The Audi A3 needs no special introduction. Back in 1996, the model became the entrance ticket to the world prestigious cars from Ingolstadt. A successful chassis from "Golf", combat engines, soundly and tastefully cut interior - not all of its trump cards.
True, until the third generation in the A3 range there was no sedan. For the first time it was "tailored" in the spring of 2013, and it reached Russia at the end of the same year. The traditionally popular three-box body quickly came to the court, the model earned the title of business class in miniature and is selling better today than 3- and 5-door hatchbacks combined.
However, even the minimum price for the base 1.4-liter version is 1,036,000 rubles. for many golf car buyers it is an insurmountable barrier.
"Automatic", which is played by a "robot" with two clutches, raises this bar by another 71,000 rubles. Moreover, such a power unit cannot be called ideal. The S-Tronic is not characterized by smooth shifting, and driving in traffic jams at low speeds sometimes turns out to be offensively twitchy.
Trumps A3
- best acceleration time
- more maximum speed
- central tunnel controller
Alas, with leather trim befitting a prestigious car, climate control and bi-xenon headlights, the 1.8 TFSi S-Tronic price tag will soar to 1,431,000 rubles.
Audi's options are traditionally expensive. At the same time, the candidate is not the best candidate for the role of the only car in the A3 family - the sofa is cramped and the trunk is not very large.
Finding an Audi sedan without these shortcomings is easy - since the company has wide choose machines are larger.
The first candidate is A4. Until recently, this car in a similar equipment 1.8TFSi Multitronic cost 1,684,000 rubles. But this fall, a "four" line of the Comfort line trim appeared at a "tasty" price of 1,508,000 rubles.
Yes, A4 today is at the end of her career, next year she will be "removed from the run." But this is the case when age is not an obstacle to happiness. One and a half million for a prestigious comfortable middle-class sedan with German ancestry is an advantageous offer today and a good alternative to the A3's overstated ambitions.
Pros of A4
- spacious sofa
- roomy trunk
- solid interior
The A3 quite successfully turns out to seem like an adult car, but in fact it remains only a "golf" with a tail, a prestigious nameplate and an inflated price tag. We'll have to put up with the shortcomings of the 1.4TFSi- "robot" power unit, but it's better to wait for the discount on the 1.8TFSi version.
The Quartet, although it is being produced for the seventh year, turns out to be in all respects a more harmonious machine. A comfortable sedan for every day or the only car into a family - A4 will cope well with any role and, moreover, today has become almost the most profitable purchase in the premium class.
20.09.2016
Audi A3 - satisfies several requests of modern motorists at once, firstly, it is a prestigious brand, and secondly, the car has a rather popular, in our time, body, three- and five-door hatchback... And if you add a stylish and pleasant design to these advantages, you get a very interesting option for city traffic. This car is ideal for those drivers who just want a golf-class car and want rich equipment and high-quality interior materials. It should be noted that cars of premium brands often require corresponding investments. What will await you if you nevertheless decide to become the lord of the rings, but at the same time, on a budget, while pulling only on a used car, now we will try to find out.
A bit of history.
The history of the Audi A3 model begins in 1997, since then three generations have changed. Today we will talk about the second generation, which was presented to the public in 2003. The car is built on the same platform with the "" fifth generation, but has its own design features - stiffer steel body, new multi-link rear suspension and slightly larger wheelbase (2570 mm). In May 2004, sales of a five-door version under the name " Sportback”, Which became 68 mm longer than the three-door, and all the increase in length went to increase the luggage compartment. Besides, A3Sportback received a modified front end in a new corporate style, with a radiator grille in the form of a chrome trapezoid. In 2005, the manufacturer made minor changes to the three-door version of the Audi A3. The front end was unified with the Sportback, new three- and four-spoke steering wheels from the Audi A4 appeared, and the suspension became more comfortable.
In 2008, another restyling was carried out, after which the car acquired a more sporty and modern design, and in the front and rear lights started installing LED elements; the front and rear bumper... Aluminum inserts have appeared in the interior, and the color scheme of the dashboards has been changed. To improve handling and comfort, the Audi A3 was equipped with a shock absorber adjustment system " Magnetic Ride”, With its help the driver can choose the suspension mode - from comfortable to sporty. In 2008, Audi expanded the line compact carslaunching the A3 Cabriole, which was based on a three-door hatchback. The third generation was introduced to the public in 2012.
Features and disadvantages of the used Audi A3.
The body of the Audi A3 is well galvanized and rust will not appear on it even after many years of operation, provided that the car has not been involved in an accident. And if you see a car with minor traces of corrosion, then it is better to refuse to buy such a car. If you are considering a pre-styling version for yourself, then most likely on secondary market You will meet a car driven from Europe - when choosing such a car, be extremely careful, since the runs of such cars are simply space.
Traditionally, for european cars, Audi A3 has a large selection power units... But if you look at the offers this car in the secondary market, you will see that the most common engines are before the 1.6 restyling (102 hp), after the 1.6 restyling (115 hp), and 1.4 (125 hp). If the dynamics of the car is not in the first place for you, then I recommend that you pay attention to cars with 1.6 engines. The fact is that these are fairly reliable atmospheric motors, with a timing belt drive, the replacement of which is required every 90,000 km. Also, in terms of reliability, a two-liter 150 strong is not bad atmospheric engine, however, this power unit was installed only until 2007. But the 1.4 turbo engine, despite the fact that it has very good performance in dynamics and fuel consumption, has not the best fame, due to the unreliable tensioner metal chain Timing If you already own a car with such an engine, then be extremely careful and listen to the sounds from under the hood when starting the engine - if new thundering sounds appear, you need to urgently contact the service. Also, try to change the oil earlier than prescribed in the regulations (every 8-10 thousand km).
Further, in terms of prevalence, follow power units with a volume of 1.8 (160 hp) and a two-liter turbo engine (200 hp). Basically, this is not bad engines, their main disadvantage is increased consumption oil, and with an increase in mileage, their appetite increases (for cars with a mileage of more than 200,000 km, consumption expensive oil can exceed 500 ml per 1000 km). There are cars with 1.9 and 2.0 liter turbodiesel engines, both power units are not bad in dynamics and reliability. Cars with such motors are very rare in the secondary market, and if you managed to find a good and worthy option, then all you need to do is fill in quality oil and diesel fuel.
During the life of this model, there were also a couple of charged power units - these are 3.2 (250 hp) and 2.0 (265 hp). In the secondary market, there are only a few cars with such motors and it is better to avoid them, since there is a high probability that such a machine previous owner not infrequently lit. 
The second generation of the Audi A3 has a fairly large number of available gearboxes - mechanics, automatic transmissions, robotic six- and seven-speed S-tronic. The most unreliable of all transmissions was the robotic S-tronic. So a six-speed transmission with two wet clutches can please a mileage of 120,000 km, and with correct operation - up to 150,000 km. But the seven-speed one lives several times less, and already at a run of 50,000 km, with prolonged traffic in traffic jams, it begins to twitch. As a result, it will be necessary to reflash the control unit and change the clutch, and this pleasure is not cheap ( at least such a repair will cost 1000 USD.). The replacement of mechatronics (a chronic sore of all robotic transmissions) will also hit your pocket, you will have to pay about 2000 USD, and these are not dealer prices, the repair will be much more expensive for the officials.
Therefore, when choosing a used Audi A3, give preference to versions with mechanical box transmissions and automatic transmissions, since both transmissions are very reliable and rarely cause trouble for owners. The clutch on the mechanics nurses 120 - 150 thousand km. In order for the automatic transmission to faithfully serve 300,000 km, change the oil in it every 60,000 km. There are also four-wheel drive versions. The all-wheel drive system, in this case, is implemented using the well-known and reliable clutch " Haldex».
Driving performance Audi A3 with mileage.
Audi A3 is very pleasant to drive, therefore, in combination with powerful motor, this car can combine the role of a family hatchback and auto to satisfy driver's ambitions. The design of the suspension is not complicated, but also not entirely simple - a MacPherson-type suspension is installed in front, and a multi-link design at the rear. Large investments in the suspension of the Audi A3 will have to be made once every 100,000 km, and on the little things it will be necessary to change the bushings and stabilizer struts every 35-50 thousand km and brake pads once every 40,000 kilometers. The service life of the shock absorbers does not exceed 100,000 km. Weak point rear suspension silent blocks are considered, on average they nurture 80,000 km. The car is equipped with a power steering, this unit has proved to be quite reliable and, with careful operation, will not disturb 120 - 150 thousand km.
Outcome:
A car with four rings leaves few people indifferent to themselves, and if you decide to buy such a car, then we can safely say that it is right choice... The car has many more advantages than disadvantages. One of the advantages of the Audi A3 is that parts here are interchangeable with Volkswagen and Skoda cars, which traditionally cost less than original spare parts Audi.
Advantages:
- Build quality.
- Galvanized body.
- Long service life of power units.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Reliable mechanical and automatic transmission.
- High level of control and safety.
- The quality of materials and interior sound insulation.
Disadvantages:
- Robotic transmission.
- The ground clearance is too small.
- Motors are demanding on fuel quality.
If you are or have been the owner of this car brand, please share your experience, indicating the strengths and weak sides auto. Perhaps it is your feedback that will help others correctly .
In Europe, they are rather skeptical about C-class sedans. Well, they don't buy compact "four-doors" in the Old World, and that's it! Perhaps that is why manufacturers often do not pay enough attention to the appearance of such cars - they "stuck" the trunk to the hatchback and put it up for sale. Audi acted differently: the A3 Sedan has practically no common body parts with hatchback A3. The exterior was developed from scratch and turned out to be more than successful. Many people call the Audi A3 Sedan a "premium Jetta". The Onliner.by correspondent understood the difference compact sedan with rings on the radiator grille from the "people's" Volkswagen.
Design
The first thing that distinguishes the four-door A3 from the Jetta is its looks. The Volkswagen designers should pay tribute: they also did not make a Golf Sedan out of the car and developed a unique exterior for the Jetta. The car looks solid, but boring. It seems that everything is in place, and the lines are complete, and the trunk does not look alien, and the proportions are optimal ... But there is nothing to catch the eye.
The Audi model is much more advantageous in this regard. With a hatchback sedan, only headlights, a radiator grill and door handles are related. At a quick glance, the car can easily be confused with the A4. From afar, some will mistake the "three" for the A6. The manufacturer would have rather already differentiated the appearance of its cars!
But if we put aside the similarities with other models, the A3 Sedan can be safely called the most beautiful small-middle class sedan. Pleasant proportions and dynamic appearance complements the trunk with sharp lights, neatly inscribed in the silhouette of the body. The sedan is perceived rather as separate modelthan as a modification of the A3.
dimensions
Another significant difference between the Audi A3 Sedan and Volkswagen jetta are the overall dimensions. Audi is almost 19 cm shorter than Volkswagen, but slightly wider (+18 mm) and lower (-66 mm). Jetta is closer to A4 in size. In turn, the A3 Sedan continues the philosophy of the Audi 80, which was formally replaced by the A4 model, which has already fled far from its "grandfather" overall dimensions... It is important to remember that the current Jetta is built on the old Golf VI platform, while the A3 sedan is based on a Golf VII MQB bogie with a rear multi-link (beam versions are not available on our market).
Interior
Inside we see two completely different salons. Volkswagen has a classic center console with familiar climate control units and a radio. The central tunnel has two cup holders and a traditional handbrake. All air ducts are of the correct rectangular shape. On a three-spoke steering wheel, expensive configurations have control keys for various functions.
Audi has sporty minimalism! Half of the center console is occupied by two round ducts. Immediately below them there is a “piano” of keys, most of which were replaced by plugs in the test (almost the cheapest) version of A3. On the central tunnel there are two cup holders, an S-Tronic lever and an electronic parking brake button. Interestingly, in different modifications hand brake is in different places. So, if the A3 does not have an MMI multimedia system, then the "P" key is located closer to the gearbox lever.
That's what you shouldn't buy an A3 without, it's without multimedia system. Head unitlocated on the top of the front panel is so dull that you want to hide it. Fortunately, the Germans did not deprive us of this opportunity. When the audio system control unit is hidden in the depths, not the most convenient volume keys and switching tracks / radio stations remain "above the water".
The build quality of both machines is high. There are no errors visible to the eye. Both the A3 and Jetta have soft plastic on the dash and hard shell on the doors. At Audi, the finishing materials seemed more expensive both to the touch and to the appearance. In the test version A3, the steering wheel did not have a single button - you can't even change the volume of the radio.
Dashboard audi models made in the classic VAG "ovsky style: speedometer, tachometer and on-board computer display. Everything is readable. The steering wheel is adjustable in huge ranges in angle and reach. Small mirrors surprisingly did not cause poor visibility. True, when parking backwards, it is important to remember that you are not on a hatchback.
Back row and trunk
The key difference between the A3 Sedan and the Jetta is practicality. Volkswagen has traditionally created family car, in which you can go to work, and bring seedlings to the country. Audi has a typical youth sedan for trips to supermarkets and nightclubs. Sitting down "by himself" on the second row of A3, his knees rested on front seat (my height is 186 cm). The head is about to reach the ceiling. Quite frankly. On the second row of the Jetta - like on an airplane at an emergency exit: at least throw one leg over the other. True, I would like more room for the head. It is more convenient to get into the second row in Volkswagen.
The trunk of the A3 Sedan, although larger than that of the hatchback (425 liters versus 380), is much smaller than that of the Jetta, which boasts a 510-liter “gap”. Volkswagen owner Sergei, who took part in our test drive, brought with him a TV box, which fit in the trunk of the Jetta, occupying almost the entire floor. We tried to shove this item into the trunk of the A3 - it's pointless. The box did not even go wide. The back row, of course, can be folded, but it will no longer be a 5-seater car. The hatch for long lengths is an option.
1,4 TFSI +S-Tronic
But how nice Audi rides! The flexible 122-horsepower engine picks up from any revs, and the S-Tronic juggles gears barely noticeable for the driver. No power loss. No jerking. No freezes during "uncertain" operation of the gas pedal. Like the transmission is reading my mind.
The base engine left a pleasant experience. 1.4 TFSI is only available with "robot". Fans of manual gearboxes will have to take the 1.8-liter turbo engine (180 hp), which can be purchased with both the S-Tronic and the 6-manual gearbox. Four-wheel drive The Quattro is also only available with 1.8 TFSI (and only with a robotic gearbox).
The A3's suspension is softer than the Jetta's. Road seams, traditional spring pits in the asphalt, angular "sleeping cops" - the Audi sedan "swallows" any irregularities with appetite. At the same time, body roll is minimal. It is a pleasure to pass the turns of the entrance / exit from the roundabout without releasing the gas pedal.
Prices
For basic audi version A3 Sedan in Minsk ask for 21,950 euros (roughly - 30 thousand dollars). For the Volkswagen Jetta you will have to pay at least $ 26,870. In the base, the Audi sedan has a 1.4-liter TFSI, S-Tronic, Stop / Start system, ESC, alloy wheels R16, leather steering wheel, full power accessories, air conditioning, seven airbags, rear fog lights etc. From Volkswagen we will get the same 1.4-liter engine, but with a 6-manual gearbox, steel wheels, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, ABS, full power accessories, a full set of airbags, etc. In general, everything is very similar.
The conclusion is simple. If you have a family, children, mother-in-law, a large TV, it is better to take a closer look at the Volkswagen Jetta. But keep in mind that the car is already relatively old (2010) and the generation of this family will change soon. Audi sedan A3, in turn, is fashionable and very stylish car for a young client. For some reason, it seems to me that wealthy girls who choose cars not by the width of the trunk, but by the "eyes" will become its main buyers.
Sergey, ownerVolkswagenJetta (2013 release):
When Onliner.by contacted me with an offer to participate in test drive Audi A3 Sedan, I did not hesitate a minute and agreed. I know about this car firsthand, at one time it was included in my short list when selecting next car... I once had an Audi 80 B4 (which is succeeded by the A3 Sedan), my first premium car, which I moved to after the 2nd Golf, feeling all the delights of this brand. Therefore, I examined the A3 Sedan in detail at the Minsk Motorshow. But I could not travel. Now this gap has also been eliminated, as a result of which more or less holistic impressions have been formed.
Outwardly, the car is beautiful, one can only pay tribute to the designers of Audi. Few can find C-class sedans so effective and harmonious. By the way, for those who believe that this model - this is an A3 hatchback with an attached trunk, I recommend searching on the Internet, as Markus Gleitz describes the creation of this car. Surely there will be those who say that the A3 Sedan is too similar to its higher class brethren. I believe that this is not a drawback. Audi companies managed to find my own style, interesting and unique in its own way. And each of their models is recognizable and undeniable premium.
If you get behind the wheel of this particular test car, then you will only experience despondency - in the basic configuration, the inside of the eye really has almost nothing to cling to. The seats are very simple, there is not even a lumbar support adjustment. The audio system would be better hidden further and deeper, for example, in a niche next to the cigarette lighter. No compartment for glasses. No control buttons on-board computer and an audio system on the steering wheel. Hard plastic on door cards. No backlight open doors... Actually, there is nothing that could be inherent in a premium car. Unless the climate control unit can to some extent brighten the look of the front panel: its "twists" cause pleasant tactile sensations, and the backlighting of the sectors is bright and rich.
Well, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and DSG grip tell us that we're not in the cheapest car after all. In my humble opinion, basic configuration A3 Sedan should be taken only by those who want to show off in the eyes of others. Like, look - I'm driving an Audi. The normal high-end car feel starts with the Ambition trim with the MMI option.
The test was a car with a 1.4 TFSI 122 hp engine. from. There is a similar one in my Jetta, and I have not discovered anything new in dynamics for myself. The engine is excellent, not at all a "vegetable", confidently pulls from the bottom and almost to the red sector of the tachometer (maximum torque of 200 Nm is available at 1500-3900 rpm). For city and highway driving, it is quite enough (and for those who want to light up, there is 1.8 TFSI). It was on this engine that I understood what the term "elastic", used in the reviews of autojournalists, means.
According to the passport, acceleration to hundreds on the S-Tronic is a few tenths of a second faster than on the manual gearbox. Perhaps I will agree. I feel that acceleration is faster than when I turn the stick on the Jetta. I did not notice any jerking when changing gears in the "Driving in a traffic jam" mode, which is supposedly inherent in this "robot" and about which everyone is writing. The S-Tronic worked quite adequately both when driving on the streets and when driving on the roundabout.
It can be noted that Audi decided not to pay much attention to noise insulation. From the street you can hear as much noise as in my Jetta, and the “Shumka” in the latter is purely nominal. This is also confirmed by the real owners of A3 Sedan in their blogs. Additional noise insulation is the first thing they think about after purchasing a car.
The A3 Sedan's suspension is definitely more comfortable than my Jetta. I deliberately drove through a speed bump several times at a fairly decent speed to compare the sensations: Audi passes it much softer. And Jetta has some pretty painful breakdowns. Perhaps the reason is that I have a package for bad roads with increased ground clearance... Or maybe the MQB platform demonstrates its advantages over its predecessor.
| BODY | |
| A type | Sedan |
| Number of doors | 4 |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Length | 4456 mm |
| Width | 1796 mm |
| Height | 1416 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm |
| Trunk volume | 425 l |
| ENGINE | |
| A type | Petrol TFSI |
| Volume | 1395 cc cm |
| Power | 122 l. from. |
| At rpm | 5000 |
| Torque | 200 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm |
| Arrangement of cylinders | inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Drive unit | Front |
| Number of gears (mechanical box) | – |
| Number of gears (automatic transmission) | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | |
| In front | Independent, spring-loaded, McPherson |
| Behind | Independent, spring, multi-link |
| STEERING | |
| Power steering | Electric amplifier |
| PERFORMANCE INDICATORS | |
| Maximum speed | 217 km / h |
| Acceleration time (0-100 km / h) | 9.3 s |
| Combined fuel consumption |
4.7 l / 100 km |
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Year of issue: 2015
Engine:1.4 (125 HP) Checkpoint: M6
For a long time, stubbornly and tediously, my wife and I chose a car for her. After several dozen quarrels, scandals and a couple of broken plates, the choice narrowed down to two cars. Specifically - Audi A1 and Audi A3. Spouse big car to nothing. She had to get to work and take the child to kindergarten. True, I also had selfish views on this car, because for traffic jams a small, nimble car is what the doctor ordered. In general, we stopped at A1.
The choice in favor of this little baby was made after a test drive. That I, that my wife just fell in love with her. Although A1 looks small, but in character and capabilities it will give a light to many "adult" brothers. They took it on the "handle" on purpose, my wife did not want to forget the skills. What if it ever comes in handy?
So, now about the car itself. At the wheel, surprisingly, it is convenient even for me (height 188 cm, and weigh more than 100 kg). Nothing and nowhere presses, the ceiling does not polish the crown. The seats are a bit harsh, which is understandable, because the car is still tailored for sports. But the "seats" clasp as expected, so in turns you do not dangle like a pencil in a glass.
Again, what a surprise. Although the engine is only 1.4-liter, and the "horses" 125, the A1 is a very playful and nimble machine. On the highway, you can easily accelerate to 170 km / h and you will feel that the car can add even more. Accordingly, there are no problems at all in the urban cycle. If necessary, I will overtake, if necessary, I will climb. Well, there is no stress with parking due to its compact size.
I will continue my portion of surprises. The suspension struck me the most. It is set up amazingly, as if it was specially adjusted for Russia (or maybe it is?). In addition, the relatively low weight of the car makes it easy and even playful to slip through such holes that larger cars overcome with caution. In general, A1 in terms of taxiing and maneuverability reminded me of karting. Everything is clear, fast and adequate. I also like the pleasant heaviness of the steering wheel. The headlights shine well, even at night in heavy rain everything is perfectly visible.
Now a little about what I didn't like. I'll start with the quality of interior materials. The plastic on the front panel still did not go where, then everything else (and this: door trim, tunnel, rubber bands, etc.) is of very mediocre quality. It seems to me that now even the Chinese are better. By the way, the doors themselves are very thin and flimsy, which causes some alarm and thought: "what will happen in a side collision?"
Another problem is poor visibility, which is quite logical, given the modest glass area of \u200b\u200bthe car. Therefore, the camera is not just a useful thing, but sometimes a necessary one.
Not happy with the expense. In the city, I rarely get less than 11 liters, although the driver I do not say is very aggressive. The wife fits into the top ten. But I still think it's too much.
Advantages of the Audi A1:
Appearance, comfortable fit behind the wheel, dynamics, control, suspension, headlights.
Disadvantages of the Audi A1:
Finishing materials, flimsy doors, visibility, fuel consumption, ground clearance.
