Introduction
The line of Audi A3 was first introduced in 1996 and uses the same Volkswagen platform, similar with the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon.
The Audi A3 marked Audi's return to the lower market segments in the automobile market after they stopped making the Audi 50 model in 1978. The original model of the Audi A3 was available only in a three door hatchback format. This was so that it would present a sportier version than its target competition, the Golf. It was also the first model to use the PQ34, also known as the “A4” platform.
The latest version of the Audi A3 is a totally updated model, offering the latest technologies such as Bluetooth integration and even iPod support.
Features
One of the key features of the Audi A3 is its dual pane Open Skyroof system. Featuring a power front glass pane that can slide open to the fixed rear glass, the system offers a great sense of open space to the Audi A3. The automatic rain and light sensor also adjusts automatically the car's windshield wipers and headlights to allow for changes in environmental conditions while driving.
The Audi A3 also offers a Bluetooth interface phone preparation which allows for easy hands-free communication via a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The Audi Navigation plus is an optional add on for the 2007 Audi A3. It is a DVD-based navigation feature with full color screen, MMI-inspired controls and 2 SD card slots for MP3 music storage. The system is available with either the Audi A3 Sport Package or the A3 Premium Package.
Another feature of the A3 is the S Tronic transmission. The S Tronic is a racing-inspired, dual clutch automatic transmission that makes shifting gears smooth and quick. The FSI Direct Injection technology allows the Audi A3's engine to generate more power with less engine consumption.
Power And Performance
The Audi A3 2.0 T 200 HP 6 speed is the lower, cheaper package among all of the available Audi A3 packages. This car is powered by a front mounted, transverse, inline four-cylinder spark ignition engine with FSI Direct Injection technology, exhaust turbocharger with intercooler, four valves per cylinder, 2.0L engine that can produce 200 hp at 5100 to 6000 rpm and a torque output of 207 lb-ft at 1800 to 5000 rpm.
The engine is managed by a fully electronic engine management system with a drive-by-wire throttle control, direct injection, adaptive lambda control, mapped ignition with cylinder selective ignition coil and cylinder-selective adaptive knock control. The emission control system uses a ceramic precatalyst with catalyst heating function using a homogenous split dual injection.
Performance wise, the Audi A3 reaches an electronically limited max speed of 130mph. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 6.7 seconds.
Front suspension for the A3 is by a McPherson strut with lower wishbones, aluminum subframe, with tubular anti-roll bar and track-stabilizing steering roll radius. Rear suspension uses a four-link suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe and tubular anti-roll bar.
Stopping power is provided by a dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESP with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), an ABS, hydraulic brake assistance, brake servo with dual rate function, electronic differential lock (EDL) and ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.
Steering is via an electromechanical steering system with speed-dependent power assistance.
Standard features of the car include a 17” 5-dome spoke cast-alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 all-season tires, 3 point sea belts, 4-spoke steering wheel, advanced anti-theft vehicle alarm system, Audi Concert II AM/FM stereo with single in-dash CD player, back lit instrument cluster with automatic brightness control, electronic stabilization system, remote locking system, servotronic speed sensitive power steering, Sideguard head protection airbags for front and rear occupants, outdoor temperature gauge and other systems.
The Audi A3, for its high end package, also carries a high end price. The price starts at 33,950 USD for the basic package. However, there's no doubt that packs a lot of car for the what it costs to own it.
