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2010 Audi A3 2.0 T Road Test Review

Audi raises the standard for the new 2010 A3 by offering the S-line package standard in all versions. The S-line package includes

Good looking A3 now comes standard with S Line package. (Photo: Automotive Metrics)

such attributes as a sport tuned suspension, front fog lights, sport leather seating, aluminum accents, front lower lip spoiler and rear upper deck spoiler. Throw on some sporty 17" alloy wheels and you have one great touring-car styled wagon.

The A3 comes with a couple of engine options such as the new 2.0-litre TDI engine which was introduced this year, and the 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine shared with its VW companions.

Audi's 2.0-litre turbo produces a nice punch with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque which is the model I tested, matched with the S-Tronic dual clutch 6 speed DSG transmission, that can shift gears faster than you can even realize you touched the paddle.

Also

Sport wagon body style is ultra practical. (Photo: Automotive Metrics)

equipped in the A3 was Audi's signature quattro drivetrain which has set the benchmark for every all-wheel drive car on the market. The technology put into the quattro system has given Audi the edge when it comes to performance in every aspect of weather conditions.

With ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ABS (Anti-lock Brakes) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) the A3 can monitor and compensate for any type of slippage or spin at the wheels and correct it by adding braking or power distribution to the other wheels, without you even knowing you were ever in a dangerous situation. All this goes on at lightning speeds and gives you the confidence to concentrate on the road ahead.

Some new

Interior is class leading for the compact premium segment. (Photo: Automotive Metrics)

features Audi has brought to the new A3 include the redesigned LED daytime running lights in the front and LED tail/stoplights which activate the brake lights fractions of a second quicker than standard filament bulbs. The rear roof line has been brought down slightly to give the A3 a sportier look, compromising some of the rear cargo space.

Interior of the new A3 has been brought up a notch with the S-Line option now being standard, but I still think the front seats are a little shy in comfort; while the leather wrapped steering wheel fits like a glove into your hands and the paddle shifters placed perfectly in reach for those days when you want to enjoy the S-Tronic, while blazing around some nice curvy roads.

Although

Who needs a compact SUV? The A3 is totally accommodating for people and cargo. (Photo: Automotive Metrics)

the standard package comes pretty well equipped in the new A3, some of the options available can quickly bring up the $32,300 base price tag on this sporty wagon, such as Bluetooth. This kind of puzzled me a bit as to why it's still an option, and not standard in today's market. Also available are SIRIUS Satellite radio, an upgraded Bose sound system and 18" sport alloy wheels.

Dual zone climate control gives the driver and passenger separate controls for their comfort with heated seats and a large open sky sunroof with sunshades that keep the interior perfectly balanced for any type of climate change.

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