Despite as we speak's by no means-ending talk about globalization and the merging of world cultures, German vehicles still have a character all their own. But like most strong personalities, the distinct taste of Teutonic cars is not a favorite with everybody. While the everyday German automobile's easy, refined manners are spectacular, such machines can seem slightly too slick feeling for some -- they are usually a bit isolating, sterile, chilly. Count me among believers of the latter. I usually like vehicles to have extra soul than the same old Bahn-stormer delivers. But that's why I found the new Audi A3 to be such a pleasant shock. It's as pleasant feeling as a Japanese sports activities sedan, without giving up the sense of precision and refinement that is the hallmark of machines from Audi and different German makes. Slipping into the A3's cabin, you discover it to be noticeably smaller than its A4 sibling, but not dramatically so.
Surrounding occupants are quality-feeling black plastics of various finishes, offset by a sprinkling of aluminum right here and there. Although not opulent or expensive feeling, the A3's furnishings are refined and pleasing. They convey a sense of thought and care in their design. Likewise for the optional leather-based upholstery, which has a taut, quality really feel. The seats are supportive and comfortable. There's first rate room for tall people up front. In back, leg- and head-room are a bit snug for six footers, but not painfully so. Firing up the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 yields a easy, precise purr, which elevates to an almost exotic rip as rpms get into the upper half of the range. That transition is suitable, mirroring the engine's swap from considerably lopey feeling off the line, to a surprisingly sturdy midrange champ that has more gusto than its 200-hp ranking would possibly imply. Indeed, a glance on the specs reveals why -- this engine's full 207 lb ft.
1800 rpm, giving it a gutsy feel that's fairly entertaining. Although the A3 might be supplied with a 250-hp V6, the 4 is lots pleasing. Somewhat much less gratifying, however, is the 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission. It proved to be a combined bag. The steering-wheel shift paddles were intuitive and efficient for manually controlling shifts. Likewise, the transmission's upshifts underneath onerous throttle demonstrated impressively quick motion without any kind of jerkiness. But automatic-mode downshifts have been a trifle sluggish and upshifts often came early, leaving the engine to lug along in what felt like too low a gear. Nonetheless, such quibbles do not dampen the fun appreciably and the A3 is good for loads of excitement on twisty roads. In comparison with most German sporty vehicles, the A3's steering is lighter and extra communicative -- dare I say even a bit soulful. Complementing that is the A3's competent, confidence-inspiring handling. Not surprisingly, grip runs out front-end first on this FWD machine, so charging into tight turns can carry on some plowing understeer. But it isn't a significant handicap, and it is certainly no worse than most rivals in this respect. Firm damping controls body movement effectively and the A3's brakes are powerful and easily modulated, capping off a bundle that is good for plenty of sport-driving fun. The only vital downside I found to the A3 is its price. 24,740, our A3 2.0T test car stickered for round thirty massive with a number of typical options. While that is not precisely freeway robbery for a machine this competent, it is sufficient to in all probability send some potential A3 patrons towards rival premium subcompacts. But after looking around, a lot of those individuals will in all probability come again to considering the A3. It's a nice mix that is straightforward to fall for -- small but practical, lively but sophisticated, Teutonic however keen. Plenty of different vehicles would do properly to emulate its virtues.
Now the Avant is rock-regular on the street. Both the entrance and rear axles of the brand new Audi A6 Avant are five-link constructions made largely of aluminum. Two subframes, the entrance one rigid and the rear one mounted on hydraulic bearings, join the control arms to the body. The entrance axle is way more rigidly connected than in the predecessor model. The observe measures 1,630 millimeters (5.35 ft) up front and 1,616 millimeters (5.30 ft) on the rear. Audi provides two sportily balanced commonplace suspensions and three alternatives. The sport suspension (particular person choice or in S line sport package deal) lowers the body experience peak of the Audi A6 Avant by 20 millimeters (0.Eight in). The suspension with damper management is tuned for more comfort regardless of by 10 millimeters (0.4 in) decrease. Its controller conserves energy. Higher current solely flows when the valves are closed to firm up the dampers for fast driving.
