Electric power-steering assist is deftly tuned to feel natural at all speeds, and the brakes are similarly instinctive and easy to apply smoothly. From the helm, the A3 drives like a TT with a back seat and a trunk, which is to say--way fun, especially with the sublime 3.2 DSG Quattro setup. Backing either engine, DSG behaves just like a conventional slushbox in "D," but in "S" it shifts as you would, rendering the steering-wheel paddles almost unnecessary.
The electric power-steering assist motor drives a second shaft at the opposite end of the rack from the steering column. Most electric power-steering assist motors today act directly on the steering column. We believe Audi's separate shaft may contribute to the A3's purity of steering feel and effort.
That trunk boasts a few neat accessory options. The package tray can be had with a flip-up sunshade on top and a parcel net and bag-hanging hook below, a giant pass-through ski bag can accommodate 12 skis, and with the split rear seatbacks flipped down, the carpeted cargo mat can unfold to present a hose-off rubber mat for the entire cargo hold.
The A3's optional roof rack includes two rails that remain flush with the body for improved aerodynamics and wind noise. Audi accessory cross bars tailored to carrying various outdoor equipment bolt to these rails. Even without the rails, threaded mounting holes at the top of each door opening permit attachment of other Audi rooftop carriers.
An optional Open Sky Roof with mesh shades offers a view of the heavens to all. The cars will communicate with Bluetooth wireless devices, and the airbag count includes front, curtain, and sides (optional in the rear). Complaints? We'd like the accelerator moved aft, even with the dead pedal, and the 2.0-liter sounds a bit like a diesel at low revs.
Annual sales projections for the A3 are 12,000 2.0-liters and 3000 3.2-liters, with a split of roughly 50/50 6-speed manual/6-speed DSG. Priced at about $25,000 to start, $30,000 for the 3.2 DSG Quattro, the A3 won't undercut the A4 by much, but its bobbed-tail, not-quite-a-wagon shape is meant to attract upscale younger buyers. We'd lay even odds it works.
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