Hottest 50 Cars, Trucks, and SUVs for 2006
The Audi A3 five-door is 3.3 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider than the overseas model it replaces, endowing it with an almost A4-size rear seat and a more vertical sport-wagonlike hatch. Audi is sending the U.S. market two high-output engines. At launch, a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four will mate to a choice of six speeds, manual or dual-clutch automated manual (DSG). Then in early 2006 a 3.2-liter VR6 DSG Quattro will arrive. The 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder turbo engine will replace the 1.8-liter 20-valve turbo in all Audi applications. The five-valve head offered no room for the direct fuel injector, hence the reduction in valve-count. When Audi said the 3.2-liter DSG was coming here, too, we almost snapped our pencils. What else does one need to know? A Trabant with this hardware bolted into it would likely sell well, but with Audi's quality and Bauhaus styling, the A3's success is a sure bet.
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