With its heady design, engineering and technology concepts in glorious display, Audi pushed the envelope even further, by outfitting the 3.2 V6 with the much lauded DSG transmission available in the TT 3.2 and, as an option, in the 2.0T version. The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission, inspired by Audi racing technology going back to the 1980’s, features an electro-hydraulically controlled twin clutch that is designed to allow lightning-fast gear changing with no traction loss. Combined with quattro all wheel drive, the match makes for a genuinely high end sports car experience.
The new 2.0 T FSI engine, standard A3 auto fare, having made its debut in the 2005 A4, is no slouchy performer either. This widely acclaimed and generously awarded Audi power plant is turbocharged, delivering 200 horsepower with 207 lbs of maximum torque available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 RPM. The 2.0 T FSI was the first production engine ever to turbocharge a direct injection hook up and is largely responsible for the myriad of International Engine of the Year awards it bagged from 2005 through 2009. This technology, which found its way from the Audi R8 of Le Mans fame is not exclusively notable for its extreme high performance prowess, but substantially noted, as well, for its excellent fuel economy.
From 2006 through 2009, A3 cars remained fairly unchanged in their North American packages, with both the 2.0 T’s and 3.2 V6’s versions respectively holding solid ground. This is a vivid indication that Audi delivered a hands down winner to the North American market which, incidentally, provides a much less obstructed line of sight when it comes to parsing secondhand Audi A3 candidates, having considerably less bothersome detail to sort through. That brings us to 2010, which was a memorable year for the A3 auto. Scratching the 3.2 V6 quattro from the lineup, Audi did something most ardent Audi enthusiasts have been clamoring for. They rolled out the A3 TDI diesel.
This groundbreaking power plant quickly propelled the Audi A3 TDI to stardom in claiming recognition for 2010 Green Car of the Year, awarded by . The Audi 2.0 TDI, available in North American market A3 cars, delivers 146 horsepower with 236 lb-ft or torque, yet achieves an amazing EPA estimated 42 mpg highway, the best of any luxury class vehicle available in America. Employing 50 state US legal clean diesel technology, it motors 50% greater mileage than any comparable gasoline driven vehicle.
Taking all into account, or at least some of it, it’s hard to resist firing up the car search engines to try and snag an attractive deal for a secondhand Audi A3. The A3 auto offers a full load of that exclusive European luxury car sex appeal with its over the top Audi design and technology derivatives, yet, delivers big time on the usability scale and, last but not least, it emerges provocatively on the fun side of genuine high end sports car legend.…