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Friday, November 18, 2005

Audi A3 2.0 FSI: European road test

Audi A3
"Fourtitude" made a road test in Europe with the Audi A3 2.0 FSI and we must admit that this is a great article! We always expect to find good articles when we visit Fourtitude, but this one stands out. A must read!
We picked up our A3 in Munich, and true to form, the weather was dreadful with heavy snow impeding much of our progress along the A9 autobahn. Trying to make the most of even a bad situation, we took our time crawling along in heavy traffic to assess the A3’s driving environment. Though this newest A3 is basically Audi’s entry-level offering, there’s not much in the way of cheapo materials or unimaginative styling to give that fact away. Some TT flourishes – console braces and real aluminum appointments – brighten things up appreciably and offer that high-tech look modern Audi interiors are known for.

Our tester had a 6-speed manual transmission and it’s a good one. Whereas past Audi ‘boxes were somewhat notchy and imprecise, the gearbox in the new A3 is anything but. Throws are a bit long for sporty driving, but they are at least accurate and possess a positive and precise feel. Clutch take up is smooth and light, and considering the stop-and-go conditions we encountered in heavy European traffic, such details were very much noted and appreciated.

Unfettered by nasty weather and heavy traffic, the A3 and its new running gear are very much in their element. The 2.0 16v revs like a champ and possesses an aggressive but agreeable growl. We have to report that we found it quite refreshing to discover a 4-cylinder Audi engine with performance and character.


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Source: Fourtitude

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