Test drive Audi A3 hatchback 3 doors since 2012 hatchback
Soft top, hard bottom
If you, a respected reader, tell me that it is much more practical to have a capricious compartment with a hard top, iron or plastic, I agree with you. But I will remain with my opinion: the convertible in the classical sense of the word must be with a mild top. Or is it not quite a convertible, but a certain compromise. Something like a smartphone is no longer a phone, but not yet a computer. When there are many functions, but using them is inconvenient, and the proper quality of work cannot be achieved. The statement, I agree, is controversial. But, I think, the reader caught a thought. This approach is all the more important when it comes to a complex product of a complex, in which any possible compromise inevitably affects running qualities and safety. In this sense, the Audi A3 Cabriolet seems to me a product of whole, and in many respects perfect by the standards of today. Since on the last pages of this AI issue it is another convertible, and I cannot avoid a direct competitor A3 BMW 125 Cabrio. So, in this peculiar duel, a car from Ingolstadt, in my opinion, won. Because it goes better and looks richer from the inside. However, about everything in order.
Designing thing Personally, I liked the appearance of the current generation Audi A3 at once, from the moment this model was born. Perhaps her exterior is not as bold as the appearance of the BMW of the 1st series, and even less expressive in detail. But, you see, the car looks quite harmonious, it is quite original and moderately aggressive. And, let's say, lighting technology will generally give to the forneys to competitors. In general, the A3 does not look as defiant as it is elegant and friendly. At the same time, from the car, especially the convertible, literally blows sports.
To take a look at least at the stern, this slightly upturned lid of the luggage compartment, these lights with LEDs in the style of the new A4 is not original, not dynamic? Or an aerodynamic body kit throughout the body, big cast discs are there little for you? That's what it is enough, you can admire the car, look at the details. The salon did not disappoint me either.
Sports mood
It is visually created by the metal he is present in the edging of ventilation deflectors, on perforated pedals, in other decor elements. And if you are already sitting, you will certainly mark a successful seat profile with good lateral support. But reach the materials of the finish, and you will feel soft, clearly not cheap plastic. And involuntarily pay attention to the accuracy of fitting each part.
Stylistically, the interior in many ways echoes other models of the brand, such as the same donor Audi A3 or TT. Hence the excellent ergonomics. The steering column is adjustable both in height and by departure. The range of adjustments of the front seats is wide, so you can get a job with all amenities. Dials on the instrument panel are easily read in any light, information from the on -board computer is displayed on a small monitor located between the tachometer and the speedometer. The bagel itself, small in diameter, has comfortable protrusions under the grip. All governing bodies are grouped habitually and understandable. The audio system can be controlled using buttons on the steering wheel. The car that got on the test was not in the richest configuration, and therefore the monitor at the central console was monochrome. But in stock, a separate climate control system. True, in order to set a single temperature, it must be set twice first for the driver, and then for the front passenger. And all because there is no button with the inscription Mono, which, I noticed, generally began to slowly disappear from many cars. Why is it not clear.
Before moving on to the running qualities of the convertible, I note that there is little space behind. People are able to get there with comfort there, and only together. There are few legs, and in the shoulder zone the space eats a soft roof, or rather the mechanism of its folding. Depending on the version, it can be partially or fully automatic. In the first case, the driver needs to turn a special lever with a hand at the place of fastening of the roof to the frame glass frame, and only then press on the corresponding button. Moreover, the roof is folded into a special box behind the rear seats, and very quickly it takes nine seconds to open, and eleven.
However, A3 Cabriolet is a very functional car. The point is not only that the rear window is equipped with heated, and the three -layer roof has excellent sound insulation. The car has a completely decent luggage compartment with a volume of 260 liters, which can instantly turn into 674 liters, it is worth folding separate rear seats. In the trunk there is even a 12-volt outlet and special hooks for attaching luggage. Strong small
Under the hood of the tested car, a 1.8-liter motor was installed, equipped with a turbocharger and a direct fuel injection system. Its power is 160 hp, the maximum torque reaches 250 nm, which are available from almost idle revolutions. Moreover, in this case, the engine was combined with the automatic KP DSG, which gives the model a very dynamic character. At a sharp start from the place, the front drive wheels can be slightly slip, but in almost the entire speed range the driver is guaranteed a good pickup. In addition, the automatic transmission demonstrates the quickness, obviously trying to adapt to the driving style. And if you transfer it to manual mode, then the program can be changed very quickly.
In general, on the go, A3 Cabriolet makes the impression of a tightly knocked car. For convertibles, this is atypical, since many suffer from insufficient body hardness. Audi is another matter. In the coolest turns at decent speed, she behaves as if the body is based on a steel frame. He does not allow himself any game. The car reacts very clearly and quickly to the driver’s commands, and a rather stiff suspension does not roll the body in corners and makes him clearly follow the given path. At the same time, the pendants are very energy intensive. And the steering is well tuned. On the steering wheel is always a clear picture of what is happening under the wheels, and the apparent lightness at low speeds instantly disappears, it is worth going faster. The designers endowed the car with neutral rotation, which provides the driver with an extensive field for maneuver and makes the model very friendly. Even if a person is not too experienced behind the wheel, and I suspect that there will be many women among Russian customers A3 Cabriolet, the car will not frighten him with a violent disposition. Rather, it will seem comfortable, but adjusted to rather hard shock absorbers. In any case, the A3 Cabriolet is mass -equipped with an electronic ESP stabilization system, which can be disabled by simple pressing the button on the central console. It works very correctly, practically without interfering with enjoying the dynamics, but also not allowing the car
to get out of control. In the end, I will note the magnificent brakes of the A3 Cabriolet seems to be endowed even with excessive power. Of course, there is ABS and the system of distribution of brake forces.
Narrow segment
It is clear that the demand for convertibles in Russia is so small that even recognized segment faces can only count on very small sales figures. Nevertheless, the situation is changing mainly due to an increase in the number of rich people. Many of them are gradually gaining taste, including open -top cars. In the end, it is stylish, moreover, in our latitudes there is not too much sun, and you can’t imagine a better car.
It remains for me to say about the prices on the Audi A3 Cabriolet, which begin from a mark of 1,100,000 rubles. This is the price of a very well equipped car with a 1.8 TFSI engine.
Andrey Osipov
Photo by Audi
