Vehicle: 2006 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro S-Line Sportback with Open Sky System, cold weather package and Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights
Price as tested: CDN$49990

Handling: Unlike the less expensive 2.0T, this 3.2 is standard with Quattro all-wheel drive system. This is a Haldex system which means its 100% front locked-up until it detects slippage, then the system begins to transfer power to the offending wheel. Although its a front-bias all-wheel drive, A3 remains one of the most balanced cars I have ever driven. Both understeer and body rolls are minimal. The S-Line suspension, which is a notch firmer than the already impressive sports suspension on our 2.0T long-termer, rides as comfortably as the standard suspended 2.0T we tested last year. S-Line suspension tuned more aggressively, with stiffer springs and dampers, as well as shorter suspension travel for keen drivers. The result is a hatchback that handles like a sports car without sacificing the ride quality. It rides wonderfully by absorbing every roughness on the roads, everything from broken pavement to small bumps. On the other hand, its suspension hangs on into every corners without any drama. Its aggressive tuning encourage enthuisastic drivers to push into any corners. Along with beautifully weighted electric power steering with excellent driver feedback and precision. Just like 2.0T, 3.2’s ESP is an uninstrusive one which means it won’t kicked in until the last moment when one drives too hot into a corner. Of course, even a system as smart as ESP can’t be beaten by the law of physics.

Performance: Power has never been an issue with this excellent 3.2L V6 DOHC 30-valver. With 236 lb/ft of torque available from 2800 to 3200 rpm, this engine has plenty of low-end torque, on the other hand, its much more rev-happy than 2.0T with its 250hp on tap. The high-end is so willing to rev once a keen driver shifts the awesome DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox, which has to be considered as the world’s best sequential transmission. With 1st clutch working for 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, while 2nd clutch works for 2nd, 4th and 6th. It takes a brisk of a second for a gearchange. Not to mention this engine has great sound which reminds me of a Porsche or Ferrari. The exhaust note is soild and Teutonic, with a growl to remind any keen driver this is a performance hatchback. If there is one thing Audi needs to improve on, it has to be its horsepower. This engine is capable enough for 30 more ponies. With the extra horses, it would transform the already excellent powerplant into a great one.

Brakes: Thanks to the large 4-wheel discs with standard anti-lock brakes and electronic braking force distribution, A3 S-Line’s braking performance is as astounising as its handling and performance. The stopping distance is short and predicable. Brake pedal feels solid and threshold is easily modulated. Even under today’s rainy weather, ABS won’t kicked in until absoultely necessary.

Interior: Inside the 3.2 S-Line, it got everything you expect from an upscale hatchback. The driving position is easily found thanks to tilt/telescope steering and 12-way power adjustable driver’s sports seat. All the materials are of top-notch quality, very Audi-like. The leather sports seats are simply superb, with excellent back and side supports. The automatic climate control is standard Audi fare, which is easy to control and efficient. However, there is one drawback with 3.2’s interior which is standard with Premium Package. That’s the fuel economy function on the trip computer. The numbers keeps blinking 14L/100km to 16L/100km as you pushed this puppy alone. Thank godness one can change to different function like mileage to empty on same screen.

Conclusion: This A3 3.2 Quattro S-Line could well be the most expensive hatchback ever made to our shore, however, its very likely the best hatchback I have ever driven. Its classy, its fun, it handles beautifully with wonderful powertrain and gorgeous interior. If you are one of the lucky few who can afford one of these great cars, make sure you turn off the fuel economy function on the trip computer. That’s because fuel economy should be the last thing on your mind when buying a 50k hatchback!!!!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 AUDI A3 3.2Q S-LINE
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 5/5