2020年奥迪A3轿车

The range begins with the A3 Sport 40 TFSI Premium at an MSRP of $33,300. Next is the Sport 40 TFSI Premium Plus Audi A3 with a cost of $36,300. Both of these models feature front-wheel-drive. Next up is the S line 45 TFSI quattro Premium with a base price of $36,500, and finally, the range-topping model is the S line 45 TFSI quattro Premium Plus at $39,500. All price tags quoted here exclude taxes, title, other options, dealer charges, and a $995 destination fee.

骑着马cPherson front suspension and a four-link rear suspension, the A3 also benefits from the superb MQB platform, which also underpins the Volkswagen Golf. The overall sensation behind the wheel is one of supreme balance, the A3 offering both secure handling and a comfortable ride. Coupled with high levels of interior refinement, it feels every bit as premium as more expensive Audis.

The electrically assisted steering requires little effort when maneuvering the A3 around town and when parking. As speeds pick up and the road gets twisty, the system remains accurate and predictable, making the A3 an easy car to drive at top speed, although feedback isn't overly generous. The BMW 2 Series remains more involving, but that's not to say that the A3 is a dullard. Quattro models take the dynamic ability up a notch with unending amounts of grip.

Generally, the ride is smooth and composed, with occupants being effectively shielded from the worst road scars. A sport suspension can be specified, but this degrades the ride quality and seems superfluous considering the balanced dynamics of the standard suspension setup. Braking ability is excellent, with good feel through the pedal and admirable composure under emergency braking.

As a piece of engineering, the Audi A3 sedan is a cracking effort from the German marque. The potent turbocharged engine, slick dual-clutch transmission, and well-sorted dynamics make the A3 a joy to pilot on a daily basis. Refinement and build quality are also superb and enhance the feel-good factor that one expects when upgrading from a more run-of-the-mill compact sedan. It's as a family car that the A3 falls short. Even if only kids will be occupying the cramped back seat, there's no way around the limited trunk capacity. The competition is also strong, with the svelte BMW 2 Series coupe offering superior driving dynamics and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class being the much newer product. A slightly sketchy reliability reputation also raises a few question marks. Still, the A3 is a polished, satisfying junior executive that still sits close to the top of its class even at the end of its lifespan.

All of the Audi A3 models make a decent case for themselves, but the two variants in the middle of the range are both tempting for different reasons. The A3 Sport 40 TFSI in the Premium Plus trim has all the features you could need, and now also includes the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. If performance and sporty appeal are more important to you than a long features list, then consider the S line 45 TFSI quattro in the Premium trim. With a mere $200 cost difference, they each offer a slightly different A3 experience. Pushed to choose one, we'd go for the S line 45 TFSI with its more powerful engine, the quattro system, and the sporty trim items that come with the S line trim.

The A-Class sedan is the most direct of competitors and offers a good run for the A3's money, considering how much it is equipped with. Both are smaller, more affordable counterparts to the bigger and more established C-Class and A4. There's a bit more variety and depth in the A3 range, with the A-Class only available with a 188 hp turbo-four in the A220 - this model matches the 40 TFSI but falls short of the 45 TSFI's performance. The Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is now well ahead of the A3's equivalent, and in general the A-Class has the snazzier - but not necessarily better - interior design. Both cars have limited space at the back and small trunks, the Mercedes' being a very tiny 8.6 cubic feet in capacity. Dynamically, there's not much in it, with both riding comfortably and maintaining their composure through the corners - a back-to-back test drive is advisable. The lighter Mercedes is, however, the more economical of the two. At this stage in their respective life cycles, the A-Class is the more appealing junior executive, unless you require the extra power of the S line A3.

For a similar price to a fully-loaded Audi A3, you can get yourself into one of the lower-spec base A4 models. The heavily revised A4 is an accomplished mid-size sedan that feels like a significant step up from the A3. For one, the A4 is a much larger sedan, and this is immediately apparent in the interior; both the rear seat and the trunk capacity are far more accommodating than in the compact A3. The 2020 A4 also benefits from Audi's new infotainment system. As smart as the A3's interior is, the A4 trumps it with a fresher design and superior materials. Quite simply, the A4 is a better car than the current A3, and there are fewer compromises to be made with Audi's larger executive sedan.