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While our 5-door 2006 Audi A3 is indeed compact in size, it delivers big in performance and creature comforts.
Based on the latest Volkswagen Golf platform, power delivery for our Quattro S-Line is 250-horsepower strong from it's corporate 3.2-liter twin-cam V6. So, much like the Mini Cooper S, the daily driving experience is spirited and agile.
After 2 months, and 6,000 miles, our staff has already professed their love for the A3's generous top-end power, easily controlled by the quick-acting 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox paddle-shift transmission. And, the drivetrain does seem to be a good match for the tossable nature of this little Autobahn burner.
The interior is also to our liking. Audi well equipped, and quite roomy. With the Open Sky twin-panel sunroof, its almost convertible like. Only the A3's rather stiff seats caused any qualms on longer trips.
Indeed, the A3 is pure Audi luxury-sport sedan. That means it's designed for putting the pedal down. So we are not surprised with performance car fuel economy of 21.3 miles per gallon on premium grade gas. The Audi A3 is great fun.
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European automakers have a penchant for making even their most fun to drive cars totally practical. That's just the start of the appeal of our 5-door 2006 Audi A3.
Based on the fifth generation Volkswagen Golf, our 3.2 S-Line Quattro's 250-horsepower erupts from a 3.2-liter twin-cam V6. It joins expert chassis tuning to make both weekday commutes and weekend getaways equally enjoyable.
After 5 months, and over 9,000 miles, our staff has also embraced an interior that is both expertly comfortable and versatile. You can easily carry a carpool, or almost as much cargo as a small utility.
We've had no mechanical problems, but there is some grumbling about the hard seats, and the 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox paddle-shift transmission. It's jerky at slow speeds. Maybe it just hates the slow lane.
Our heavy feet may be why fuel economy is unspectacular at 22.5 miles-per- gallon on premium fuel. You can opt for an A3 with the VW GTI's 200-horse turbocharged 4 and do better. Or, save money and skip the A3 altogether.
But, we'll stand pat for now. The A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro delivers big on performance and purpose and we love it.
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We've been zipping around our Maryland roads in this 2006 Audi A3 for going on 9 months now. And, all in all, this compact 5-door is proving to be a real charmer.
The combination of a VW Golf-based performance-tuned chassis, our S Line's 250-horsepower 3.2-liter twin-cam V6, and Quattro all-wheel drive, make even the most mundane driving a treat.
With that much performance it's no wonder fuel economy is low for a car this size. 22.3 miles-per-gallon on premium fuel after a solid 15,000 miles. We think the standard 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 would be a smarter choice that doesn't give up too much driving spirit.
While we've had zero mechanical faults, the recent frigid weather has brought out a few warts. Cold start acceleration is jerky and the tires get so hard overnight that they thump loudly for miles.
But make no mistake, the Audi A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro is one very hot hatchback, lighting our fire with every mile.
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We've now been touring around in this little hot rod for 8 months and 16,000 miles.
The triple-threat of a VW Golf-based performance-tuned chassis, a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter twin-cam V6, and Quattro all-wheel drive, ensure that's it's never a boring ride.
Yes, we know that 22.4 miles-per-gallon is nothing spectacular, but when you think of the A3 as a boxy high-performance car, it falls right into line.
While we've had no mechanical issue, like the Civic, we are bothered by a couple of things. Our car's optional 18-inch tires are loud and thumpy, and the A3 continues to stumble when it's cold.
Still, when we drive the A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro, we feel good.
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Few small cars deliver more fun than our 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro.
After 11 months and nearly 20,000 miles, we still yearn to feel the lovely power of its 250-horse 3.2-liter twin-cam V6. But, with those guts our A3 is not especially economical. Mileage stands at 22.6 miles-per-gallon of premium.
Inside is a cockpit that mixes Audi luxury and driver focus with impressive room and versatility. This hatchback's maximum cargo room rivals a compact SUV.
We've had no new downers to report with the main objection still the loud and thumpy ultra-low profile 18-inch tires. The Audi A3 is not a typical small car. It's a special treat.
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A car's fun-to-drive quotient couldn't be higher than this 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro.
Sadly, after 12 months and 21,000 miles our fling with this high performance commuter has run its course.
Throughout four seasons the 250-horse 3.2-liter twin-cam V6 qurattro drivetrain never faltered, although the operation of the manual mode DSG tranny still takes getting use to.
Economy is 22 miles-per-gallon of premium. Like the Eclipse Spyder, that's barely enough at today's gas prices.
Inside the A3's roomy, well appointed cabin gets solid marks, as this hatchback's maximum cargo room rivals a compact SUV.
The only things that has tempered our joy is the increasingly loud and thumpy ultra-low profile 18-inch tires.
Still, without our A3, getting to and fro is going to be a real bore.
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