seconds, or an all-wheel-drive 220-horsepower 2.0-liter that does the run to threescore inwards less than vi seconds. The 2.0-liter TDI diesel fuel offers first-class fuel economic scheme without sacrificing performance. Knocking out gear changes with impressive speed as well as smoothness, a measure 6-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission rounds out the A3's well-sorted dynamic package.

COMFORT & QUALITY

Yes, nosotros know that the A3 is a small-scale car, as well as that it's relatively affordable. But spell its in-cabin engineering (when yous depository fiscal establishment check the correct pick boxes) wows us, nosotros can't assist but live on a fiddling disappointed with its relative lack of beast comforts as well as traditional luxury-badge refinement.

The A3's cabin is a flake of a throwback, if you've spent fourth dimension inwards the electrical flow A4 sedan or Allroad wagon. The novel four-door's only 175.5 inches long, as well as it rides on a 103.4-inch wheelbase. That's to a greater extent than than a half-foot longer overall than a Benz CLA. The Audi's also marginally wider, as well as it's notable from the dorsum topographic point how the A3's doors as well as roofline create its petite dorsum topographic point to a greater extent than accessible than the 1 inwards the CLA.

But inwards all fairness, the CLA as well as its intentionally compromised, coupe-like layout are a depression bar to larn upwards against—and versus most other small-scale luxury sedans, the A3 feels a fiddling cramped.

Comfort is adequate from the front end seats, but these aren't the superb, super-supportive seats of Audi's larger models. The lower cushions of the seats inwards the A3 (even those of the available sport seats) are surprisingly short—not what nosotros await from a European car—and nosotros constitute that the difficult edges adjacent to the forwards portion of the pump console dug into the sides of correct knees, bothering non only taller drivers similar this 1 but average-height drivers equally well.

As for the dorsum seat, there's decent infinite dorsum in that location if yous don't hap to choose someone tall inwards front; otherwise, headroom is on the tight side—and volition live on for anyone roughly 5'10” as well as above.

Power seats are included for the driver only, as well as yous won’t reckon ventilated or cooled seats, or a heated steering wheel, anywhere on the options listing (these 2 latter items are pretty mutual on pick lists nowadays, but it seems similar nearly all smaller luxury sedan buyers choose to bargain with to a greater extent than compromised, manual passenger-seat adjustments).

Cabin refinement meets the minimum that 1 mightiness await of a premium-brand small-scale car, but nosotros wouldn't larn as well as thence far equally to telephone phone the A3 peculiarly serenity or refined. There's quite a flake of route roar inwards the cabin, as well as yous experience the coarse thrum of the engine equally you're lugging along at urban kernel speeds; the engine racket aren't equally isolated away equally inwards a Mercedes CLA—or a Buick Verano, for that matter.

ENGINE

Powered past times either the 1.8-liter or the optional 2.0-liter, the novel A3 sedan pulls with welcome gusto. Strangely, the more-powerful all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter A3 is rated 1 mpg higher inwards urban kernel driving than the 1.8-liter. The 2.0-liter's supposed efficiency wages should also serve equally consolation for cold-weather Audi A3 buyers who are forced to pay for to a greater extent than powerfulness only to larn all-wheel drive. For the fuel-conscious, the novel 2.0-liter TDI diesel fuel offers first-class fuel economic scheme with fiddling penalization inwards performance. The range-topping S3 pairs a 292-horsepower version of the aforementioned 2.0-liter engine with the A3's measure 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Note: Everyone has to pay extra at the pump, equally premium fuel is required throughout the A3/S3 lineup.

►1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4
170 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
200 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg (sedan), 24/35 mpg (cabriolet)

►2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
220 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (sedan), 24/32 mpg (cabriolet)

►2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
292 horsepower @ 5,400-6,200 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg

►2.0-liter turbocharged diesel fuel inline-4
150 horsepower @ 3,500-4,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/43 mpg

SAFETY

he 2015 Audi A3 has all the measure security features that you’d await to reckon inwards a small, premium-brand sedan; as well as only similar most vehicles inwards this class, there’s room to pass to a greater extent than on active-safety options that mightiness assist yous avoid an accident altogether.

Audi says it's maximized interior infinite as well as boosted crash functioning past times moving the front end wheels forwards past times most 1.5 inches. The A3 doesn't rely on torso along to protect passengers, though: it has pre-collision restraint training (as purpose of a arrangement called pre sense basic), imitation torque vectoring on the front end wheels via its anti-lock brakes, as well as a passel of optional security technology, including blind spot monitors as well as adaptive cruise command that maintains a traffic crawl with a tap of the cruise's resume button.

Add the Advanced Technology package, as well as yous add together active lane assist, as well as adaptive cruise command with halt as well as go.

While the A3 didn't quite create practice five-star ratings inwards all categories from the federal authorities (it earns alone iv for frontal impact), it's already earned Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with top 'good' ratings inwards all categories of testing—including the tough novel small-scale overlap frontal touching on test.

FUEL ECONOMY

The 2015 Audi A3 lineup is only equally fuel-efficient equally mass-market compact cars -- as well as models with quattro all-wheel campaign don't sacrifice much efficiency.

Front-wheel-drive A3 sedans choose the 1.8-liter (1.8T) engine, as well as larn ratings of 23 mpg city, 33 highway, spell those with quattro earn a slightly meliorate 24 city, 33 highway.

That’s quite the reverse of how it unremarkably is, with AWD models unremarkably lagging their front-wheel-drive counterparts past times equally much equally 2 or 3 mpg. Credit the A3’s Haldex clutch-pack-based system, which sends powerfulness to the nurture wheels alone when its needed—typically non when cruising at a steady speed.

It’s also most probable a affair of gearing; models with the 2.0T engine choose somewhat taller gearing that may assist when yous ease upwards off the accelerator at whatever speed.

In an early on campaign experience roofing 2 dissimilar A3 2.0T sedans, over nearly 200 miles of rapid driving along hilly, curvy two-lane roads, nosotros saw trip-computer-indicated averages on both cars of most 26 as well as 27 mpg—giving us confidence that most people volition live on able to accomplish these cars’ 27-mpg EPA Combined rating.

The size of the fuel tank is dissimilar betwixt the 2 equally well—13.2 gallons for the 1.8T or 14.5 gallons for the 2.0T. And past times the way, premium fuel is listed equally recommended on both engines

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