In Europe, C-class sedans are rather skeptical. Well, they don’t buy compact “four-doors” in the Old World, and that’s it! Perhaps that is why manufacturers often do not pay due attention to the appearance of such cars - they “sticked” the trunk to the hatchback and put it up for sale. Audi acted differently: the A3 Sedan has virtually no common body parts with hatchback A3. The exterior was developed from scratch and turned out to be more than successful. Many refer to the Audi A3 Sedan as the "premium Jetta". The correspondent of Onliner.by figured out what is different compact sedan with rings on the radiator grill from the "people's" Volkswagen.
Design
The first thing that separates the four-door A3 from the Jetta is the looks. Volkswagen designers should be given credit: they also did not turn the Golf Sedan into a car and developed a unique exterior for the Jetta. The car looks solid, but boring. Everything seems to be in place, and the lines are complete, and the trunk does not look alien, and the proportions are optimal ... But there is nothing to catch the eye.
The Audi model in this regard is much more advantageous. With a hatchback sedan, only the headlights, grille and door handles. At a cursory glance, the car is easy to confuse with the A4. From afar, some will take the "troika" for the A6. I wish the manufacturer had already differentiated the appearance of their cars!
But if we discard the similarities with other models, the A3 Sedan can be safely called the most beautiful small-middle class sedan. Nice proportions and dynamic appearance complements the trunk neatly inscribed in the silhouette of the body with sharp lights. The sedan is more like separate model than as a modification of A3.
dimensions
Another significant difference between the Audi A3 Sedan and Volkswagen Jetta are the overall dimensions. Audi is almost 19 cm shorter than Volkswagen, but slightly wider (+18 mm) and lower (-66 mm). Jetta is closer in size to A4. In turn, the A3 Sedan continues the philosophy of the Audi 80, which was formally replaced by the A4 model, which has already run far away from its “grandfather” in terms of overall dimensions. It is important to remember that the current Jetta is built on the old Golf platform VI, while the A3 sedan is based on the MQB bogie from Golf VII c rear multi-link(versions with a beam are not supplied to our market).
Interior
Inside we see two completely different salons. In Volkswagen - a classic center console with control units familiar to the eye climate system and a radio tape recorder. On the central tunnel - two coasters and a traditional handbrake. All air ducts are correct rectangular shape. On a three-spoke steering wheel expensive equipment have control keys for various functions.
Audi has sporty minimalism! Half of the center console is occupied by two round air ducts. Immediately below them is a “piano” of keys, most of which were replaced with stubs in the test (almost the cheapest) version of the A3. On the central tunnel there are two cup holders, an S-Tronic lever and an electronic handbrake button. Interestingly, in different modifications hand brake is in different places. So, if the A3 does not have an MMI multimedia system, then the “P” key is located closer to the gearshift lever.
Here's what you should not buy A3 without, so it's without multimedia system. Head unit, located on the top of the front panel, is so dull that you want to hide it. Fortunately, the Germans did not deprive us of this opportunity. When the audio control unit is hidden in the bowels, not the most convenient volume keys and switching tracks / radio stations remain “above the water”.
Build quality on both machines high level. There are no visible errors. Both the A3 and the Jetta have soft plastic on the front and hard shell on the doors. At Audi, trim materials seemed more expensive both to the touch and to the look. In the test version of the A3, the steering wheel did not have a single button - you can’t even change the volume of the radio.
Dashboard at Audi models made in the classic VAG "ovsky style: speedometer, tachometer and on-board computer display. Everything is readable. The steering wheel is adjustable in a huge range in angle and reach. Small mirrors surprisingly did not cause poor visibility. not on a hatchback.
Back row and trunk
The key difference between the A3 Sedan and the Jetta is practicality. Volkswagen has traditionally created family car, in which you can go to work and bring seedlings to the dacha. Audi also released a typical youth sedan for trips to supermarkets and nightclubs. Sitting down “by himself” on the second row of A3, he rested his knees on front seat(my height is 186 cm). The head is about to reach the ceiling. Frankly, it's tight. On the second row of the Jetta - like in an airplane emergency exit: at least cross your legs. True, I would like more headroom. It is more convenient to get into the second row in Volkswagen.
The trunk of the A3 Sedan, although larger than that of the hatchback (425 liters versus 380), is much smaller than that of the Jetta, which boasts a 510-liter “chasm”. Volkswagen owner Sergey, who took part in our test drive, brought a TV box with him, which fit in the Jetta trunk, taking up almost the entire floor. We tried to put this item in the trunk of the A3 - it's pointless. The box didn't even go wide. The rear row, of course, can be folded, but it will no longer be a 5-seater car. A hatch for long lengths is an option.
1,4 TFSI+S-Tronic
But how nice rides Audi! The elastic 122-horsepower engine picks up from any speed, and S-Tronic juggles gears barely noticeable to the driver. No power loss. No jerks. No hang-ups during “unsure” operation of the gas pedal. It's like the transmission is reading my mind.
The base engine left a good impression. 1.4 TFSI is only available with "robot". Manual fans will have to take a 1.8-liter turbo engine (180 hp), which can be bought with both S-Tronic and 6-speed manual. Full Quattro drive also only available with 1.8 TFSI (and only with robotic box).
The A3's suspension is softer than the Jetta's. Road seams, traditional spring pits in the pavement, angular “sleeping cops” - Audi sedan with appetite "swallows" any irregularities. At the same time, body roll is minimal. It is a pleasure to pass turns of arrival/exit from the roundabout without releasing the gas pedal.
Prices
Behind basic version Audi A3 Sedan in Minsk are asking for 21,950 euros (roughly - 30 thousand dollars). For the Volkswagen Jetta, you will have to pay a minimum of $26,870. In the base, the Audi sedan has a 1.4-liter TFSI, S-Tronic, Stop / Start system, ESC, alloy wheels R16, leather steering wheel, full power accessories, air conditioning, seven airbags, rear fog lights etc. From Volkswagen we will get the same 1.4-liter engine, but with a 6-speed manual gearbox, steel discs, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, ABS, full power accessories, a full set of airbags, etc. In general, everything is very similar.
The conclusion is simple. If you have a family, children, mother-in-law, a big TV, it is better to take a closer look at the Volkswagen Jetta. But keep in mind that the car is already relatively old (2010) and there will soon be a change of generations of this family. The Audi A3 sedan, in turn, is fashionable and very stylish car for a young client. For some reason, it seems to me that wealthy girls who choose cars not by the width of the trunk, but by the “eyes” will become its main buyers.
Sergey, ownerVolkswagenJetta (2013 release):
When Onliner.by approached me with an offer to participate in Audi test drive A3 Sedan, I did not hesitate for a minute and agreed. I know firsthand about this car, at one time it was on my shortlist when choosing next car. I once had an Audi 80 B4 (succeeded by the A3 Sedan), my first premium car, which I switched to after the 2nd Golf, feeling all the delights of this brand. Therefore, I examined the A3 Sedan in detail at the Minsk Motor Show. But it was not possible to travel. Now this gap has been eliminated, as a result of which more or less holistic impressions have been formed.
Externally, the car is beautiful, you can only pay tribute to the designers of Audi. You can hardly find C-class sedans so spectacular and harmonious. By the way, those who think that this model- this is an A3 hatchback with an attached trunk, I recommend searching the "Internet", as the creation describes this car Markus Gleitz. Surely there will be those who will say that the A3 Sedan is too similar to its fellow class above. I don't think this is a shortcoming. Audi companies I managed to find my own style, interesting and unique in its own way. And each of their models carries recognition and indisputable premium.
If you get behind the wheel of this particular test car, then you will experience only despondency - in the basic configuration inside the eye there is really almost nothing to catch on. The seats are the simplest, there is not even a lumbar support adjustment. The audio system would be better hidden away and deeper, for example, in a niche next to the cigarette lighter. There is no eyeglass compartment. No control buttons on-board computer and an audio system on the steering wheel. hard plastic on door cards. No backlight open doors. Actually, there is nothing that could be inherent in a premium car. Unless the climate control unit can to some extent brighten up the appearance of the front panel: its “knobs” cause pleasant tactile sensations, and the backlighting of the sectors is bright and saturated.
Well, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and DSG grips tell us that we are still not in the cheapest car. In my humble opinion, basic equipment A3 Sedan should be taken only by those who want to splurge others. Like, look - I'm driving an Audi. The normal feel of a high-end car starts with the Ambition trim with the MMI option.
The test was a car with a 1.4 TFSI 122 hp engine. With. A similar one is in my Jetta, and I have not discovered anything new in dynamics for myself. The engine is excellent, not a “vegetable” at all, confidently pulls from the bottom and almost to the red sector of the tachometer (maximum torque of 200 N m is available at 1500-3900 rpm). For city and highway driving, it's enough (and for those who want to light up, there's 1.8 TFSI). It was on such an engine that I understood what the term “elastic” means, used in the reviews of auto journalists.
According to the passport, acceleration to hundreds on the S-Tronic is a few tenths of a second faster than on the manual gearbox. Perhaps I agree. According to my feelings, the acceleration is faster than when I turn the Jetta with a “stick”. I did not notice any twitching when shifting gears in the "Movement in traffic jam" mode, allegedly inherent in this "robot" and about which everyone is not too lazy to write. S-Tronic worked quite adequately both when driving through the streets and when “pokatushki” on the ring.
It can be noted that Audi decided not to pay much attention to soundproofing. Just as much noise comes from the street as in my Jetta, and the “shumka” of the latter is purely nominal. This is also confirmed real owners A3 Sedan on their blogs. Additional sound insulation- this is the first thing they think about after purchasing a car.
The suspension on the A3 Sedan is definitely more comfortable than on my Jetta. I deliberately drove through the speed bump several times at a fairly decent speed to compare the sensations: Audi passes it much softer. And on the Jetta there are quite painful breakdowns. Perhaps the reason is that I have a package for bad roads with increased ground clearance. Or maybe MQB platform demonstrates its advantages over its predecessor.
| BODY | |
| Type | Sedan |
| Number of doors | 4 |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Length | 4456 mm |
| Width | 1796 mm |
| Height | 1416 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm |
| Trunk volume | 425 l |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Petrol TFSI |
| Volume | 1395 cu. cm |
| Power | 122 l. With. |
| At rpm | 5000 |
| Torque | 200 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm |
| Cylinder arrangement | row |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Drive unit | Front |
| Number of gears (mechanical box) | – |
| Number of gears (automatic) | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | |
| front | Independent, spring, McPherson |
| Behind | Independent, spring, multi-link |
| STEERING | |
| Power steering | Electric booster |
| PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE | |
| Max speed | 217 km/h |
| Acceleration time (0-100 km/h) | 9.3 s |
| Combined fuel consumption |
4.7 l / 100 km |
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The first Audi A3 cars were born back in 1996. At that time, the car was to the taste of many motorists and won their hearts. In 2003, the "treshka" was greatly transformed, thereby giving impetus to new ideas and the release of the second generation of the Audi A3. Quite recently, more precisely in 2012, on Geneva motor show a third model appeared. Also in Switzerland, the Audi A3 was shown in a three-door hatch, and after some time in Paris, the car appeared to the public in a five-door body version. Let's try to see this legendary car more thoroughly.
The design of the car has become even more sporty. Audi A3 2014 noticeably younger, acquired a pleasant aggression. Now it can be easily seen in a dense traffic flow, it gives out a bold character and stylistic features characteristic of Audi. The current exterior, of course, is very different from previous models. For example, LED lighting and rims give the car an unusual premium class charm, thereby bringing the car's exterior to perfection. The contours of the body have become smooth, due to which aerodynamic characteristics have increased, dynamics have improved, and fuel consumption has decreased by an order of magnitude.
In the new third generation, the developers have made some zest. Due to the introduction of high-strength steel and a solid aluminum hood, it was possible to reduce the weight of the car at times.
The interior of the car has become much more spacious. I would like to note the back row, which is lowered by 10 millimeters, the seatback has received a completely different shape and a larger angle of inclination for more comfortable ride. The interior of the Audi has become much prettier, inside you can see new three-dimensional inserts on the front panel and on the doors. In simpler versions, this feature is replaced by textured plastic with 3d filling, and in expensive options there is machined aluminum High Quality. luggage compartment The third-generation Audi A3 sedan is quite voluminous and holds almost 425 liters of payload, the hatchback has a capacity of 365 liters, and the sportback has 380 liters.
Audi A3 in Russia will be equipped with the following units:
1. Four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline 1.4 l, power 122 hp, with 7-speed S-tronic robot.
2. Four-cylinder unit, the volume is 1.8 liters, 180 horses under the hood
The gasoline engine also has a seven-speed robot on board, but with a dual clutch.
In the near future, it is planned to receive a turbodiesel installation, two liters in volume and engine compartment at 143 horses. The Russian public is also waiting for a sedan with a 6-speed mechanical box and an all-wheel drive version with a 1.8 liter engine. All power plants have been significantly redesigned and reconfigured in a new way to increase efficiency. So, the fuel consumption of a sedan is approximately 5-6.6 liters per hundred, the consumption of a sportback does not exceed 5.2-5.6 liters.
The third generation AudiA3 meets the most demanding safety requirements. The car received all five stars when passing crash tests. Tests were carried out according to EuroNCAP standards. The result is 95% adult safety, 86% - active safety, the protection of the child in the cabin is 87%, and finally, the pedestrian who has fallen under the wheels of the car is less protected, he was rated at 74%.
As for prices, a front-wheel drive hatchback can be purchased from 1,050 thousand rubles, and a complete all-wheel drive A3 with automatic transmission will cost about 1,270 thousand rubles, a sportback will cost less - 850 thousand rubles, an A3 sedan is offered from 870 thousand rubles. Minimum price for diesel model will exceed 1,150 thousand rubles.
Big german troika- Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz
These brands are so popular that the name alone speaks of an expensive, prestigious car with a modern technical filling. This also applies to our Audi A3 and its main competitors: the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-class. For several years these models have been competing, trying to win the hearts of the masses, but who really deserves it?
As for appearance, it is impossible to say unequivocally who is better or worse here. But Mercedes seems to be the most interesting, his appearance has not had time to become familiar. At least that's what some people think. Although others are sure that it is most similar to the BMW 1 series, especially when viewed from the side. BMW with its characteristic muzzle, of course, evokes conflicting emotions, but it will still remain in memory for a long time. But Audi, as always, is true to the old traditions: with verified proportions and concise details.
Once inside, you can see significant differences. Mercedes A-class looks more stylish than other models: comfortable steering wheel, sports chairs, stylish dashboard. But it turns out it's just an illusion. You start using all this and you understand that there are a lot of shortcomings and shortcomings in the cabin: graphics, lighting, air conditioning control, visibility, uninformative tidy, etc. Inside, the Audi A3 feels quality, composure and sophistication, and the materials are much better. The dashboard is simple in comparison with the Mercedes, but it is perfectly readable. BMW has the lowest landing and overly plump steering wheel, the atmosphere of drive reigns throughout the cabin. The interior is functional without unnecessary design lotions. The interior of the Mercedes is very spacious, and there is enough space in the Audi, which cannot be said about the BMW - it is rather crowded in the back.
BMW has too tight steering wheel, with small deviations, there are a lot of complaints about it, and paired with an imperfect automatic gearbox, the situation is aggravated. But on the other hand, experts say that this is a gambling machine - great option for active drivers, and a regular automatic is much better than modern competitors' gearboxes.
Mercedes great engines, excellent handling and maneuverability and a clear steering wheel, but the suspension is not very successful, and the machine slows down a bit. Noise isolation also leaves much to be desired. As for the dynamics, here the Audi A3 becomes the clear leader - more lively and accommodating. Powerful engines and the quick response of the gearbox do the trick. "One" is not so lightning fast and sharp, but the acceleration is also on the level.
Starting prices don't vary too much. For the A3 they will ask for 850 thousand rubles, for the Mercedes A-class - about 880 thousand rubles, but for the BMW, by the most modest standards, it will cost 800 thousand rubles.
Mercedes' main argument is cute and bright design, but the smoothness, ergonomics and sound insulation of it weak sides. BMW or A3 - it is more difficult to choose a leader here. One for those who love drive, emotional driving with pleasure, and convenience and everyday use can be pushed to the 2nd plan. A3, on the contrary, is more practical and versatile, without an extra spark. Each model is good in its own way, choose according to yourself, because, as they say, there are no comrades for the taste and color.
The Audi A3 needs no introduction. Back in 1996, the model became entrance ticket in to the world prestigious cars from Ingolstadt. A successful chassis from the Golf, combative engines, a solidly and tastefully tailored interior are far from all its trump cards.
True, until the third generation, there was no sedan in the A3 range. For the first time it was "tailored" in the spring of 2013, and it reached Russia at the end of the same year. Traditionally popular with us three-volume body quickly came to court, the model has earned the title of business class in miniature and sells better today than 3- and 5-door hatchbacks combined.
However, even the minimum price for the base 1.4-liter version of 1,036,000 rubles. for many buyers of golf-class cars is an insurmountable barrier.
The “automatic”, in the role of which the “robot” with two clutches acts, raises this bar by another 71,000 rubles. Moreover, such a power unit cannot be called ideal. The S-Tronic isn't smooth-shifting, and driving in traffic jams at low revs can be annoyingly twitchy at times.
Trumps A3
- best acceleration time
- more maximum speed
- controller on the central tunnel
Alas, with the appropriate prestigious car leather trim, climate control and bi-xenon headlights, the price tag of 1.8 TFSi S-Tronic will soar to 1,431,000 rubles.
Audi options are traditionally expensive. At the same time, for the role the only car in the A3 family, the candidate is not the best - the sofa is cramped and not very big trunk.
It is not difficult to find an Audi sedan without these shortcomings - the benefit of the company is wide choose bigger cars.
The first candidate is A4. Until recently, this car in similar equipment 1.8TFSi Multitronic cost 1,684,000 rubles. But this autumn, the “four” of the Comfort line trim line appeared at a “tasty” price of 1,508,000 rubles.
Yes, A4 is at the end of its career today, next year it will be "removed from the run". But this is the case when age is not a hindrance to happiness. One and a half million for a prestigious comfortable middle-class sedan with a German pedigree is a profitable offer today and good alternative inflated ambitions A3.
Pros of A4
- spacious sofa
- roomy trunk
- solid interior
The A3 quite successfully manages to seem like an adult car, but in fact it remains only a “golf” with a tail, a prestigious nameplate and an inflated price tag. Have to put up with disadvantages power unit 1.4TFSi is a "robot", but it's better to wait for a discount on version 1.8TFSi.
The "Four", although it is being produced for the seventh year, turns out to be a more harmonious machine in all respects. Comfortable sedan for every day or the only car into the family - A4 will cope well with any role, and besides, today it has become almost the most bargain in premium class.
