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| Audi
A3 Sportback 2.0 TDi |
Broadcast
date : 20th August 2006 |
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The Sportback two-litre TDi uses
the same interior as the turbocharged two-litre model, and
re-visiting that cockpit we were again struck by the sheer
quality that Audi seems to inject into every one of its
products.
Yes there are metal
detailing elements which every designer and his dog is now
using to add sportiness and substance.
Yes,
other people use mixes of perforated and solid leather on
their steering wheels.
But in Audi’s case the Taste Police have been pensioned off.
As for the diesel engine, its power rating is competitive and
so is the torque – on paper, at any rate.
The problem that affects this particular engine is lag at the
very bottom of the power range. These engines are developed to
run at pretty close to sea level.
At high altitude, the engine has too little power before the
turbo begins spooling up, which can lead to embarrassing
moments like this.
And yet, once the engine is on the boil, all is forgiven.
There’s that familiar rush as bucket-loads of torque are
delivered, and David is able to settle back and appreciate the
essential Audiness of the car.
If one had to identify one essential characteristic of the
car, that would be integration… the way everything works in
unison.
This particular engine powertrain combination is available in
the Golf range in the two-litre Tdi version. And with the
launch of the Seat brand in South Africa, you can now choose a
third car with Golf essence, but quite different styling.
Audi has always been marketed as a premium model, and as we
revisited the Sportback, we think it justifies that
perception, especially with the special trim pack, as fitted
to the test machine.
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The best part of that S-Line
trim-pack is the deeper front valance with really stylish cut
outs on its leading edge. The skirt panels are similarly
subtle and merge perfectly with the roof spoiler with its
high-level brake light, and with this particular wheel option
ordered for this car.
Dressing up a car with bodywork add-ons has never been more
popular, and if you do it with the factory option kit, the
peace of mind it brings you is that it’ll enhance the
re-sale value.
Audi has been criticized in the past for being understated in
its styling, particularly with its performance models, but
that’s changed. This car simply exudes good taste.
In the past, David has been underwhelmed by the interior
ambience of the Audi, but this chance to re-visit what’s
essentially the 2006 Car of the Year, has caused a bit of a
re-think.
Audi A3 Sportback 2,0
TDi
- Engine:
Four-cylinder turbodiesel, 1 968 cc
- Power: 103 kW @ 4
000 rpm
- Torque: 320 Nm @ 1
750 rpm
- Transmission:
Six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h: 9,3
seconds (Car Magazine)
- Top speed: 204 km/h
(Car Magazine)
- Fuel consumption:
8,2 litres/100 km (estimated)
- Price: R242 000
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