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High-quality motoring in a compact package.
2006 A3 Review Summary & Specifications
The Audi A3 is a totally new vehicle for the U.S. and should be a great choice of young, active consumers looking for distinctive vehicles to fit their lifestyles. The A3 is a high-quality car that offers premium handling and safety, roominess and practicality, yet is still easy to park and is easy on fuel. Five-door hatchbacks are very popular in Europe, but Americans haven't warmed to their styling. Those who are comfortable with its styling should find happiness in the new A3 Sportback.New Car Test Drive correspondent Greg Brown filed this report from Italy.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Greg N. Brown |
| Model Lineup | Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 T 6-speed manual ($24,740); Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 T DSG ($26,140); A3 Quattro |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged |
| Engines (optional) | 200-hp 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 5-speed DSG automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | driver and passenger next-generation front airbag supplemental restraints; side-impact airbags front; 3-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners, height-adjustment and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger; three 3-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners for rear passengers; central locking with safety unlock (automatically unlocks doors and switches off fuel pump if airbag deploys); reflectors in rear of doors; adjustable headrests for front and rear seats; first aid kit located in storage compartment under passenger seat; ABS; electronic locking front differential; ASR (anti-slip regulation); ESP (electronic stability program) with ABS and EBD (electronic brake differential) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear side airbags ($350) |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-FOR-AUDI |
| Manufacturer URL | www.audiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 24740 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 T ($24,740) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control with sun sensor, dust and pollen filter; power windows with power retention when ignition shut-off (until door opened), one-touch up and one-touch down feature for four windows, pinch protection, comfort close and open with key in driver door; fuel filler door release button in driver door; electronic cruise control with coast, resume and shut-off feature; electric rear window defogger with automatic shut-off feature; power central locking system (doors and fuel door), with selective unlocking (enables unlocking of a driver door or all doors), plus convenient open & close feature for windows and master switch located in driver door; power remote keyless entry with trunk release, door/ignition key and valet key; cloth (Modul) upholstery; aluminum trim on center dashboard air vents, door release handles, radio button, glovebox cover; four floor mats; four-spoke steering wheel; two cup holders in center console; storage shelf in trunk; backlit instrument cluster with automatic brightness control, including tachometer, electric speedometer, digital clock with outside temperature, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge; digital odometer with trip odometer and service interval indicator; anti-theft vehicle alarm system with blinking theft deterrent lights on front doors; windshield wipers with four-position intermittent control; concert AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player and following features: RBDS (Radio Broadcast Display System displays radio station call letters and other information); GALA (Graduated Audio Level Adjustment, varies volume based on vehicle speed); CD changer operation capability; 140-watt system with 10 speakers and CD changer pre-wiring; radio antenna on roof; 7.5x17 five-spoke star cast alloy wheels with 225/45R17 all-season tires; tilt and telescopic (manual) adjustable steering column |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Open Sky System sunroof ($1,100); rear side airbags ($350) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 26910 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 200 @ 5100-6000 |
| Torque | 207 @ 1800-5000 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/30 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 168.7/77.1/56.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.1/54.3/41.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 13.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut with separate spring/shock arrangement, aluminum subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track-stabilizing steering roll radius |
| Rear Suspension | independent, four-link with separate shock/spring arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 4.4 |
| Curb Weight | 3263 |
| Stock Tires | 225/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | ventilated disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |
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