The Chilliwack Progress Thursday, November 21, 2013
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The Chilliwack
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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
Visit the Audi A3 photo gallery at drivewayBC.ca
Audi builds some of the most attractive cars these days still convey the same sense of power and solidity that bigger products portray.
ZACK SPENCER
Question
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. I suspect the real reason to have a media event so far in advance is to give the buying public some insight and possibly delay buying a competitor’s car. 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 of the quietest on the market because of a special layer of sound insulation. platform with VW called MQB. This The interior headliner is colour-matched platform was a significant investment to the car for an added level of visual for the VW group as it is lighter, bigger pop, plus the roof can be and stronger than the raised or lowered while last Golf platform and the car is driving up to provides a sturdy basis 50km/h. for the A3 Cabrio and S3. The new Cabriolet is 60kg Inside Another lighter than the outgoing strength of Audi is European model, yet interior fit and finish the wheelbase is longer and these new products The A3 Cabriolet and the interior room are covered in first class and trunk more ample. It and S3 confirm that materials. The dash has could be argued that Audi good things do come a centre-mounted screen is building some of the for accessing the easy-toin small packages most attractive cars these use computer controller. Zack Spencer days and these smaller Unlike the Mercedes CLA, products still convey the this screen can fold into same sense of power and solidity the dash to provide a more polished that the bigger products portray. The look. Some think the dash-mounted S3 is especially forceful with a 15mm screens look like an afterthought, but lower stance than the A3 sedan. The this one gets around this problem. air intakes are bigger with more detail; Space is good for such a compact car. the side mirrors are highlighted with The back seat of the S3 sedan is actualbrushed aluminum; and the rear of ly big enough to fit adults up to six feet the car looks more masculine thanks tall and the side windows are much to chunky exhaust tips. The Cabriolet bigger than the new Mercedes CLA, on the other hand is a more sophistiproviding a more practical day-to-day cated approach thanks to the use of sedan. The trunk is large and the rear aluminum around the front windshield seats split and fold for added cargo and trim along the doors and rear volume. This is true with the Cabriolet quarter panel that make the car look but the space is constricted when the bigger than it is. Audi claims that this roof is down. The S3 comes with nicely new five-layer convertible roof is one bolstered front seats in contrasting co-
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lours, plus an optional diamond pattern stitch can be ordered to take the sporty sedan to another level. I found the seating position very comfortable and outward visibility is not a problem. The Cabriolet seats are fitted with a heater that showers the front passengers with warm air across their shoulders and neck for top-down stints. The weather in Monte Carlo was perfect for the convertible – the sun was shining off the Mediterranean, showcasing this car of opulence at a more affordable price. Drive The Canadian models have not fully been nailed down, as there is still a year to go until the Cabrio and S3 arrive. What is established is the convertible will come with the all-new 2.0L direct injection turbo with 220hp, matched to Audi’s Quattro all-wheeldrive system. A six-speed automatic is confirmed but the duel-clutch S-Tronic transmission might be sold as an option in this model. There will be no manual shift and no diesel, which is a shame, as I drove one of the European versions with this setup and it was superb. The S3 comes standard with a 300hp version of the same 2.0L engine and the duel clutch automatic, and of course, AWD. It’s not as powerful as the 355hp Mercedes CLA 45 AMG, but I feel it has more usable power.
OF THE WEEK: Which would you rather have a truck or a sports car?—and please say why.
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.
Safety Tip: Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly at this time of the year. This is a good time to make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you may be driving in and check your tire pressure regularly – pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.
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