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Audi's latest hatchback is nothing like a hatchback at all. The redesigned, aggressive styling truly brings this 3-door sports hatch into the next decade. Don't like hatchbacks? No problem. Audi will also offer the new model in two other styles: a 5-door sedan and a convertible. This car review will focus on the 3-door model. Reviewers all agree this new styling is Audi's most aggressive 3-door yet.
LED lighting will be included in the front headlights, side mirrors and even in the braking lights. Day time or night this car cannot be missed. That is, unless the pedal goes down. A 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder turbo-charged engine puts out 200 horsepower. Consistent with the other competitors, the A3's acceleration brings the car from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds.
Gas mileage for the sporty 3-door is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (manual). If you want to buy a new car with even better mileage, watch for the turbo diesel A3 which gets slightly over 42 mpg.
One exciting new feature is the S-Tronic transmission. This allows for shifting from either paddles on the steering wheel or from the shift lever on the console. Shift times are recorded in the neighborhood of 0.2 seconds. A "sport" mode is also available, delaying upshifts, slowing downshifts which really keeps the revs where you want them.
Audi's very own Quattro all wheel drive combines safety, performance and technology. The hydraulic system can anticipate wheel slip and transfer power to the appropriate wheels avoiding loss of control.
As for the interior, Audi has not taken shortcuts. The open sky sunroof allows not only maximum air flow but an unobstructed, convertible-like feeling. The rear seats fold down allowing for extra storage space. An aluminum inlay adds to the high quality feel of the car. The interior has few luxury updates and is distinctly German in its attention to form and function.
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