Test drive Audi A3 2003 - 2008 hatchback

"Premium" Sportback

The image costs
 
First of all, of course, the company paid for its image. It is one thing when a corporate sign decorates, let’s say, massive, gangled products, and another - when it is placed on a compact car, but premium class. And the trade representatives of the case, as they assured me, went better. After all, potential buyers evaluate not only the breadth of smiles, manners and clothes, but will certainly pay attention to what exactly the manager drove to them. And it is probably difficult to disagree with this. I think that managers themselves began to work more efficiently, realizing that Audi is a kind of award, or, if you like, an advance for future merits.
 
But why the company opted for a five -door car does not require additional clarification. The presence of two additional doors makes the car more practical. Sportback provides a convenient and easy landing and landing, in addition, the back of the body is extended compared to the three -door A3 by 83 mm, and the additional 30 mm width does not seem superfluous. Plus, 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. For samples, which, as far as I know, are transported by managers of the company that purchased cars from Ingolstadt, more than enough space.
 
At one time, I had a chance to drive almost all versions of the Audi A3 Sportback - from the most powerful all -wheel drive with a 3.2 -liter engine to the weakest front -wheel drive with a 1.6 -liter engine. But for this section, we chose a modification with a diesel 2 -liter engine, a modest drive on the front wheels and an average automatic cost (there is also a robotic DSG - Direct Shift Gearbox). That is, it is the car that corporate clients prefer not only in Russia, but also in Europe. And in a few days of traveling around the snowy Moscow, I seem to understand why they are making such a choice.
 
Sports mood
 
I agree that the famous branded all -wheel drive is preferable for our conditions. But you have to save on something? In addition, I must admit that with the front -wheel drive I have never experienced the slightest difficulties. And the new studded tires (in Moscow can do without spikes) allowed me to feel quite confident and on the snowy paths of the near Moscow Region.
 
But the main thing is, of course, the engine is the good that a diesel engine, it gives the car remarkable dynamic characteristics. The torque of 320 Nm, available in a fairly wide range of revolutions, allows not only to start having fun, but also to extract additional traction from it at the right time. That is, in many respects the motor is not inferior, but exceeds gasoline analogues of the same volume. Well, how much more economical it is, and that practically no vibrations are felt from it in the cabin, you should not talk. Almost all modern turbodiesels, especially developed for premium cars, provide proper comfort.
 
There are no complaints about the severity of the steering and the electric amplifier - the bar is heavy with speed growth, and 2.7 turns from the stop to the stop - a certain average and, in general, an acceptable indicator. By the way, in version 2.0 TDI, the steering wheel turned out to be optimal diameter, which contributed to active driving. Automatic transmission, I note along the way, does not suffer from thoughtfulness, vividly responding to the supply or discharge of gas.
 
I must say a few words about the 6-speed DSG box that I liked with the car. 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 saves fuel. True, only paired with gasoline engines. With a2-liter turbodiesel, the consumption of diesel fuel, albeit very slightly, but more.
 
Expenses
 
As for the specific expenses for the car, they are such. Prices for Audi A3 begin at $ 31,500 for a version with a 6-speed manual gearbox. True, given that the diesel engine is small, the gearbox lever will have to touch quite often. It is better to pay another 2-3 thousand and purchase a modification with an automatic gearbox or a robotic DSG. The latter will cost $ 36,640.
 
The total annual service costs will amount to $ 850 with an average mileage of 50,000 km. All these figures are valid for ordinary buyers. However, corporate clients can save, and there are many. So, discounts on cars can reach up to 10-12%, and up to 15%and 10%, respectively, for service work and spare parts. In addition, Audi corporate customers operates a program of mobile assistance on roads. All cars are provided with a 2-year warranty without limiting a run. And if it is necessary to repair the Audi, an overhead car is provided. Customers are a tow truck and a mobile technical assistance service, ready to arrive on the first call. Finally, within the framework of the corporate program, a course of safe driving at the Audi Quattro Driving School of Driving.
 
Oleg Osipov
 

A source: "Automobile Izvestia"