Test drive Audi A3 2003 - 2008 hatchback
Overtaking time
Audi A3 Sportback - a car in the future
... And this trapezoidal radiator lattice, which distinguishes the entire new Audi model line, I have recently seen me, a robot in a fantastic film. I liked the car more than the film itself. And I remembered the film because the A3 Sportback, real and serial, in a certain sense, is the embodiment of the most daring ideas and solutions. It is stuffed with innovations, more than modern design and offers a fantastic choice of seven engines, four gearboxes and two types of transmission. Agree, there are a lot for the compact premium car. Universal, similar to the compartment
I will not spread too much on the topic of designer finds - they can be judged by the photo. I only ask you to pay attention to how good the car is, how dynamic its profile with the roof line falls to the stern is dynamic, and with what thoroughness the parts of the stern are worked out, which relieve the sensation of heavyweight. Perhaps there is no doubt that the five -door A3 will look fresh for more than one year. Already with his appearance, he should attract young and active people.
Sportback is different from the three -door version, of course, not only by the exterior. The wheelbase lengthened by 65 mm, and the back of the body was 83 mm. Yes, and in width A3 was heard by 30 mm. Due to this, the volume of the luggage compartment increased to 370 liters, and if you fold the rear seats, you can get as many as 1120 liters for the luggage. But the matter is not only in the trunk: additional comfort is guaranteed to all passengers, including traveling behind the driver. Places in the cabin became noticeably larger.
The presence of two additional doors, undoubtedly, makes the car more practical. I remember well how I, every time opening a wide A3 door, who visited a long test in the editorial office, was afraid to scratch the edge, often squeezing into the opening - in a tight parking lot and even in his own garage boxing. Sportback provides convenient and easy landing and landing. The interior in a traditionally sports style, with a shiny chrome, deflectors and the hilt of the Communist Party, repeats the decoration of A3. But there are differences. For example, a steering wheel with a trapezoidal central element, as in the rest of the new generation Audi models. It can be either three -and four -spoke, with the buttons of the control of audio and navigation systems. And in the car, the first to go to the test, there were two more small keys under the thumbs, on the left - with a sign -, on the right - with a +sign. It is clear that they are intended for manual transfers to the automatic transmission. But which one?
Sports mood
I admit that I did not read a single line from the press release before the test. But the first meeting with the most powerful in the range of a 3.2-liter car, equipped in addition to an unfamiliar automatic transmission, turned out to be bright and memorable. So, I slowly get out in the Drive mode from Nice Airport, I go to the high -speed highway, without thinking, transfer the selector’s handle to Sport position and press the accelerator pedal. Then something incredible happens - the car literally shoots itself at the operational space without any thought and without the slightest pause. He just waited for this! Although, in fact, after my team I managed to instantly move from the third to the second gear, throw the tachometer arrow for 3000, to convey to my ears a caressing ears of the victorious roar of the engine (albeit muffled by magnificent sound insulation) and rush forward with all its agility.
If you think that after the first jerk he hesitated at least for a moment, then you are mistaken. Turning off the place, the speedometer arrow quickly crossed the apogee and was clearly not going to stop in her movement. The box behaved uncompromisingly, not allowing the motor to reduce the speed when switching to the next step. We have long exceeded the maximum permissible speed, but I, as if enchanted, did not want to get off the gas pedal. From the daze, I was brought out by some strange sob on the right - oh, yes! Nearby in a passenger seat, a pretty representative of the media sat with wide eyes. She behaved, to her honor, steadily, she did not interfere, and only noticing that I was slightly distracted from the case, she noticed that very soon - a turn and a congress on a secondary road. I know that a large color display and a soft but demanding voice of the navigation system will remind of the upcoming maneuver in time.
By the time we were on the mountain serpentine, I already got used to the new automatic transmission. And I realized, for example, that, unlike other machines with the possibility of manual gear shift, it is pointless to pump the handle. For manual control, there are the same clavy buttons under the thumbs. If you get used to it, then, in general, they can be controlled quite deftly. For each press, the car reacts quickly and conscientiously, so storming turns is a pleasure.
True, here I simply must say about the steering wheel. There are no special complaints to the severity of control and an electric amplifier - the steering wheel is difficult to increase speed, and 2.7 turns from the stop to the stop - a certain average and, in general, an acceptable indicator. Although personally, I would like more acuteness. But the diameter of the steering wheel is clearly larger than required. In the mountains, I had a feeling that I was forced to work unnecessarily if I want to go through the bundles of turns at decent speed, in addition, it is inconvenient to use the keys in this case. I would prefer the steering wheel, say, from Audi TT.
On the other hand, I understand why in Sportback everything is tuned in this way, and not otherwise. Not too sharp, the steering wheel with a wide rim makes control boring, but imposing, forgiving insignificant errors and thus providing additional security. In the end, a stylish young man or girl - the main potential buyers of the model, are not at all required to experience a constant lack of adrenaline in the blood and be able to professionally drive a car in extreme situations. And to impress a girlfriend or friend, there are more opportunities in Audi Sportback than enough. Finally - about the 6 -speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) that I liked, one of the most important, from my point of view, innovation in A3. The dual adhesion system with electro -hydraulic control came from the world of motorsport, which allows the car in a purely sports style. Not only does it provide the best even in comparison with 6-speed mechanics dynamics, so it still allows fuel. True, only paired with gasoline engines. With a 2-liter turbodiesel, the consumption of diesel fuel, albeit very slightly, but more.
Another noticeable innovation is a 200 -horsepower 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and turbocharged. Such a constructive solution also came from motorsport, more precisely, from the famous races in Le -Man, where Audi R8 is out of competition. TFSI provides maximum torque and power in an incredibly wide range of revolutions, which, I tried, makes a trip on the car he equipped simply delightful. Yes, and a two -liter FSI with a capacity of 150 hp. Also good. According to honor, with almost any of the offered engines, Audi Sportback is able to give a sports mood.
What is still important: chasing on serpentines, I noted that Sportback is hardly inferior to the three -door A3 in terms of hardness of the body. The machine behaves in any situation very confident and predictably.
Russian prospects
I admit, I am very impressed by the fact that Audi, unlike some other manufacturers, seeks to present all its latest developments in our market. Without referring to the notorious quality of fuel or road conditions. And, it should be noted, only benefits from this. So in the case of A3 Sportback, which will reach Russia in November, the buyer will have a good choice: 1.6 with a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission; 2.0 TDI with a 6-speed mechanical KP or with DSG; 2.0 FSI with the same mechanics or with Tiptronic; 3.2 Quattro with DSG. Of course, the client has the right to opt for the front or all -wheel drive. And, presumably, this is only for starters, other modifications can appear in the future. The price of the new product in Russia will begin at $ 28,674 for the 1.6 Tiptronic version.
A source: "Automobile Izvestia"
