Can the Audi A3 join the mainstream landscape of luxury automobile in Malaysia, especially with news around that Audi is taking back the distributorship? Let's hope the A3 could finally make the 4 Rings a common sight on our road and worry of existing lousy service from our national car related company will finally end. Just hope it is not inheriting those arrogant working style from its parent company, and it shall be good to go. Starting at RM180k for a 1.4-litre TFSI, 7-speed transmission (122hp/200Nm) and RM241k for the 1.8-litre TFSI quattro AWD, 6-speed transmission (180hp/280Nm), the A3 quattro is going to grab some market share from the Mercedes CLA which it competes directly. And finally, one needs not settle for the ugly duckling of the A1 hatch, or even the A3 hatch which the A3 sedan is originally transformed from. Audi hatch is no where near others brand in designing their hatchback to be hot and sexy, while their sedan could sweep its competitor off the table easily.
VW group has recently make the RM180k mark with models equipped with downsize 1.4-litre engine, such as this A3, the VW Tiguan and Golf, making these German-engineering available to wider audience if one just want to start the continental route but is still skeptical with French technology. For the A3, the quattro version is a must have, as the flagship all-wheel-drive unit provide 0-100km/h acceleration in just 6.7 seconds. With a smaller size, this could be an enjoyable ride for those that want to experience the burst of power around the bend of some kampung B-road...watch out for the animals crossing and falling tree branches though.
Audi interior is always well layout, clean and simple, and most will complain the 5.8" retractable colour display is rather small. The main drawback for the 1.4-litre car is the 4-spoke steering wheel, which looks so uncle-styled and un-matching to the modern jet engine inspired aircon vents. I love the northward pointing cluster, my favourite! 7-airbag and the Audi Drive Select with 5 modes of Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Individual are standard. Sport suspension is equipped in the A3 quattro, making it further interesting.
If you are wondering whether the A3 is good for your family...I would suggest that this is a sedan for the young executive, with seldom trips that could fill the car with more than 2 - 3 person. The size of the car sit between a B-segment and C-segment Japanese sedan, and the rear space could be slightly cramp. Continental car usually loses out on their space management when compare to the Japanese. Wonder why? Could be safety related, I guess!
A luxury sedan at RM180k...there must be a swamp of takers. The A3 is sexy, but will you consider that VW Passat for RM170k with a more conventional look. Tough decision, isn't it...follow your heart!
VW group has recently make the RM180k mark with models equipped with downsize 1.4-litre engine, such as this A3, the VW Tiguan and Golf, making these German-engineering available to wider audience if one just want to start the continental route but is still skeptical with French technology. For the A3, the quattro version is a must have, as the flagship all-wheel-drive unit provide 0-100km/h acceleration in just 6.7 seconds. With a smaller size, this could be an enjoyable ride for those that want to experience the burst of power around the bend of some kampung B-road...watch out for the animals crossing and falling tree branches though.
Audi interior is always well layout, clean and simple, and most will complain the 5.8" retractable colour display is rather small. The main drawback for the 1.4-litre car is the 4-spoke steering wheel, which looks so uncle-styled and un-matching to the modern jet engine inspired aircon vents. I love the northward pointing cluster, my favourite! 7-airbag and the Audi Drive Select with 5 modes of Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Individual are standard. Sport suspension is equipped in the A3 quattro, making it further interesting.
If you are wondering whether the A3 is good for your family...I would suggest that this is a sedan for the young executive, with seldom trips that could fill the car with more than 2 - 3 person. The size of the car sit between a B-segment and C-segment Japanese sedan, and the rear space could be slightly cramp. Continental car usually loses out on their space management when compare to the Japanese. Wonder why? Could be safety related, I guess!
A luxury sedan at RM180k...there must be a swamp of takers. The A3 is sexy, but will you consider that VW Passat for RM170k with a more conventional look. Tough decision, isn't it...follow your heart!
