| Despite today's never-ending talk about | | | | entertaining. Although the A3 will be offered with |
| globalization and the merging of world cultures, | | | | a 250-hp V6, the four is plenty enjoyable. |
| German cars still have a personality all their own. | | | | Somewhat less enjoyable, however, is the |
| But like most strong personalities, the distinct | | | | 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission. It |
| flavor of Teutonic automobiles isn't a favorite with | | | | proved to be a mixed bag. The steering-wheel |
| everybody. While the typical German car's | | | | shift paddles were intuitive and effective for |
| smooth, refined manners are impressive, such | | | | manually controlling shifts. Likewise, the |
| machines can seem a little too slick feeling for | | | | transmission's upshifts under hard throttle |
| some -- they tend to be a bit isolating, sterile, | | | | demonstrated impressively quick action without |
| chilly. | | | | any sort of jerkiness. But automatic-mode |
| Count me among believers of the latter. I | | | | downshifts were a trifle sluggish and upshifts |
| generally like cars to have more soul than the | | | | often came early, leaving the engine to lug along |
| usual Bahn-stormer delivers. But that's why I | | | | in what felt like too low a gear. |
| found the new Audi A3 to be such a pleasant | | | | Nonetheless, such quibbles don't dampen the fun |
| surprise. It's as friendly feeling as a Japanese | | | | appreciably and the A3 is good for plenty of |
| sports sedan, without giving up the sense of | | | | excitement on twisty roads. Compared to most |
| precision and refinement that's the hallmark of | | | | German sporty cars, the A3's steering is lighter |
| machines from Audi and other German makes. | | | | and more communicative -- dare I say even a bit |
| Slipping into the A3's cabin, you find it to be | | | | soulful. Complementing this is the A3's competent, |
| noticeably smaller than its A4 sibling, but not | | | | confidence-inspiring handling. Not surprisingly, grip |
| dramatically so. Surrounding occupants are | | | | runs out front-end first on this FWD machine, so |
| quality-feeling black plastics of various finishes, | | | | charging into tight turns can bring on some |
| offset by a sprinkling of aluminum here and there. | | | | plowing understeer. But it's not a major handicap, |
| Although not opulent or expensive feeling, the | | | | and it's certainly no worse than most rivals in this |
| A3's furnishings are sophisticated and pleasing. | | | | respect. Firm damping controls body motion well |
| They convey a sense of thought and care in their | | | | and the A3's brakes are powerful and easily |
| design. | | | | modulated, capping off a package that's good for |
| Likewise for the optional leather upholstery, which | | | | plenty of sport-driving fun. |
| has a taut, quality feel. The seats are supportive | | | | The only significant downside I found to the A3 is |
| and comfortable. There's decent room for tall | | | | its price. Although prices start at an attractive |
| individuals up front. In back, leg- and head-room | | | | $24,740, our A3 2.0T test car stickered for |
| are a bit snug for six footers, but not painfully so. | | | | around thirty large with a few typical options. |
| Firing up the turbocharged 2.0-liter four yields a | | | | While that's not exactly highway robbery for a |
| smooth, precise purr, which elevates to an almost | | | | machine this competent, it's enough to probably |
| exotic rip as rpms get into the upper half of the | | | | send some potential A3 buyers toward rival |
| range. That transition is appropriate, mirroring the | | | | premium subcompacts. |
| engine's switch from somewhat lopey feeling off | | | | But after looking around, a lot of those people will |
| the line, to a surprisingly strong midrange champ | | | | probably come back to considering the A3. It's a |
| that has more gusto than its 200-hp rating might | | | | nice blend that's easy to fall for -- small but |
| imply. | | | | practical, lively yet sophisticated, Teutonic but |
| Indeed, a look at the specs shows why -- this | | | | eager. Plenty of other cars would do well to |
| engine's full 207 lb ft. of torque is available at just | | | | emulate its virtues. |
| 1800 rpm, giving it a gutsy feel that's quite | | | | |