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- Style-level Rating
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 8.1
/ 10
Overall Ratings
- A smooth, quiet ride and comfortable seats perfect for long rides.
8.3 / 10
Dynamics
7.0 / 10
Engine Performance- 3.2-liter V6 is smooth but overburdened by this car resulting in mediocre acceleration. It doesn't sound particularly good either.
9.0 / 10
Transmission Performance- DSG is the best compromise yet between the ease of an automatic and control of a manual. We would still prefer a true manual in this application, however, as the engine needs all the help it can get with this relatively heavy car.
9.0 / 10 Brake Performance- Good pedal feel and short, consistent stops.
9.0 / 10 Steering Perfomance- Light effort with good road feel. It's not the best system around, but pretty close.
9.0 / 10 Handling- Very stable and easy to control with minimal body roll. It understeers hard when pushed, but quattro all-wheel-drive makes it scream through sweeping corners.
7.0 / 10 Fun-to-Drive- We expected more from a small, 250hp, AWD hatchback. The biggest problem is weight as it dulls the car's acceleration and transitional quickness.
7.8 / 10 Comfort
8.0 / 10 Ride Comfort- A very comfortable daily driver despite its performance leanings. Solid on the highway and rarely gets unsettled on rough roads.
8.0 / 10 Wind Noise- Quiet cruiser at any speed.
8.0 / 10 Road Noise- Some added road noise from high performance tires. If solitude is a priority, stay away from S-Line package.
8.0 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Firm, supportive seats that remain comfortable for long drives.
7.0 / 10 Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Rear passenger room is tight. If you need more room, go for the A4 wagon.
8.0 / 10 Driving Position- Good adjustability on the seats and steering wheel make for a comfortable driving position.
7.6 / 10
Function
8.0 / 10 Headlight Illumination- Optional xenon headlights provide excellent coverage and an even pattern.
8.0 / 10 Visibility- Good sightlines in all directions give this vehicle excellent visibility for any size driver.
8.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout- Classic analog gauges are very easy to read with little interference from the center mounted menu.
7.0 / 10 Climate Control System Layout- Toggle dials are a little cumbersome and the vent buttons take some getting used to. Otherwise, a useful layout.
8.0 / 10 Audio System Layout- Lots of space between well marked buttons makes for an easy to use system.
8.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout- Good steering wheel satellite controls. Steering wheel shift paddles allow you to move through the gears without taking your hands off the wheel.
7.0 / 10 Interior Storage
7.0 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space- There isn't much space behind the rear seat. If you need real cargo room it's better to go with the A4 Avant.
8.0 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)- With second row seats folded down, the A3 offers a good amount of cargo space given its small exterior dimensions.
7.0 / 10 Cupholders- Not particularly deep but placed within easy reach.
8.8 / 10 Design/Build Quality
8.0 / 10 Exterior Design- A sharp looking hatchback, especially in S-Line trim. Wheels are a little on the dull side for a Sport package.
9.0 / 10 Interior Design- Classic styling gives the A3 a very upscale look. Gauge cluster is particularly sharp.
9.0 / 10 Interior Materials- No visibile signs of cost cutting. Everything looks and feels top quality.
9.0 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel- All controls move with precision, adding to the upscale feel.
9.0 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles- Very tight cabin with no signs of loose fitting pieces.
9.0 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps- Well built vehicle with tight gaps and solid build quality.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2006 Audi A3 Consumer Ratings |
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