A32 • Saturday, June 5, 2010 • Burnaby NOW
MOTORING
JUNE 11
Audi: Green luxury in new A3 TDI continued from page 31
unmistakably Audi look from a front view. The string of LED daytime running lights inside the headlamp clusters, which are arced in what appears to be a resolute frown, also add to its Audi-distinctiveness.
The Inside
Audi’s ability to create an upscale interior ambience is the envy of the rest of the auto industry. A combination of intelligent design, functionality and comfort is accentuated by a high level of craftsmanship. The driving position has a terrific range of seat and steering-wheel adjustments. Even very tall drivers should find leg room more than adequate, but the panoramic sunroof (standard on the Premium edition) reduces headroom space. An adjustable power lumbar on the driver’s seat that also allowed vertical placement was a particularly nice comfort feature. The back seats are more supportive than you generally find, although here again, taller passengers may find a headroom issue due to the sunroof and the slope on the roof. The rear seatbacks flip down easily and are split 60/40, but they do not extend a perfectly flat cargo floor.
Safety
Rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on its crash test results, the A3 provides a comprehensive network of safety features designed to protect occupants.
Electronic Stability Control is standard and rear seat side airbags are an option.
The Drive
The TDI engine is livelier than its horsepower number (140) and acceleration time (about nine seconds to 100 km/hour) indicate. It’s quick off the mark from a standing start, and when you adapt to the engine’s slower power build up and maximum rev range (4,500 rpm), faster cornering and passing of other vehicles can be done with ease. Of course, with 236 lb.-ft. of torque at your disposal, the TDI’s smooth and easy power is most evident when a steep grade presents itself. The pulling power of this small diesel engine is phenomenal and if you live in a hilly or mountainous area it would sure make driving a lot more pleasant. The TDI’s rated highway fuel economy is an amazing 4.6 litres/100 km. That’s better fuel economy than a Toyota Yaris or even the current Smart Car. And with a full 55-litre fuel tank the A3 TDI could, in theory anyway, travel more than 1,000 (highway) kilometres between fill-ups. The A3’s suspension provides a very nice blend of sporty handling and refined ride quality. It has that well-planted, secure feel on the road that’s typical of good European sport sedans.
The Score
The Audi A3 TDI is a quality luxury car in a smaller package that is fun to drive and offers outstanding fuel efficiency.
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Time:
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EVERYONE WELCOME!
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SUMMER ! # $ & !
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Turn a luxury car into a sports car. Press ‘start’.
The 2010 C-Class. Agility Redefined. Starting from $35,800.*
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is most definitely a luxury car. Survey the cockpit. Touches like burl walnut and fitted leathers confirm that. Another touch confirms it’s a sports car: press ‘start’. AGILITY CONTROL stiffens damping in corners; an available Dynamic Handling Package** and our award-winning 4th generation 4MATIC™ permanent all-wheel-drive system, available even on the C 250, prove it’s road mettle. Experience this magnificent duality at your dealer or visit mercedes-benz.ca/c.
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© 2010 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. *Price does not include Freight, PDI, dealer Administrative fees, GST or PST. **Standard on the C 350, only available as part of an option package on the C 300. Not available on the C 250, C 63 AMG or 4MATIC™ models. C 300 4MATIC™ shown with optional sport package. ‡Lease and finance offer based on a new 2010 C 250 available only through Mercedes-Benz Financial on approved credit for a limited time. Lease example based on $368 per month for 48 months. Down payment or equivalent trade of $3,800 plus security deposit of $400 and applicable taxes due at lease inception. First, second and third month payment waivers are capped (up to a total of $1,350 including tax) for lease and finance programs. Not applicable to AMG models. MSRP starting at $35,800. A.P.R. of 3.9% applies. Total obligation is $20,514. 18,000km/year allowance ($0.20/km for excess kilometres applies). Finance examples are all based on 60 month terms at an annual rate of 1.9% and an MSRP of $35,800. For specific cash purchase incentives on a specific model, please visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for details. Freight/PDI (up to $1,995 - dealer may charge less), license, insurance, registration, taxes, EHF Tire, Filter and Battery fees, “green levy” and similar taxes levied on the manufacturer (if charged by the dealer) and PPSA are extra. Additional provincial-specific fees, taxes and charges may be extra. The alternative cash purchase incentive of $1,500 is based on a new 2010 C-Class. For specific cash purchase incentives on a specific model, please visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for details. Offers may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer. Some vehicles are shown with optional equipment available at extra cost. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for details or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Relations Centre at 1-800-387-0100. Offers end June 30, 2010.