Vehicle: 2006 Audi A3 2.0T Sportback with DSG and premium pkg
Price as tested: CDN$38600

Performance: The A3′s powerplants come in little spicy and extra spicy. Our tester is equipped with the “little spicy” 2.0L FSI turbocharged DOHC 16-valver that turns out 200 horses and 207 lb/ft of torque. Considered A3 weights at 1510 kg which is lighter than the last A4 2.0T I drove, this powerplant performs even more admirably. There is no doubt DSG is the best sequential tranny available elsewhere with superb shifting speed and efficiency, it also performs everything else smoothly. In terms of responsiveness, its much quicker than A4 Multitronic with the same engine. The same kinds of engine refinement, smoothness and flexability expected in this wonderful engine. The lack of turbo lag is another bonus of this powertrain.

Handling: Based on the new generation of VAG’s A-chassis, the level of stiffness and solidty are nothing short of amazing. The A3 feels like a hot hatch when pushed through twisties which mean its great fun-to-drive. The whole vehicle feels nimble and very docile around town. Understeer is minimial and body rolls are very well controlled. ESP also doesn’t kick in until you are going really crazy into a corner. However, the electric power steering is a mix-bag as it provides decent responsiveness. It feels featherweight at low speed which is too light for my liking. As the speed gradually increases, the steering weight improves a lot. It remains as sharp and precise as one expected from Audi’s steering, on the other hand, I hope they can improve the system before introducing the high-performance S3. If it feels too darty for a “standard” A3, its very likely feel lousy in an S3 at the same speed. The ride comfort rates at the top of the class. It absorbs washboard pavements and expansion joints exceptionally well. Its a few hot hatches that I have driven that provide such a sublime ride quality without losing the handling edge.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, A3′s pedal feel is simply top-notch. After a couple of hard stops from 80 km/h, it remains fade-free. The ABS doesn’t kick-in until absoultely necessary while electronic braking force distribution has a desired effect that balanced the weight transfer between all the wheels in efficient fashion.

Interior: The overall design of A3′s interior remains me of the legendary TT design. Combined the use of tasteful aluminum trim, quad ventliations and high-quality plastic materials; the ambience feels like very Audi-like. Everything else is form-follows-function with great set of instrumentation gauges, smart design of little left/right click dual zone climate control adjustments and a stereo that placed above the climate control. The air-conditioning is efficient and cold during this 22 degrees April weather. My only pet peeve is the lack of “off” button in the climate control, which you have to push “-” button till the system closed off. Leather seats are comfortable with awesome back and side supports. The back seat, however, its very surprise as it has more legroom than a larger A4.

Despite A3′s mini-wagon status, the cargo space is equally well layout. Combined with a low liftover and 40/60 fold-down rear seats, you can treat it as a baby A4 Avant. Audi designers are also smart enough to design a handle and warning light on the hatch.

Conclusion: After the failure of Mercedes C-Coupe and BMW 318ti, Audi doesn’t want to follow the same footstep with the A3. With the introduction of Sportback, it has what others didn’t have for succeed. The A3 has a versatile 5-door mini-wagon bodystyle, plenty of power, handles like a dream, excellent build quality and its beautiful to look at. If the A3 Sportback won’t be the 1st premium hatchback to succeed in North America, nothing else does.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 AUDI A3 2.0T SPORTBACK
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-f0r-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5