Friday, November 22, 2013
Richmond Review · Page 17
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REVIEW drivewayBC.ca |
Welcome to the driver’s seat
The S3 really is the sweet spot for drivers that want to have extra power but with a very compliant and comfortable ride. Zack Spencer
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Audi’s road ahead paved with more than good intentions 2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet/S3 MONACO: Over the next 12 months or so, consumers are going to be treated to an onslaught of new entries into the premium market. Not to worry, the next wave of German sedans and convertibles are of a more affordable nature. Recently Mercedes Benz introduced their all-new CLA 250 at an eye-popping price of just $34,000 for a sleek and sexy sedan. Next year we will see the introduction of BMW’s new 1-series and 2-Series sedans, coupes and convertibles. Audi has been ahead of the curve as they helped pioneer this entry-level segment with the original, the A3 sportback, sold in Canada for years. The all-new Audi A3 sedan will arrive in March of 2014 and the convertible and more powerful S3 sedan will arrive in the fall of 2014. This week I had a chance to drive both the convertible and S3 in Monte Carlo, a full year ahead of their introduction here. Audi is one of the fastest growing premium brands and a big part of that is the variety of cars they offer. Unfortunately, we will no longer get the sportback, but the fact we get the rest of the line of A3s is exciting for buyers. Looks The A3 is built off a shared platform with VW called MQB. This platform was a significant investment for the VW group as it is lighter, bigger and stronger than the last Golf platform and provides a sturdy basis for the A3 Cabrio and S3. The new Cabriolet is 60kg lighter than the outgoing European model, yet the wheelbase is longer and the interior room and trunk more ample. It could be argued that Audi is building some of the most attractive cars these days and these smaller products still convey the same sense of power and solidity that the bigger products portray. The S3 is especially forceful with a 15mm lower stance than the A3 sedan. The air intakes are bigger with more detail; the side mirrors are highlighted with brushed aluminum; and the rear of the car looks more masculine thanks to chunky exhaust tips. The
direct injection turbo with 220hp, matched to Cabriolet on the other hand is a more sophisticated approach thanks to the use of aluminum Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A sixaround the front windshield and trim along the speed automatic is confirmed but the duel-clutch doors and rear quarter panel that make the car S-Tronic transmission might be sold as an option look bigger than it is. in this model. There will be no manual shift and no diesel, which is a shame, as I drove one of Inside Another strength of Audi is interior fit the European versions with this setup and it was and finish and these new products are covered superb. The S3 comes standard with a 300hp in first class materials. The dash has a cenversion of the same 2.0L engine and tre-mounted screen for accessing the duel clutch automatic, and of the easy-to-use computer controller. course, AWD. It’s not as powerful as Unlike the Mercedes CLA, this screen the 355hp Mercedes CLA 45 AMG, can fold into the dash to provide a but I feel it has more usable power. more polished look. Some think the The CLA gets peak horsepower at dash-mounted screens look like an afvery high revs, whereas this new terthought, but this one gets around S3 pulls from very low speeds up this problem. Space is good for such to higher speeds. I experienced this The A3 Cabriolet a compact car. The back seat of the carving the switchback mountain S3 sedan is actually big enough to fit and S3 confirm that roads just above Monaco. Power is adults up to six feet tall and the side good things do come not an issue; I would argue that the windows are much bigger than the S3 is a better everyday car comnew Mercedes CLA, providing a more in small packages pared to the more nervous feeling practical day-to-day sedan. The trunk Zack Spencer AMG competitor. The suspension is is large and the rear seats split and more compliant and the power is a fold for added cargo volume. This is perfect combination of drivability and enthusiasm. true with the Cabriolet but the space is constricted Audi claims a 0-100km/h run will take just 4.9 when the roof is down. The S3 comes with nicely seconds in the S3 and use a combined 6.9L/100km bolstered front seats in contrasting colours, plus (European fuel rating). an optional diamond pattern stitch can be ordered to take the sporty sedan to another level. I found Verdict It is going to be an exciting time to be the seating position very comfortable and outward in the market for an entry-level premium car over visibility is not a problem. The Cabriolet seats are the next year. The A3 Cabriolet and S3 confirm that fitted with a heater that showers the front passengood things do come in small packages. Pricing gers with warm air across their shoulders and neck has not been established for the Cabrio but it for top-down stints. The weather in Monte Carlo was hinted that this model would be roughly the was perfect for the convertible – the sun was same price as the S3, which has been confirmed shining off the Mediterranean, showcasing this car at $44,000, roughly $6,000 cheaper than the CLA of opulence at a more affordable price. AMG. The base A3 sedan will arrive in a few short months with a 1.8L turbo gasoline engine, an Drive The Canadian models have not fully been optional TDI diesel and the same 2.0L turbo found nailed down, as there is still a year to go until the Cabrio and S3 arrive. What is established is in the Cabrio. The S3 really is the sweet spot for the convertible will come with the all-new 2.0L drivers that want to have extra power but with a
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very compliant and comfortable ride. The combination of usable trunk space and back seat, simple yet elegant dash, power the driver can use at a lower price than the competition, is something potential buyer might want to wait a year to try first hand. The Lowdown Power: 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder with 220hp or 300hp. Fill-up: 6.9L/100km (combined) Sticker price: $44,000 for S3 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
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