In my idea of a perfect world, everyone would be driving cars that get excellent fuel mileage. Until that time comes, thank goodness for the Audi A3 TDI.
Before I had the opportunity to test drive the A3, I kept wondering if the U.S. was ready and willing to pay for a compact luxury car. The model I tested has a base price of $30,250.00, which features four-wheel drive and a S-Tronic transmission. When I asked a friend if she was would pay that much for a compact car, she told me that if she was single without kids she could picture herself in an A3. However, for $30K, she’d much rather buy a van.
As a single person with no kids, I would be more than willing to pay for the A3. Considering that I live in San Diego where gas is around $4.19 per gallon, I could pay 10 cents more for diesel and get more bang for my buck. Besides that, I love that I can get in and out of parking spaces very easily. If you’ve ever tried to find a decent parking space in any lot in San Diego, you’ll understand how exciting that actually is.
I like to think of the A3 as the Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) of cars. It’s small, quick, and can weave in and out of traffic very easily. A turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine and 140hp is enough to get you off and running with a little tap on the fuel pedal. For whatever reason, “zippy” is the only description that came to mind whenever I was behind the wheel. Another option is the 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged (2.0T) four-cylinder gas engine with a manual transmission. The TDI is currently only available with an automatic transmission.
Great For Road Trips
What I was most impressed with is the fuel economy, which is becoming more important to people nowadays. EPA estimates are 30 city mpg and 42 highway mpg. I was able to get 507.9 miles on one tank (14.6 gallons) before I had to fill up again - and that’s with about a gallon still left. So I basically was able to get roughly around 37 miles per gallon overall.
Fuel stations that sell diesel are still a little hard to come by, but I was able to search for stations through Audi's navigation/multi-media system.During my week with the A3, I did a quick getaway to Phoenix, Arizona. I started in San Diego with just over half a tank of fuel and that’s when I fueled up at that 507.9 point. In essence, I drove 350 miles on half a tank. Definitely cheaper than a plane ticket!
Electronic cruise control comes standard with the A3, so that helps with long road trips as well.
Who Said Luxury Was Just For Big Cars?
In the U.S. when we think of luxury cars, we think big sedans or shiny SUV's. Well, Audi is working on changing that perception with the A3. The model I tested included the Premium Plus option ($2,000) which includes:
- Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Bluetooth hands-free phone interface
- A multifunction leather steering wheel
- Power front driver seat
- Illumination package and storage package
- Aluminum belt line trim
- 17-inch ally wheels with all-season tires
The manually adjustable tilt steering wheel allows you to change radio stations, control audio volume, and Bluetooth operation. The silver paddles right behind the wheel spokes allow for gear changes...
The illumination package adds ambience; features lighted vanity mirrors, map lights and active door reflectors...
The storage package provides plenty of trunk room. You could fit 2 large-size luggage in the back. The middle section can go down if you have long items to store...
With Audi, it's all in the details. The aluminum trim lends itself to a stylish, sporty look.
The open sky sunroof is perfect for Southern California weather...
It's All About Technology
Audi's MMI (Multi-Media Interface) with navigation system can be a little intimidating and people have commented that it's not very intuitive, however, being a techie myself, I've had few problems navigating the interface. It does take some getting used to. The navigation plus system ($2,050) includes an iPod cable located in the glove compartment.
In the following video I offer a quick overview of the MMI...
The MSRP of the model tested with options is $37,250. Included is a 4-year or 50,000 mile limited warranty, 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation, 12-month or 5,000 mile no charge first scheduled maintenance, and 4-year roadside assistance coverage.
View more photos of the A3 on our Flickr page.
5 comments:
The A3 TDI that you are driving is "Quattro"/"All Wheel Drive"? or "Front Wheel Drive"?
This is the Front-Wheel Drive version.
Audi A3 is good choice, very nice, good handling car with not-bad-engines. When you take S3 or much much better RS3 you will be surprised of it! In premium class you won't probably find anything better, maybe only BMW 1 series. Lexus CT, Volvo C30, Merc A-class are good, but I prefer A3 and 1 series. The funny thing is that A3 is almost technically the same as VW Golf VI, but you get better materials/finish and prestige of premium car brand and bigger choice of better engines. Also styling is more attractive.
this car rocks, i got the premium plus quattro with titanium pckg... can't stop driving it. only thing i regret is not having purchased the navigation system that makes it look even nicer.
I've tried to be loyal to the other German brands, but Audi is slowly gaining a fan. Still not sure how they offer Quattro AWD with the same curb weight of competition.
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