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By Greg N. Brown
Premium car in a compact size.
Introduction
The Audi A3 is a practical, compact hatchback, but it feels upscale, like a scaled down A4. Sales of the A3 sales are modest here in the U.S., but Audi has sold 1.5 million A3s worldwide. It's earned accolades for its high levels of technology and sporty driving dynamics.
The A3 2.0T is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder driving the front wheels, while the A3 3.2 Quattro carries a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that drives all four wheels.
The A3 is an example of the exquisite sensibilities in design and use of materials that distinguishes the contemporary Audi. It will take more than just high fuel prices for U.S. buyers to look for their sporty utility in smaller vehicles, but we like the A3 for its combination of open-road dynamism, long-haul friendliness, around-town usefulness and fuel economy.
We found the front-drive A3 2.0 T offers superb balance and excellent throttle response that make for a convincing sports car when the road is right. Inside, the A3 Sportback is roomy and versatile, blending pleasing materials with logical controls and highly legible readouts.
There are few changes to the five-door hatchback for 2007. For now at least, all A3 models come to the U.S. in the Sportback five-door hatchback body style, though other body styles are available in Europe.
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