Audi A3 3.2 2008

By Bruno Bouchard

Road-test likes:

• the quality of the interior fit and finish;
• the balance of the chassis;
• great steering feel;
• good passing power from the 250hp V6;
• excellent AWD from Audi;
• comfortable front seats and easy to find driving position. The two hour drive to Montréal was a breeze.

Road-test dislikes:

• the lack of real difference between the performance of the V6 compared to the 2,0T model. Standstill acceleration results could be better in the 3.2 model;
• the not so good fuel economy. The motor revs near 3000 rpm at 120 km/h. This is much too high for a V6 mated to a 6 speed DSG gearbox. I average a poor 10 litres/100 km on the highway to Montréal. City driving brings the average close to 14 litres per 100km;
• the cargo space width. I could not fit my golf bag without folding the rear seat;
• the monstrous price tag. The tested S-line model is listed at $49,000. The base S-line model starts at $43,700 CDN;
• the touring tires, can we please get performance tires for 50 000$?;
• the combination of suspension setting, tire and weight distribution does not fully take advantage of what this car can do.

The interior

The interior is classic Audi. Anyone familiar with the makes interior design will feel at home. Audi has one of the nicest interiors. The all black materials are of good quality. Their feel is rich and smooth. I would personally like to see some more touches of aluminium as used with the vents. I think it would add more life to an austere design.  The central display is well thought as all the functions are easy to figure out and to manipulate.

Front passenger space cannot be criticized but rear passenger and cargo space is a bit disappointing. The leg room is at a minima. The passengers I carried did mention there knees were not hurting the seat in front of them but it was by a fraction and they would preferred more leg room. Also, the car is narrow (1705mm). This is narrower than the small BMW 1 Serie... Three adults will feel cramped up in the back seat. But for me, the disappointing news was that my golf bag would not fit in the cargo area without reclining the back seat. This is such a long way from the 4 golf bags and 2 coolers I fitted in the A6 on father's day.

Conclusion

The comparo is actually tomorrow and we still haven't decided if the A3 3.2 S-line will compete. The car does have great features but we are still unsure of it's capacity to mingle with the Mitsubishi Evo, Subaru STI and BMW 135i at Calabogie Motorsports raceway. It concedes 50hp to the Evo and the bimmer and it lacks the sheer grunt of the STI. But, its in the same price range and it has a magnificent AWD system. The A3 is a hot hatch with great potential. It's settled! Calabogie here we come!

For more information on the Audi A3, make sure to read our comparo.