We drive the Audi A3 TDI

Audi A3 TDI

The Audi A3 is one of the best kept secrets out there. Here is an Audi at Toyota prices that still feels and drives like an Audi. The A3 was totally redesigned last year and the US market lost the hatchback version so now all A3 models are sedans. The good news is that there are many improvements along the way. There is even a rumor that the hatchback will be back in the US.

The A3 is available with your choice of three different engines. The entry level engine is the 1.8 liter turbo that puts out 170 hp. The next step is the 2.0 liter turbo with 220 hp. If that is not enough, there is the S3 that cranks out 292 hp.

The S3 costs significantly more so our favorite version is the slowest A3, the TDI. The TDI comes with a turbo diesel four cylinder driving the front wheels. It has only 150 hp but offers terrific fuel economy instead. While the base 1.8 A3 starts out at $29,000, the TDI is not that much more at $32,600. The S3 is almost $10,000 more.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]Where the TDI shines is in fuel economy. While the 1.8 gas engine is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, the TDI is rated at 31 mpg in the city and an amazing 43 mpg on the highway. That rating is actually a little underrated. We managed to get closer to 50 mpg while driving at 65 mph and averaged 35 mpg in mixed city driving.

Why would you buy a boring hybrid when you can have great fuel economy in a fun package like the A3? The diesel is not exactly slow either with Audi claiming a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. While it is not a sports car, it never feels slow or underpowered.

That package is pretty darned good starting with the interior. Audi A3 comes with many of the features that come in their bigger models such as Audi side assist, Audi drive select, MMI touch and Bang and Olufsen audio.

Well-appointed interior

The interior of our A3 was luxurious with everything that you could want. The front seats are very comfortable and everything is within easy reach. The rear seats are good for two people but squeezing three people back there is only for short trips. The trunk is typical Audi with a huge capacity. We threw in enough luggage for six people and it swallowed everything.

Driving dynamics are also first rate. You are never reminded that this is anything but an Audi. There is a bit more road noise and there are fewer gadgets but it is so much better that anything else in its price class.

The A3 also feels very nimble in most corners and makes you want to push harder in turns. This is a front wheel drive car so it will understeer at the limit and it is hard to make it rotate if you are pushing hard. You do feel the weight in tight turns and are reminded that this is a 3200 pound sedan and not a sports car.

Audi, just like most manufacturers these days, has pretty much abandoned the manual transmission from their models and the A3 is only available with a six speed automatic transmission. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and really does try hard to make you not wish for a real manual box. We still would prefer the manual that is available in Europe. While we are at it, can we also get the 184 hp diesel engine as well?

The A3 is a great car for most people. It offers luxury, comfort, fuel economy, a roomy interior and a great price that makes it affordable for most new car buyers. Most buyers would love to buy a premium brand car and here is your chance to purchase a premium brand car at regular prices. Plus this will save you so much money with that great fuel economy.

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