2006 Audi A3

Program #2442

Talk about timing. High gas prices and slow auto sales seem the perfect time to introduce a smaller, more economical model. For Audi, that means the new A3 sport hatchback. This tidy 5-door Audi also speaks to younger buyers who crave the marque but don’t want to break the bank. So, is the littlest Audi really a big deal?

Well, that depends on your definition of big. While the 2006 Audi A3 is technically a 5-door compact, its U.S. introduction is a big deal for a brand better known for medium to large luxury sedans.

Built on a 101.5-inch wheelbase derived from the latest Volkswagen Golf, the A3 is only 168.7-inches long, or over 10-inches shorter than the A4. But don’t let the compact dimensions fool you. The A3’s cabin is impressively airy and roomy, and boasts the same high style and build quality as larger Audis, as well as standard side-impact airbags. Both front and rear outboard occupants are protected by Audi’s Sideguard curtain airbag system.

Audi TT fans will recognize many familiar elements in the A3’s sporty, aluminum-trimmed dash and in the low-slung, leather-clad sport seats that came with our car’s optional Sport package. The gauge cluster is racy-looking with its alloy surrounds, but a little sparse for a true sporting ride. Automatic climate controls with pollen filter are standard, as is a 140-watt CD stereo. Our car came with the optional Bose audio package with 6-disc in-dash CD changer. It sounds awesome!

Another awesome feature is the A3’s optional Open Sky 2-piece sunroof. It covers both front and rear seats, and the power-operated front section tilts and slides.

The rear seat is comfortable, but 6-footers will find head and leg room to be a bit tight. The seat back splits and folds, and also features a pass through for long items. Lift the hatch for a reasonable 13 cubic-feet of luggage space. Flipping the rear seat down greatly expands it, though the seat backs do not fold completely flat.

The classy cabin is wrapped in slick, 5-door hatchback styling. Audi’s overly big trapezoidal grille is echoed in the shape of the also oversized rear hatch. The A3’s wedge-shaped body lines rise sharply and smoothly from head to tail, as the Sport package’s roof spoiler adds some youthful flair.

Power to move the front-drive A3 comes from VW/Audi’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection. With 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, it’s the first time that direct fuel injection and a turbo have been combined for a gasoline engine. Early in 2006, it will be joined by a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 and Quattro all-wheel-drive.

Transmission choices are our car’s positive, but slightly rubbery, 6-speed manual, or the TT’s twin-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox automatic, which uses steering wheel mounted paddles for self-shifts.

We put the power down at our test track, and ran a best 0-to-60 time of 7.1 seconds. The quarter mile took 15.3 seconds, ending at 95 miles-per-hour. The 2.0-liter engine is strong off the line. The turbo spins up quickly, with maximum torque available at only 1,800 rpm. Power builds in a very linear fashion.

Handling is a high point of the A3, too. With the retuned Sport Package, reaction of the MacPherson strut front and 4-link rear suspension was always predictable and consistent. The A3 changes direction quickly with minimal driver input, yet always maintains its fine balance.

There’s just a touch of front plow on turn in, a little body roll in mid-corner, and plenty of grip all the way through. The electro-mechanical power steering is light and quick, but still delivers solid feedback, as do the sticky 225/45 Continental SportContact2 tires, which are mounted on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.

Braking is by way of 4-wheel discs with ABS, Brake Assist and electronic stability. We averaged an adequate but not exceptional 135 feet from 60. The brake pedal was a bit on the soft side, but still delivered decent feedback. Chassis stability was top notch, as is ride quality; it’s big car solid. EPA mileage estimates are 23 city/30 highway. We averaged a respectable 25 miles-per-gallon in mixed driving.

The A3 is an impressive little machine, but it’s not a cheap one. Base price is $25,460 with the manual transmission. Choose the DSG automatic, and the price is $26,860. Add our test car’s $1,800 Sport package, $1,100 sunroof and $900 Bose audio system, and it drives away for $29,260. But even that is almost $2,000 less than the least expensive BMW 3-Series.

While the 2006 Audi A3 may be an entry level car for premium level buyers, its timing is perfect. With auto sales down and gas prices up, it’s a cool, youthful and efficient addition to Audi’s always sporting lineup. That makes this littlest Audi a very big deal indeed.