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AUDI A3 REVIEW
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| Ratings |
( Maximum score is 100 ) |
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| Overall: |
  ( 60 )
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| Comfort: |
( 60 )
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| Performance: |
( 80 )
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| Quality: |
( 80 )
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| Appearance: |
( 100 )
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Looks |
Least favorite feature: |
Uncomfortable ride |
Advice to buyer: |
Test drive it! |
Detailed review: |
Draw A3 today. Took one for a ride from Key Audi dealership in Jacksonville, Florida. I can say only the best for sales people from that dealership. They were not pushy and they were very helpful. They let me and my wife test drive it on our own. They gave us a black with beige interior, with premium package and DSG.
Here’s what we think:
Design
We loved the exterior. We think that exterior design is very cool, appealing to younger generation. About the interior, we were divided. My wife didn’t like it at all, I was OK with it, and probably will grow to like it more.
Steering
It felt as steering wheel is not attached to anything at stop or slow speeds. As we gained speed it firmed up, but it was still way too soft. Now, I understand that thing can be easily programmed to make it stiffer, so it might be OK after all.
Shifting
DSG lives to its reputation. I would probably have to drive it longer to get it perfected, but it worked just fine. Although, when I was downshifting, it wouldn’t go below third gear, and braking with engine was not as noticeable as if it was manual.
Engine
Loud. Engine running, we’re outside waiting for salesman to bring plates, I was surprised how loud the engine was. It sounded almost as it was diesel. Inside was somewhat quieter, but still noisier that for example BMW 325i. It is fast. I was getting to 95mph so quick it was scary (think speeding tickets). One thing I didn’t like was moving from full stop there was a noticeable lag, unless I’d stepped on a pedal and forced it to move.
Suspension
Awkwardly rough. When we came back, salesman said that tires are probably still pumped at about 55lbs. I don’t know if that can account for so much roughness. I though that my ’95 Acura Integra with lowered suspension and 205/45 tires rides rough, but obviously it does not. We took the same route from the dealership, and compared with A3 it wasn’t so rough. Also, I just sold my ’93 BMW 325is that had busted strut bearings, and it was still smoother ride compared to A3.
Conclusion
Nice car altogether. I believe that it will definitely find market among younger generation if priced more attractively. They should offer some nice leases with 12-15k miles per year and they should be selling them like candies. For me, I’m going to get 2005 BMW. Models 325i and 330i have $2,500 and $4,200 incentive because of new 2006 models. That car is much more in line with what I need from a car. |
Also considered: |
N/A
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| About This Reviewer... |
Location: |
Jacksonville, Florida |
Other vehicles owned: |
None
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Review submitted: |
May 14, 2005 |
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