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Hands up if you get excited about diesel engines! Perception tells me not many hands went up. Yet the reverse should be true. Diesels offer a mighty fine driving experience. The Audi A3 TDI is one such car! In Europe, where the cost of petrol is much greater than it is here in Australia, the diesel engine is a prized alternative power source. So popular in Europe, a diesel option is even available in Alfa Romeo and Jaguar products! It's widely available throughout the Audi range. A natural progression for Audi is to offer the diesel in Australia. Various diesels are offered in Australia by Audi. You'll find a diesel on offer in the A3, the A6 and the Allroad. It will surprise me if a diesel option isn't offered with the new A4 when it is released here next year. The subject of our test is the exciting Audi A3 TDI, which is equipped with a 2-litre, direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This engine provides 103 kW of power and a whopping 320 Nm of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm. Little wonder then that this car can get you excited as you depart from a standing position at the traffic lights. Forget about slow take-offs, this car is a marvel! But you're no doubt curious about the diesel smell. Forget it, it's time to move on, as there was no smell detected by this tester's nose. What about the diesel chug-a-lug? No problem, you do hear it outside the car, but with effective acoustics you don't hear it inside. And if you do hear it when you put your windows down, simply put a Michael W Smith CD on and forget the diesel, because when you're driving it you'll never guess if you didn't see the badge on the rear-end. The 6-speed auto (DSG in Audi terms) has overdrive on the top 2 gears. Manual selection is available, if desired. 
Location: Brooklyn NSW Click the image for a larger view |
Location: Brooklyn NSW Click the image for a larger view Price for the A3 TDI is from $47,800 (RRP). Cruise control, rear parking assist and sunroof are options. At this price, it isn't cheap, especially considering that the A3 TDI is a two door car. But despite its price the A3 TDI is a particularly attractive proposition. At 4.2 metres long it offers a good sized package, with outstanding fuel economy. The combined rate (in European tests) is an amazing 5.8 litre/100 kms. This is exciting fuel consumption for a car with such reasonable size and performance qualities. On the road it can be an enthusiastic experience because it offers excellent driving dynamics. The steering, braking and road holding are just what you want for pleasurable motoring experiences. It provides comfort and enjoyment for every kilometre. The Next Car team put 1,276 kms on the 'clock', in our travels around Sydney and Newcastle, concluding that the A3 TDI was enjoyable because of its comfort, quality fittings, ease of driving and its classy presence. There is going to be a lot more A3s hit the road. One simple reason why is the classy A3 TDI. It provides enjoyment in your daily routine of driving from point A to point B. But it does so in a miserly manner, once you've come to terms with the purchase price. I don't expect to ever hear a complaint from an A3 driver! Such is the way the product comes together as a whole. It is, indeed, a diesel delight with a classy presence. Who would want more? Who could ever want more? Stephen Walker (Updated 27th November, 2011) | |
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