2007 Audi A3

Small Luxury

The Audi A3 sport wagon receives only minor revisions for 2007 but remains a quick, nimble and practical ride.

Audi’s A3 shares its platform and some mechanicals with Volkswagen cousins the Rabbit and Jetta. But it has a sleeker roofline and unique styling cues, including Audi’s now-ubiquitous trapezoidal front-grille design. Its interior is also more luxurious.

The Audi A3 debuted for 2006 as a sportier alternative to a small wagon or SUV. It’s more practical than most compact sport sedans by virtue of its upright roofline and rear hatchback, but American consumers still seem to prefer traditional sedans with a trunk or regular wagons, such as Audi’s A4/S4 models. Despite a 59.5 percent jump in sales through November 2006 versus the same period last year, the Audi still sold far fewer A3 models (7,460 units year to date) than A4/S4 models (42,573 units year to date), which declined in sales 1.9 percent year over year.

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Updates for 2007 revisions are nominal. The content of the now-discontinued 2.0T Sport Package (including a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels, performance tires, leather sports seats and paddle shifters with the available DSG gearbox) is included in a new S-Line Package, which also features more-aggressive-looking front and rear treatments.

A new Technology Package comes with a Bluetooth interface for hands-free operation of similarly enabled cell phones as well as adaptive high-intensity headlamps that pivot in conjunction with the vehicle’s steering wheel to help illuminate the round around corners. The version of this package offered on the base 2.0T model also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers (which are already standard on the pricier 3.2 variant). Last year’s Sound Package (which includes an upgraded sound system) is now called the Audio Package and further includes Sirius satellite radio capability.

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The Audi A3 shares its 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the A4 sedan and VW GTI hatchback. This base engine drives the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) that debuted in the TT coupe. The latter affords a choice of fully automatic operation or manual shifting from the center-console gear selector, or, if you choose the S-Line Package, steering-wheel-mounted paddles. It employs two clutches to maintain a continuous flow of power during shifts to approximate the responsiveness of a traditional manual gearbox.

A smoother 3.2-liter V6 engine, which the A3 also shares with other Audi vehicles, is optional and generates 250 hp. It comes with both the DSG transmission and Audi’s highly regarded quattro all-wheel-drive system to boost traction. The six-speed manual transmission is not offered on the Audi A3 3.2 and AWD is not offered on the base 2.0T model.

Audi A3 Comparison

During a test-drive of the Audi A3 2.0T, fuel economy averaged in the low twenties in combined city and highway driving, which is much lower than most small cars muster. If you mind the gas pedal and drive slower and more smoothly, fuel economy will go up. But the A3 is geared toward performance over efficiency, so what the car lacks in overall fuel economy it makes up for in speed. The EPA estimates that the Audi A3 2.0T will return 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway; and the 3.2 variant is rated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Those aren’t great numbers for a car of this size. Bear in mind that the lower figures for the A3 3.2 are not only due to the larger V6 engine, but to the AWD system as well.

A MacPherson front suspension combined with a four-link array at the rear produces crisp handling abilities. Large 17-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 18-inch rims and rubber optional. Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program and Anti-Slip Regulation help maintain control on slick roads and during emergency maneuvers.

Audi A3 Vehicle Summary

The interior is handsome and comfortable for average-size adults. Larger occupants could feel cramped. The rear cargo area fits a surprising amount of gear, while the rear seat backs are split and fold forward to expand cargo capacity. Front side and head-curtain airbags are standard, and the A3 comes with a full array of convenience features.

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A navigation system heads up a fairly short options list and incorporates a version of Audi’s Multi-Media Interface. This system, similar to BMW’s iDrive, incorporates navigation, audio, climate-control and other systems on one knob that manipulates menus on the dash-mounted screen. It’s more distracting and less intuitive to operate than traditional controls but is superior to BMW’s iDrive for having more redundant controls for key functions.

Is the Audi A3 for You?

Buy this Vehicle if	You want a sporty, small wagon that doesn’t sacrifice luxury or performance; you need a versatile cargo hold that can accommodate bulky loads; you need seating for five.
Keep Looking if	You can’t justify spending more on what is essentially a dressed-up VW Golf or GTI; you like to spread out and would prefer a larger interior or even more cargo space.
Who Fits?	The Audi A3 seats five, though three adults in the back is a squeeze; a tilt/telescoping steering wheel is included for the benefit of shorter motorists, though adjustable pedals are not offered.
Options Worth Splurging on	Rear side airbags ($300); Cold Weather Package ($750), includes heated front seats, washer nozzles and mirrors as well as a ski sack built into the center of the rear seat back.
Closest Competitors	BMW 3 Series Wagon 2006 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon Mini Cooper 2006 Volvo V50