2006 Audi A3 Sportback

Audi enthusiasts in Europe know all about the A3, but that model has never made it to U.S. dealerships. Until now, that is. Nearly a decade after its original launch, a redesigned A3 is headed for the North American market.

Smaller than Audi's compact A4, the A3 is a five-door hatchback with "a lot of the genetic codes of the TT."

Smaller than Audi's compact A4 sedan and wagon, the A3 is a five-door hatchback—a body style that, in recent years, has failed to attract large numbers of customers on this side of the Atlantic. "We sometimes had the feeling that we were designing this car for ourselves," said chief designer Gary Telaak, who describes the front-wheel-drive A3's "self-confident look".


Telaak points out the A3's dramatically reduced rear overhang, along with its "two-and-a-half" side windows. In his view, the headlights help create a "very, very awake look," augmented by an extra-low air intake. There's a "lot of 3-dimensional modeling in the rear end of the car," Telaak added, plus "a lot of the genetic codes of the TT" sport coupe inside.


According to Marc Trahan, director of aftersales, the A3 fits into "somewhat of a new segment." Intended to appeal to customers who are new to Audi, the hatchback is "made for people with an active lifestyle" Its chief competitors are the BMW 2 Series and Mercedes B-Class, neither of which is sold in the U.S. "It's a real Audi," Trahan affirmed. "This isn't a cheap Audi."


Seats are excellent, offering good support and equipped with bottoms long enough for true comfort. On the down side, the windowsill is too high to rest an elbow, for those who are inclined toward that style of driving. Up-front snugness is a fact, but headroom is great and elbow space okay. More down-to-business than some premium models, the interior is short on luxury touches. Rear cargo space is ample, helped by a folding seat, though it's not fully flat.