Follow-up test: 2010 Audi A3 2.0TDI
Vehicle: 2010 Audi A3 2.0TDI Premium with S-Line Pkg and Bi-Xenon headlights
Price as tested: CDN$42450
There are cars that are sporty to drive, there are cars that are practical and there are cars that are efficiency. The answer to all of those questions is probably the subject to this test. Audi’s latest A3, the TDI version.
Just like our long-term VW Jetta wagon, A3 uses the same 140hp 2.0TDI. This engine provides V6-like torque with 4-cylinder efficiency, 236 lb/ft of torque to be exact. Both the seat-of-the-pants feel and real numbers have proved the fact that it is the best of both worlds. You can have both performance without sacificing anything when it comes to fuel economy. Its level of refinement and NVH are so remarkable, one would be hard to tell it is a diesel engine until you hear its clutter. 6-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox is the only transmission choice with A3 TDI. The proper gearing of this gearbox has mated it perfectly with the diesel engine.
When it comes to driving dynamics, A3 TDI aces it. Along with S-Line suspension, its springs have been recaliberated with sportier driving experience. The steering is sharp and precise with the right weight. It handles no difference than any A3s we have driven. The body motions are well-controlled and understeer is minimal.
Inside, its everything else you expect from an Audi. All the top-notch materials with excellent dash layout. If the only drawback is there is no place to put the privacy cover whenever the rear seats completely fold down. Otherwise, a package that is very hard to resist consider it got Audi cachet, German quality and excellent dynamics. The only problem is whether you should choose an A3, with sportier driving experience or Golf wagon, with more cargo space.
Likes:
Exterior and interior styling
Delicate driving dynamics
Superb 2.0TDI + S-Tronic DSG gearbox
Fuel efficiency
Dislikes:
Price/value becomes an issue when loaded up the A3
Golf wagon provides more cargo space than A3
Where to put the privacy cover when seats fold flat?