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The Audi A3 was introduced in 2006 in the United States as Audi's entry level
model for the North American marketplace, though it had been sold in Europe for
over 10 years. This compact wagon, with its tasteful interior and generous power
output, was designed to shatter the typical stereotypes associated with small,
space efficient vehicles, such as cheap materials and poor build quality. As a
luxury car manufacturer, Audi is highly regarded for their high quality
materials throughout, precise user friendly controls and a superior fit and
finish, and the A3 does not disappoint. Also unusual for this category is the
A3's highly functional all wheel drive version that tackles snow covered roads
with ease. There have been no major changes for the A3 since its debut.
The 2008 Audi A3 is available in 2 trims - the base model 2.0T and a 3.2
Quattro. The 2.0T is a very versatile front wheel drive vehicle that is powered
by a gutsy, turbocharged 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. Transmission
choices are either a 6 speed manual or Audi's S-tronic transmission, which is a
manual transmission that shifts automatically. In previous years this versatile
transmission was known as Audi's DSG transmission, and it works very well. In
fact, the S-tronic's exceptionally quick downshifts and gear changes make it one
of the best automatic-manual gearboxes on the market today that provides all the
driver advantages of a fully automatic transmission. Acceleration is very good,
taking the A3 from 0-60 in just 7 seconds. Fuel economy is pretty good too, with
EPA estimates coming in at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 3.2
Quattro offers all wheel drive and a powerful 3.2 liter V6 that is mated to the
S-tronic transmission. Horsepower is increased to 250 for this model, but due to
the all wheel drive system, the more powerful motor does not provide much more
in terms of acceleration but the 3.2 Quattro comes out of the 0-60 in 6.8
seconds. This version of the A3 gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the
highway, which is also pretty good for an all wheel drive vehicle. Both models
benefit from steering that is nimble and quick to respond to the driver's
commands. Of course, being an Audi, crash test results for both models are
impressive as well.
Standard features on the 2.0T include 17-inch wheels, power windows, dual-zone
automatic climate control, a 10 speaker stereo system and a trip computer. The S
Line Options Package offers a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, leather
upholstered sport seats, aluminum interior trim, a roof spoiler and unique front
and rear fascias. The Premium Package also includes some of the S-line's
features like the leather upholstery and fog lights, and adds an auto-dimming
rearview mirror, 12-way power driver seat, rain-sensing wipers and HomeLink
technology. The 3.2 Quattro has almost all of the features found in the S Line
and Premium Packages as part of the standard equipment list and adds a Satellite
radio. Options for both models include a dual-pane sunroof, bi-xenon headlights,
a navigation system, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a manual rear sunshade.
A Cold Weather Options package offers heated exterior mirrors, windshield washer
nozzles and seats.
Both versions of The 2008 Audi A3 offer brisk performance, a comfortable ride
and a sporty driving experience. However, based on the MSRP, the 2.0T is a
better value that delivers more than ample power for most drivers. The 3.2
Quattro is almost $8000 more than the 2.0T, and at that price there are a few
other luxury imports that offer comparable features for less money. |
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