Audi's A3 gives what's expected
22 July 2000: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan.
Brian: Audi say first impressions are usually right when it comes to judging character. I suppose it all depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s reliability, then you won’t go far wrong with the Audi A3 which behaves exactly how you would expect it to, given its pedigree.
Trish: For my taste, it’s a wee bit on the dull side to look at but what it may lack in appearance, it makes up for in performance. The car is big-hearted and strong and will serve well over its lifespan.
Brian: It’s a close cousin of the VW Golf, built on the same platform and with the most of the same engines (no 1.4-litre is available). The review car was the 5-door version and standard features included power steering, electric windows, remote control and central locking. The exterior mirrors, the windscreen washer jets and the door locks are heated - great in winter conditions.
Trish: There was also ABS, driver and passenger airbags with side airbags, the seat belts feature a locking mechanism for securing a child safety seat, and the fuel supply cuts off automatically if the car is involved in a crash. The car had an electric sliding sunroof, and the steering wheel, in leather, is height and reach-adjustable which I always find a boon. Most controls are clear and easy to use. The clutch isn’t heavy, but has a thing that it seems to spring out at you in the last part of its travel, and this took a little getting used to. The brakes were quite pressure sensitive and one learned that a lightish push was usually more than ample.
Brian: A range of options are available, including electronic climate control, leather upholstery, electrically operated sports seats, satellite navigation (only for abroad at the moment) and headlamp cleaning systems. Buyers can opt to have Audi’s latest safety invention, SIDEGUARD, which releases an additional airbag along the full length of the side windows for maximum side impact protection.
Trish: Air circulation is something of a bogey with Audi, I’ve always found, and the A3 is no exception. There’s very little control of hot/cold at different levels, and unless you buy the climate control option, you’re going to be getting fretful in traffic during hot weather.
Brian: The hatchback style left the car with very good luggage space and the dividing fold-down rear seat bench gave a good flexibility of load/people carrying options.
Trish: The review A3 was powered by an all-new 1.6-litre engine outputting 101bhp, which provided very decent performance without any fuss whatsoever. A very civilised motor indeed. A high-tech 5-valve 1.8-litre giving 125bhp is available and there’s a 1.8 Turbo with optional versions outputting 150bhp or 180bhp. It also comes with diesel power. Automatic versions are available.
Brian: On the road, the car is from the first quiet and refined, even when you boot it and let the engine rev. Handling is solid, and unfazed by road surfaces that might cause other cars to complain. Of course, given the price of what we were driving, there would be cause for complaint if it wasn’t so good.
Trish: This smallest Audi (for the moment ... they’re getting into the next lower segment soon) can seat four passengers in comfort and I found the seating to be very good, comfortable and supportive, especially on long journeys. The car as reviewed was priced at £19,150.
Audi A3 facts: 1.6-, 1.8- and 1.8-litre Turbo petrol, 1.9-litre td; 5-speed manual, automatic; 3- and 5-door; price range £18,745-£24,995.
