Count me among believers of the latter. I generally like cars to have more soul than the usual Bahn-stormer delivers. But that s why I found the new Audi A3 to be such a pleasant surprise. It s as friendly feeling as a Japanese sports sedan, without giving up the sense of precision and refinement that s the hallmark of machines from Audi and other German makes.
Slipping into the A3 s cabin, you find it to be noticeably smaller than its A4 sibling, but not dramatically so. Surrounding occupants are quality-feeling black plastics of various finishes, offset by a sprinkling of aluminum here and there. Although not opulent or expensive feeling, the A3 s furnishings are sophisticated and pleasing. They convey a sense of thought and care in their design.
Likewise for the optional leather upholstery, which has a taut, quality feel. The seats are supportive and comfortable. There s decent room for tall individuals up front. In back, leg- and head-room are a bit snug for six footers, but not painfully so.
Firing up the turbocharged 2.0-liter four yields a smooth, precise purr, which elevates to an almost exotic rip as rpms get into the upper half of the range. That transition is appropriate, mirroring the engine s switch from somewhat lopey feeling off the line, to a surprisingly strong midrange champ that has more gusto than its 200-hp rating might imply.
Indeed, a look at the specs shows why -- this engine s full 207 lb ft. of torque is available at just 1800 rpm, giving it a gutsy feel that s quite entertaining. Although the A3 will be offered with a 250-hp V6, the four is plenty enjoyable.
Somewhat less enjoyable, however, is the 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission. It proved to be a mixed bag. The steering-wheel shift paddles were intuitive and effective for manually controlling shifts. Likewise, the transmission s upshifts under hard throttle demonstrated impressively quick action without any sort of jerkiness. But automatic-mode downshifts were a trifle sluggish and upshifts often came early, leaving the engine to lug along in what felt like too low a gear.
Nonetheless, such quibbles don t dampen the fun appreciably and the A3 is good for plenty of excitement on twisty roads. Compared to most German sporty cars, the A3 s steering is lighter and more communicative -- dare I say even a bit soulful. Complementing this is the A3 s competent, confidence-inspiring handling. Not surprisingly, grip runs out front-end first on this FWD machine, so charging into tight turns can bring on some plowing understeer. But it s not a major handicap, and it s certainly no worse than most rivals in this respect. Firm damping controls body motion well and the A3 s brakes are powerful and easily modulated, capping off a package that s good for plenty of sport-driving fun.
The only significant downside I found to the A3 is its price. Although prices start at an attractive $24,740, our A3 2.0T test car stickered for around thirty large with a few typical options. While that s not exactly highway robbery for a machine this competent, it s enough to probably send some potential A3 buyers toward rival premium subcompacts.
But after looking around, a lot of those people will probably come back to considering the A3. It s a nice blend that s easy to fall for -- small but practical, lively yet sophisticated, Teutonic but eager. Plenty of other cars would do well to emulate its virtues.
For more drive-test articles on today s hottest sports cars, sport compacts, and muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/
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