Audi A3 test drive since 2008 hatchback
Topless in German
Clobelets with a soft top, if slowly, but give up positions to their brothers with a steel roof It is increasingly acquired even by relatively inexpensive cars, so talking about high -class machines
Nevertheless, one of the latest new products in the premium segment of the Audi A3 Cabrio contrary to the latest trends did not acquire a steel, but a soft roof. At the same time, it is worth recognizing that such conservatism is generally corresponding to the spirit of the company, because it was precisely such a rag top to equip the TT, but he showed up on the previous version of A4. In a word, lovers of classic convertibles are still too early to fall into despondency.
Although with the release of A3 Cabrio, the Germans, to put it mildly, were supported. Since its first appearance, the A3 family has already experienced two facies. During the latter, the stylists added new headlights to the exterior of the model with the already familiar strips of LEDs. Of course, the same they awarded the convertible. However, he would look no less attractive without them.
Formally, the novelty almost completely repeats the forms of the same models, however, the Cabrio profile is no longer reminiscent of a hatchback, but a sedan, especially in combat state. By the way, stopping the choice on the classic soft version, Audi designers saved themselves from headache. Otherwise, they would have to significantly redraw the design of the car in order to fit into the already compact body a one -folded one -two, or even four times, as well as a fairly bulky servo drive. What in this case would remain from the back row, and it is scary to imagine. And here is quite acceptable comfort and two full -fledged seats. Yes, and in general, the trunk did not have to sacrifice. The entire structure fits in a hard steel box, the bottom of which is located almost at the level of the upper edge of the aperture of the cargo compartment. In the hatchback of the same name, of course, there are more places, but these 260 liters are enough for a pair of road bags. Moreover, the department can be transformed. Within the rational, of course, but the folding backs of the sofa will not be unnecessary.
However, you think about functionality at the wheel of functionality last. It can be scolded for the completely ugly overview of the rear hemisphere, and for overly tough settings of pendants, but, on the other hand, both of these problems are completely solved. In the first case, the driver will need miserable 9 seconds during this time A3 without much effort turns from a compartment to a convertible. By the way, this can be done not only in the parking lot, but also at speeds up to 30 km/h. (By the way, today no one can demonstrate a single car with a steel structure.)
The solution to the second problem of time will take even less than 7.5 seconds. Exactly so much is needed by a 2-liter 200-horsepower TSI to exchange a second hundred on a speedometer. With such a Cabrio engine, not evil is going, but quite tough. Accelerator reactions are slightly downstream, but in general, acceleration seems very impressive, especially with an open top. In this case, it is better not to plant people back: the A3 differs in decent aerodynamics, but after 80 km/h they simply begin to blow them.
The pendants are sharpened to match the power unit. On irregularities, the car shakes the inevitable fee for the lack of rolls even in marginal turns. As for the steering wheel, Audi had no problems with him recently, as well as with the brakes.
Vladimir Zhidkov
Photo author: Armen Meetarjyan
A source: Mkobil magazine [September/2008]
