Model Update

Entry into the Audi brand of cars starts with Audi A3. These are very well made small cars that offer build quality, excellent engineering and safety. The clean exterior design of the Audi A3 is minus any extra clutter, and what remains are simple, elegant lines that are both sporty and appealing.

You have an option of: the 3-door, the Sportback and the Cabriolet – neither of which seem to be lacking in any area at all. Responsive engines; balanced, neutral handling; exceptionally comfortable seats and practicality make the 2010 Audi A3 one of the nicest small car options for the buyer who is looking for a premium brand.

You can kit the Audi A3 out with as much luxury as you would want, and when these luxury items are part of an ergonomically sound, and extremely well crafted interior, the Audi A3 is a very satisfying vehicle to drive. The new Audi A3 Cabriolet is probably the nicest small open-top car you can buy at present.

The German-based Audi motor company sponsors a major Australian yacht race. While it is not a luxury racing yacht, the Audi A3 certainly offers its driver smooth sailing as it cruises effortlessly along. In fact, the driving experience of the small A3 is uncanningly refined and solid – which gives the Audi A3 a big-car ride on the road.
To look at, the Audi A3 is a masterpiece of tailored sophistication. Sleek, stunning and modern, the bodywork on the Audi A3 is a beautiful work of automotive design and German excellence. This detailed perfection extends to the inside, where the driver and four passengers can relax in well-appointed leather-upholstered seats in luxury and comfort, which is surprisingly roomy for a four-door hatchback like the Audi A3.

The almost-hotel like luxury of the Audi A3 is powered by a number of class leading engines, and it all starts with the very reliable and smooth 1.6 litre petrol Attraction model. I love the willingness of the little four cylinder motor, and its refinement. A well serviced 1.6 litre engine will run onto some very high mileages without a hitch, and the front wheel drive nature of the car allows the Attraction model to be a simplistic and very well designed car that is a joy to own and drive. The 1.8 litre TFSI petrol engine loves to be spiritely driven, and it’s smooth response is delightfully quick. The 2.0 litre TFSI engine boasts a punchy 171 kW and will nudge 230 km/h without any hesitation – and is minus any nervous moments because of the A3 chassis design, which is wonderfully taut at any speed. The flagship status has to be reserved for the 3.2 litre V6 petrol variant. And with 184 kW its no surprise! There is the slightly more powerful S3 model which boasts a 2.0 litre turbo engine and a superbly fiery 188 kW. The successul Audi A3 range would not be complete without a diesel option, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the excellent 2.0 litre TDI. This little gem will provide it’s owner with plenty of power and refinement on tap – but it will not cost the earth to run. A fuel econmy figure of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres is quite outstanding! The A3’s other gem is the smaller, new 1.9 TDI engine. This diesel powerplant is sprightly enough at any engine speed, yet will return a very misely 4.5 litres/100 km. Would-be owners of the Audi A3 can choose between front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions. How they would like to exert control over the powerhouse beneath the well-styled bonnet is all left to preference. Engine power is sourced via a manual, semi-automatic or automatic transmission. Each option has six gears with smooth changes on offer. The power of the Audi A3 is harnessed by a thoroughly up-to-date suspension system and stability control, and can be reigned in by four wheel ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist. All models of the Audi A3 come with cruise control, but the driver may wish to stay fully in charge at the helm. Other features of the engine in the Audi A3 include the 11.3 compression ratio and the variable valve timing/camshaft.

Audi Australia now has the sexy Audi A3 Cabriolet to entice would-be owners. With oodles of style, and the best that automotive engineering has to offer, the new Audi A3 may prove to be Audi’s best selling convertible. Some of the little luxuries available inside any Audi A3’s interior include the Bose RDS audio system with AM/FM, Disc Autochanger and six disk remote changer, which comes to driver and passengers through ten speakers and has the remote controls mounted on the leather-covered steering wheel. The 12 V power outlets and a sophisticated climate control system are other convenient features. And the Audi A3 cleverly protects itself via peripheral anti-lift and anti-theft protection, plus another security system for the entertainment system. The ventilation system shows consideration for the passengers of the Audi A3, as it has an active carbon filter and microfilter, ensuring that passengers can breathe easily (we’ll presume that they’re not using the cigar lighter and ashtrays for the purposes of smoking).

On a yacht, the wearing of lifejackets is crucial, and within a car like the Audi A3, safety is also paramount. The driver and front passenger seats in the Audi A3 have front airbags with occupant sensors and multistage deployment, and active head restraints. Roof airbags have been provided front and back, and all seatbelts within the Audi A3 are three-pointers with pretensioners.

The Audi A3 is a sophisticated small car that is worthy of taking its place in the Audi line-up. It is a worthy representative of the type of quality, performance, comfort and design that European cars in general, and German cars in particular, have had the reputation for being. Available with a soft top that drops, in an Audi A3 you will be looking extremely suave!

The current model series includes the:

• A3
• A3 Cabriolet
• A3 Sportback

For any more information on the Audi A3, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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