The Audi A3 is a completely new vehicle for the U.S. market and is leading the way in establishing a new class of premium compact cars here. The A3 comes packed with technology and it boasts the sporty driving dynamics and high quality standards of a German sedan.The new Audi A3 was launched as a five-door hatchback powered by a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder driving the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive A3 Quattro powered by the much admired 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine will also be on sale during the 2006 model year.
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.