Designed to be as much sporty driver's car as well-tailored transportation module, the A3 comes standard with upmarket technologies. These include a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension; an electronic stability program (ESP); standard full-time traction control (ASR); ABS with an electronic differential lock (EDL); Servotronic electro-mechanical steering; and 17-inch alloys with low-profile 225/45 radials. These elements all contribute to a persona that begs for tight, winding mountain roads, thrives in the slice-and-dice of urban traffic and quietly relieves the tedium of commuter slogs.
Safety features that come standard include front and side-impact airbags for the front-seat passengers. All five seating positions get three-point belts with automatic pre-tensioners and an adjustable headrest; the front seat belts feature height adjustment, automatic pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters.
The A3 Sport package ($1,800) features 16-spoke bi-color alloy wheels wrapped with 17-inch performance tires (all-season radials are a no-cost option), sport-tuned shocks and springs to tighten up the handling, and a roof spoiler and front fog lamps. Leather seating surfaces and sport seats with manual height adjustment upgrade the interior along with illuminated vanity mirrors; alloy inlays and trim; driver/passenger reading lights; aluminum door sill trim with the Audi logo; and a three-spoke steering wheel.
The A3 Premium package ($2,025) gets leather seating surfaces; specific 16-spoke silver alloy wheels; HomeLink garage door opener; trip computer; light/rain sensor with auto-dimming interior mirror; three-spoke steering wheel and alloy shift paddles; power driver's seat with lumbar support; front fog lights; a Storage Package and alloy trim bits around the cockpit.
Option packages include an upgrade of the sound system ($900) with Bose electronics and an in-dash six-disc CD changer; a Cold Weather group ($700) with heated front seats, ski sack, heated windshield washer nozzles and heated exterior mirrors. Sport versions offer a Convenience option ($675) that includes HomeLink, Storage package, trip computer, auto-dimming interior mirror; and light/rain sensor.
Stand-alone options include Audi Navigation ($1,950) and Navigation plus Sound ($2,850); Open Sky sunroof ($1,100); rear side airbags ($350); xenon headlights ($500); two additional paint colors, Venetian Violet metallic and Murano Green pearl effect ($1,000); and separate pearl effect or metallic finishes ($450). Satellite radio prep for either XM or Sirius is available for Sport and Premium models ($350). Next Page