2006 Audi A3

The time is right for a deluge of sport-worthy compacts. Gasoline prices hovering in the stratosphere. Manufacturers lusting after the youth market. Buyers continuing to place a premium on performance. Backlash off the big SUV craze. Europe must be wearing a wide grin at all this. These issues have driven their automotive market for decades, with the exception of the SUV thing. They know how to build cool little sporty cars that placate both the fuel economist and the enthusiast. The 2006 Audi A3 is proof of that. It represents this expanding breed of compact wearing upscale nameplates and higher levels of luxury and performance. Acura has long enjoyed success in this segment here in the U.S., and Volvo’s S40 sedan and V50 wagon have recently entered the market. Now Audi joins the fray, and BMW is expected to follow.

The good news
What I like most about this Audi is its size and quality. The A3 debuts in the U.S. as a five-door hatchback. There is also a coupe, but it isn’t slated to show up here. Outside, the A3 is European handsome. Showy 17-inch starburst alloys, a deep front overhang centered with Audi’s new signature trapezoidal grille and taillights perched high on the hips give the exterior an aggressive look. Its appearance remains German-subdued compared to more extroverted Japanese designs, but the A3 won’t be mistaken for the average economy compact.

Inside, the same tasteful restraint continues with brushed aluminum accents offsetting lots of black. Audi’s TT two-seater inspires the sport interior, and the carmaker’s luxury image loads in standards like climate control, quality audio package and six airbags, among other things. My heavily optioned test car added extras like heated seats, multi-function leather steering wheel, trip computer, rain and light sensors, full leather interior, etc.

The A3 is built on the European Golf platform. Overall, it is 168.7 inches long with a 101.5-inch wheelbase. It’s small. But the high-shouldered, low-profile exterior disguises a surprisingly roomy interior. Headroom is especially generous relative to size, the backseat is designed for adults and the cargo area holds 13 cubic feet of stuff without rear seats folded. Four doors and a hatch make all this room accessible.

As for quality, the A3 is pure Audi. The solid thunk of the doors closing, the look and touch of all finishes inside and out, it sports-car handling and quiet composure at hurling speeds: All reflective of its heritage.

The rumor mill churns with promises of heady 250-horse V6 power and Quattro all-wheel-drive for this A3. But for now, Americans have to settle for front-wheel drive and a not-too-shabby brand new 2-liter, 200-horsepower, twin cam, turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine premiered in the 2005 A4 and represents the first production use of a turbocharger combined with FSI gasoline direct injection. The power rolls out fairly quickly: 0-60 in 6.7 seconds with automatic transmission. It’s definitely relentless: Maximum 207 lb-ft torque is available from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm.

There is a choice of two transmissions: a straight 6-speed manual and a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) 6-speed with automatic clutch. I tested the latter. It is similar to other automatics that offer clutchless shifting, except it is uniquely engineered to not interrupt the flow of power as the car accelerates. Audi clocks 0-60 at two-tenths of a second quicker with the automatic, yet fuel economy remains high.

Suspension is a combination of strut in front and a four-link independent rear setup designed to offer both exhilarating cornering and comfortable ride. It is successful on both accounts, keeping in mind no sporty compact rides like a full-sized Lexus. It’s stiff, but not overly so.

While the A3’s agility is a thing of joy, the steering is lighter to the touch than I expected. The A3 employs electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assist. It exhibits none of the heaviness you might expect of a performance compact, especially a German one. Some may not like this, since it feels less connected.

The bad news
First, we couldn’t stop giggling at the muffled popping sound this A3 emits as the innovative transmission shifts. Let’s just say the little explosion would send any group of third graders into fits of laughter. What it lacks in dignity, however, it makes up for in speed.

On a more serious note, the combination of the A3’s 200 horses, considerable torque, turbocharger and front-wheel drive produces more torque steer than I have encountered in a long time. The A3 begs to be pushed, but delivers the driver an erratic front end as thanks. No thanks. All-wheel-drive would be a must for me in this car.

Finally, keep in mind that the term “wagon” is relative in this case. The A3 is accommodating for its size, but not exactly a packrat.

Is it worth it?
This A3 shows much promise. Although objections to its profound torque steer temper my excitement, there is much to like here for the money. I think the car will be stunning in Quattro, especially if a 250-horsepower engine is part of the package.

Generally speaking, I am delighted to see these luxury/performance carmakers sharing their quality compact sedans and wagons with the U.S. These little cars may mark the entry-level position for their prestigious lines, but they still merit the pedigree. This gives more customers access to finely engineered cars and makes a more affordable class so much more interesting.

Particulars
Front-engine, five-passenger, five-door wagon
Price
Base: $26,140;
As tested: $30,085
Engine
Type: 2.0-liter DOHC turbo-charged 4-cylinder with FSI direct injection
Power: 200 hp @ 5100-6000 rpm; 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm
Drivertrain
Transmission: 6 speed with automated shifting and clutch
Front-wheel-drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Overall length: 168.7 inches
Curb weight: 3329 lb with automatic
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 25 mpg city/31 highway

Website: www.audi.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.