2017 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T Quattro S tronic

2017 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T Quattro S tronic

An Automotive Love Affair

By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2017 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T Quattro S tronic. Merry Christmas – you gotta wonder how many lucky folks will find an Audi under their tree. Suppose your kids asked you what car you thought they should buy – what would you suggest?

Likely most every parent would tell them to do what is best for them. Also, most people, not only youth, lean toward Flashy or high-performance cars…

Well, there is no question that German and Italian high-end Luxury cars are engineering marvels. They are fabulously fun (thrilling) to drive but practically speaking they are designed and built for the very well healed – financially.

If your budget resembles young college students or young families and even yours or mine you may want to tread lightly and cautiously when considering whether this kind of Luxury car will be your choice. I was thrilled when my kids opted for Hyundai, Kia, Chevy and Chrysler. Just say’n it is best to spend wisely and keep your hard-earned money in your bank account for that inevitable rainy day.

General Information:

It is assembled in Gyor, Hungary; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Hungary 37%, Germany 57%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany; Classification is Subcompact. Cars from Audi: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback e-tron, A4, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS 3, RS 5, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 7, S3, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, TT RS and TTS Coupe.

Handling & Performance:

Unquestionably exceptional.

Styling:

Unmistakable Audi.

Fit and Finish:

Among the best.

Cost:

Yes, Audi, like most German luxury cars are far more expensive to buy and operate than other choices, but it is also true they are exceptionally fabulous cars to drive. But your budget is what determines at the end of the day.

It is not a bad thing that these cars are pricey. Just be aware of this fact. As an owner of an automotive repair business for many years I can say this with confidence. It’s simply a fact you need to consider. Ferrari and Lamborghini are not for everyone and that is common sense and a place where you enter at your own risk. High end Japanese and German and Italian cars are simply expensive. Exceptional engineering comes at a high price. Oh, by the way, we did drive Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche cars, but it helps when you own a repair facility.

Conveniences and comfort:

A good complement of standard features. However, you must pop for about $9,000 if you want all the high-tech features becoming more commonplace in today’s competitive world. . . many of which are standard on many, even lesser luxury classed auto products. Things like ‘lane assist, cross traffic, side assist, adaptive cruise control, Navigation, etc., you’ll pay extra for here.

Consumer Recommendations:

Recognized Competition:

Audi A3 $35,000, Volvo S60 $34,000, MBZ CLA $35,000, Cad ATS $36,000, BMW 3 Ser $34,000, Jag XE$31,000, Acura ILX $30,000.

Good News:

Excellent engineering for exceptional handling and performance.

Bad News:

German luxury car high cost of purchase and maintenance.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter Turbo 220 hp 4 cylinder engine, 6-speed auto transmission, all-wheel-drive (Quattro), 17” wheels, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, stability control, speed sensitive power steering, keyless push button start/stop system, tire pressure monitor, Audi concert radio sound system, xenon headlights, dual zone climate control, information system , leather seating, sunroof, heated power mirrors, Bluetooth prepared, rain and light sensors, rearview camera, multifunction steering wheel, Aux-in with USB charge, 8-way power driver seat, front, knee, thorax side and side curtain airbags, LATCH children system with safety locks, anti-theft alarm system.

Options:

Prestige package adds about $9,000 for a total of $44,000 for this test vehicle.

Gas Stats:

$3.05/ Gal avg. November 18, 2017

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

24 City and 31 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $44,475 – equipped with options.