Test drive Audi A3 hatchback 3 doors since 2012 hatchback

We measure the pulse

The normal pulse of a person at rest is an average of 60 beats per minute. And what is he from the driver Audi-A3? The experiment was set by Denis Harutyunyan. Photo by the author and audi.
6080 beats per minute
When looking from the stern, only the most trained eye will distinguish a new A3 from the previous change of minimum. And therefore, the pulse remains normal, breathing is even and measured. There are more new features in front: they changed the bumper and the radiator grille, and the turn signators appeared in the side mirrors. But the headlights are most impressive looking at them, you involuntarily remember about love for beautiful eyes. In general, the appearance is unlikely to cause someone a sharp peak on the cardiogram, but it is difficult to stay at all next to the car.
For another five to ten blows, the heartbeat quickens when you get inside. It is strict and logical here, convenient and correct. Someone will remain indifferent and say: boring. Another will note the excellent landing to the best of hard seats, excellent decoration materials, convenient controls. The choleraiks will not be arranged by the regulators of a two-zone climatic installation: to change the temperature, they must be pushed left and right. The sanguine will be pleased with the large screen on the console and the buttons next to it from now on even the younger model is equipped with a simplified version of the MMI proprietary system (Multi Media Interface). In a word, almost every claim has its own counterargument, and very significant.
80120 beats per minute
First of all, I tested the weakest and most affordable option with a 125-horsepower TFSI motor with a volume of 1.4 liters, paired with a new 7-speed robotic gearbox S-Tronic with two clutches. The first impression of sports ambitions, you can carefully fold and hide away. And yet I will not call a slow and boring car; Even a modest motor is endowed with a rather brisk character. At least, I do not feel flawed on the glorified German Autoban. This is the merit of not only a dense motor, the collected suspension is well filtered by a few bumps, and the rolls even in quick turns do not exceed reasonable limits. Comfort is also contributing to the creation of the S-Tronic. Unlike the DSG twin robot, switching in it is not only fast, but also soft, without jerking.
The heart of the driver, who got a modification with a 1.9-liter TDIE diesel engine and five-speed mechanics, will joyfully tremble. True, the reason for this is not a gambling character and not a fantastic craving, but fuel consumption! It is not for nothing that the letter E appeared in the designation: the average consumption in a mixed cycle of 4.8 liters per hundred (and not gasoline, but diesel fuel!). However, for the sake of such economy, you will have to sacrifice dynamics: acceleration seems to be leaning, and stretched transmissions are forced to often raise speeds to almost maximum. There is nothing wrong with this, but in this mode, the voice of the motor breaks out the noise insulation barriers, annoying the riders.
120150 beats per minute
To transfer to an all -wheel drive three -lane with a two -liter gasoline engine is the same as in the gym to change light dumbbells to pound weights: it jumps the pulse, breathing quickens, sometimes even the head begins to spin. Especially the machine in the S-line configuration, with a steamed steering wheel and additional decor. The button also increased on the console. One of them includes an automatic parking worker (such a system is installed so far only in expensive trim levels). The other changes the operating mode of the shock absorbers. The company did not stint, in the list of A3 options there was a suspension with variable stiffness of the Magnetic Ride.
Yes, this is a completely different car! It was as if a thin student-Ochkarik turned into a muscular athlete standing in front of me. Audi breaks from the scene smoothly and powerfully. Only the very little is not enough traction in the range from idle until the turbine is turned on (about one and a half thousand revolutions). However, this deficiency talentedly conceals the gearbox. There is also a S-Tronic unit, but both of its clutch operate in an oil bath (in the seven-speed version they are dry), and there are only six programs. The reason for humiliation of a robot with a family only 280 NM of the torque is able to digest the programs.
Experiments with shock absorbers made it clear that the sport mode is suitable only for the German highway or racing track. Even in the well -groomed Bavarian villages, it seems as if the road has turned into a washing board: the body shakes a small demon even where there are no irregularities. I pressed the button again the asphalt under the wheels seemed to leve out in the blink of an eye. But even in comfortable mode in deep turn, the electronics do not doze: as necessary, clamps or dissolves damping elements, showing the charm of magnetic suspension in all its glory.
150180 beats per minute
One detail in a bright blue station wagon makes the heart accelerate the pace in a sweet anticipation of the letter S on the trunk lid. A sporting chair in the form of a deep bucket is low, you will not sit in it, but literally fall; But excellent fixation is provided. To completely release the clutch pedal, the leg will have to be bent strongly at the knee, but on the move this does not interfere. A short lever of a six -speed box lies in the hand as a pistol's hilt remains only to press the trigger.
Making his way to the operational scope of the highway in quiet streets, he realized: unlike many charged cars, the squadron in civilian regime does not cause unnecessary trouble. With the exit to the autobahn, the pulse jumps synchronously with the engine speed, the dashing whisper of turbocharges spurks, the excellent clutch allows you to switch with minimal delays. From afar, seeing a blue shell shining with bixenon headlights, burghers respectfully, but without unnecessary hurry, free the left row. And Audi still gaining move, dissecting reality on before and after. The speed of speed ends with the appearance of the restriction: powerful brakes besieged the car, and Audi and I slowly return to the starting position.
Having tested a three -year -old in four versions, he again marveled at how much a good car was able to be. Two types of bodies, eight engines, four gearboxes, a myriad of options and completely different characters. It seems that from this abundance everyone will find what to choose. The main thing is that the human heart and heart of the car are fighting in one rhythm ._x0008_
Audi A3 car without age, gender, education and character.
Steering intelligence
The steering of Audi-A3 electro-hydraulic. Such an amplifier compared to conventional hydraulic steals less power in the engine, which means that it promotes fuel saving, albeit small. In addition, the light on the parking of the steering wheel with speed is poured with elastic effort. And finally, the car is able to steer on its own! If at a speed of less than 30 km/h activate the parking assistant, the side ultrasonic sensors will begin to look for free space. When they see him, you need to stop, turn on the reverse and let go of the steering wheel of the car will fall into place itself. I will share my experience: the most difficult thing is to overpower yourself, not to grab the twin steering wheel, but to trust in automation.
Denis Harutyunyan
   

 


 

A source: The magazine "Driving"