MotorWeek Road Test: 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI

[m1rchegfn]

Cough,Cough. What does your hybrid sound like?

[NemanjaaVidic]

TFSI FTW!

[Annihilator1111]

the 2003-present Audi A3 was/is assembled in

Ingolstadt, Germany

Brussels, Belgium (2004-2005; 2007-May 2010)

Jakarta, Indonesia

[skinnysponge]

Wow, why so much torque?!

[NattDogg01]

@skinnysponge Ohhh I don't know. Maybe because it is a DIESEL. 

[skinnysponge]

@NattDogg01 Do diesels usually have a lot more torque?

[NattDogg01]

@skinnysponge Yes. Why do you think they make diesel trucks? Trust me, it is not for the fuel mileage. The extra torque is great for towing.

[Yunituber]

@skinnysponge They usually do. Especially turbo diesels!

It's a common misconception that torque is only useful for towing. It also lets you maintaining speed with less pressure on the gas pedal and helps a lot with acceleration, for example, giving you that kick in the back especially on low RPM. On the other hand, horsepower is closely related to torque, since it's formula is: Horsepower = (Torque x RPM) / 5252 :)

[richimaor97]

this Audi really have a Diesel engine????

[Yunituber]

@richimaor97 Yes. Diesel engines are as common as petrol ones in Europe, and are usually preferred by people that drive a lot (since the fuel economy ends up compensating the extra cost of buying and maintaining a diesel engine). Most people where I live that own an Audi choose the TDI versions, and they're great to drive!

[Berus7777]

I have a white 2011 A3 TDI S-line and have had it for about 8 months. Sadly, I must say that the car has had one problem after another. It has a bad, jerky DSG transmission, the glass roof rattles constantly, door seals are coming unglued, various electrical problems, and, all in all, just not a good level of fit and finish for the $40,000 price. I would NOT buy an A3 again.

[teisenmenger]

It needs Quattro AND VW's 170hp TDI engine.

[im1greatman]

Only 30 cents more per gallon of for diesel fuel where I'm at. But hey, who knows what those foreign oil companies will do in the future. Maybe 5 dollars per gallon again?

[multijetIT]

@im1greatman that's nothing ,here in Holland we pay 1,65euro for 1 liter ,so that's about 9dollar for 1 gallon gasoline.!!

[im1greatman]

@multijetIT We're all getting overcharged. But you have to take into consideration what the cost of living is in different parts of the world. $4.00 a gallon for fuel in the U.S. can kill a working class family like mine.

[daizmiester]

that sucks, they only get 140hp out of the 2.0tdi? Europe gets 170hp, lol

[salmansengul]

i think im dying of cancer !!

i got it after reading these comments from american people about vw and audi and diesels!!

vw and audi are the best brands in quality !!!!!!!

also their diesels are THE SHIT !!!

i also do drive a mercedes c200 cdi w203k !!! and the car is just great in every way !!!

dont understand the people in america !!!

[creamyfilling102]

@salmansengul i don't know how the quality is in europe, but in america they must cheapen things up. i've read car reviews from VW owners and they have loads of electrical and mechanical problems. not to mention the catastrophic failure of their new DSG dual clutch transmission.

[JLaw012]

@salmansengul, I have the A3 and love it and really like the European style cars for their looks and interiors but lets be real Lexus and Acura are the most reliable cars on earth by far, you may lose a smidgen of style with them but you will also pay less on repairing them and will last you much longer.

[lbryan250]

With all that torque they should really offer quattro

[Vanrocco66]

I'm trying to decide between the Murano, Audi A3 and the Mazda CX-7. I drive a lot of highway miles so I want something that is dependable and VERY reliable. I need an engine that will take the pounding a lot of miles can dish out. I also need AWD or 4WD for winter travel in snowy conditions. I don't want an engine that will drag or, "Bogg down" when the AC is turned on and I want to be able to pass easily on the highway when I need to. Any help you can provide is appreciated!

[Loveitincali]

@Vanrocco66 audi diesel engines last a million miles so if you're looking for longevity audi's got it

[Vanrocco66]

Is this an Audi or a Volkswagon???? Seems like there are a lot of the same parts used on the VW and the A3. ..... Not good.

[1Mhoram9]

I don't hate them. I have an Audi A3 TDI 4 door hatchback and I absolutely love it. Electric seats on my Audi A3 that can be set for four different drivers so that they auto set when the driver changes. I am in the Greensboro area of North Carolina and I find it strange that an Audi A3 TDI wouldn't be available in Seattle. I traded in my Nissan Frontier truck for the Audi so the amount financed wasn't anywhere near $39,000.

[djw3sly]

manual adjustable seats on an audi?

[Seattlecarnut]

Why do Americans hate diesels so much? I'd buy a diesel Audi if one were available.

[godwhomismike]

"When the A3 TDI arrives in America, we predict there will be plenty of takers."

It's too damn expensive. I will probably stick with a fully loaded Golf TDI or Jetta TDI instead. A loaded A3 TDI (without any sport packages) is almost $39,000. $12K-$14K less will get me a very loaded Jetta TDI or Golf TDI with all the option boxes checked - navigation, bluetooth, sunroof, Dynoaudio Package, cold weather package, etc etc..

It's a shame. I would like an A3 TDI, but it's just too expensive.

[1Mhoram9]

@godwhomismike I drive 86 miles to work and 86 miles back home five days a week. The money I save on fuel pays about half of my payment. On a good day, temps in the 70s and low humidity the fuel mileage per hour readout can be as much as 67. It accelerates like a dream and corners beautifully.

[1Mhoram9]

@godwhomismike I got the routine maintenance added in with an extended warranty for 100,000 miles. The service is excellent and they don't charge you an arm and a leg for having simple things done, like rotate the tires, that isn't included in the maintenance.

[UFCextra]

ya, i think it is too much Euro - trash for americans to handle. We don't want gas saving cars in america, we want fast sports cars.

[ivantnt26]

@UFCextra you want fast sports cars ? why ur number 1 selling car is Ford F150 than ?? lol

[crazyfabio1]

@UFCextra fuck off american fat and stupid bitch the american never have car they drive only rubbish cars

[canuck123chucknorris]

Oh noes...km/hr!!! Welcome to planet earth, where we use metric. 

[Iridium725]

These North American standards for emissions are so stupid sometimes..we're probably the largest consumer of goods on the planet and one of the most polluting as well but God forbid an A8 TDI on the roads here..or pretty much any diesel for that matter.

It's funny how 99% of Europe has diesel cars as the norm yet they are still probably the cleanest continent on Earth, but here the government bitches over a "dirty" diesel..

[bigman95impala]

But anyone of us can go drive a expedition and get 10 mpg all day no problem belching 20 times the amount of Co2 lol

Its ridiculous that I had to buy my CDI used in NY because it wasnt legal to buy one new

Real dopey political BS and those are just a few of them

And the fact that diesels are torque beasts! many Americans dont even realize what they are missing!!!

[grkchick]

@bigman95impala well said my friend...you'd have to be crazy to go back to regular gas car after driving a diesel!

[salmansengul]

@Iridium725 haha dude you are so right !!!!

Greeting from Germany !!!!

Diesel FTW : )

[Iridium725]

@salmansengul

:D Danke!

[VOLKSN8R]

AUDI needs to put QUATTRO and a 6  SPEED MANUAL into this A3 TDI!

[1tb4life]

At 28 grand, I'll stick with me 2006 Suzuki Aerio SX premium that cost me 14k brand new, and stock does zero to sixty mpg in 7.5 seconds and takes regular grade gasoline. My best hwy mileage so far has been 41.5 mpg with 35mpg hwy being usual and ofourse, a 7 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. I really like Audi's, but they cost about 8k more than i want to pay, options cost too much, and their warranty is just too short considering how problematic they can be and expensive to repair.

[derbigpr500]

@1tb4life You cant compare a Suzuki to Audi..... Suzuki is a cheap brand, Audi is a premium brand, one of 3 best car manufacturers in the world.

[FicoBezKocnicaBL]

i would drive it

[VOLKSN8R]

VOLKSWAGEN / AUDI should bring ALL of their TDI's to North America.

[3089280288]

Test track looks a little rough.

[Seattlecarnut]

I know there are filling stations between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington that provide diesel fuel.

[Seattlecarnut]

That's IF they're allowed here in the US, which I certainly hope so.

[Seattlecarnut]

I prefer station wagons or SUVs. Unfortunately, they're unavailable with Diesel fuel. What's even more frustrating is that more filling stations all over the country don't provide diesel fuel. If the US govt wants us to drive more fuel efficient cars, then they damn well better allow people to decide what we'll drive. If we want diesel, let us drive diesel.

[huronlad]

@Seattlecarnut I have never had a problem finding diesel in the US, be it on the interstates or secondary roads.

[Mondafied]

What a friggin' rip off. You might as well get the cheaper Golf TDI.

[derbigpr500]

@Mondafied No, you cant get the Golf TDI. Its not all about engine....and that a problem with you americans. You only look at the car by its looks, and by its engine. You ignore everything else. You probably wouldnt see the difference in build quality and fit and finish between a chevrolet and rolls royce. Audi A3 is a better car than Golf overall. It has better materials inside, its better built, its more comfortable, more quiet etc. Basicly, Golf is a cheaper version of A3.

[Mondafied]

@derbigpr500 @derbigpr500 You Idiot!!! We CAN get the Golf TDI and the Audi and VW engine 2.0 TDI are identical! In America, VW and Audi both has shitty build quality. A $10,000 difference is outrageous. You blame Americans for everything but you don't know anything. Good job representing your country and your ignorance. I've been to Rijeka, Croatia and you guys hate Americans for stupid reasons. Your women are whores and would do anything to come live in America.

[shannontheguy]

@derbigpr500 The 2010 Golf TDI is available now here in the U.S.

[Kevin440]

In europe you can have quattro on an A3 aswell. Its just a matter of time until it comes to USA.

[deingfrt]

è la macchina dei mie sogni....chissà se un giorno potrò vederla dentro il mio garage....

[jeremymvail]

why do americans hate hatchback cars so much

[4MATICbenz]

@jeremymvail , because Americans dont think something can be practical and "cool" at the same time.

In other words, Americans are incredibly ignorant (read: stupid) when it comes to judging cars. 90% of us prefer huge gas-guzzling, slow, and poor handling SUVs to hold cargo as opposed to a sporty hatch or wagon. (this is coming from an American by the way)

[Malasubidude]

@jeremymvail

I'm american and I love them! haha I can't stand the look of sedans.

[amerr891]

@jeremymvail I KNOW! I'm American and I refuse to get a car that has a trunk... Hatchbacks are so much more useful!

[grkchick]

@jeremymvail honestly i dont know...i personally love them! and i wish BMW would bring the 1 series diesel hatch...

[Mattfunnier]

@jeremymvail I don't, they are awesome!

[auggles]

@jeremymvail i luv hatchbacks

[ikeaaron]

@jeremymvail Closed minds and poor taste, maybe?

[DeltaLoc]

@jeremymvail Because every thing has to be "bigger" and "better" than every one else. silly Americans.

[quatlen]

I would buy a diesel no problem, I'm just unsure about a hatchback.

[panasonicboy]

if only it came in a quattro version :(

[adamslurch71]

@panasonicboy and a manual

[redbar1mb]

@panasonicboy im pretty sure it does now, idk when it first came out but i checked and im pretty sure theres a quattro noe

[maggotboy01]

@panasonicboy It does come in quattro version :L

[francbiss]

Diesel is the future

[chirishboy]

Its a Diesel Mr wizard... Diesels are mainly torque. @255 ftlb it would blow any other 4cl off the line and still get 50 MPG.

[willo361]

yup u r right, the only major alterations they have made is with the nox trap in order to fulfill emission requirements. Other than that, it really is the same engine with the same power output that gets the same mileage as the previous diesel engines manufactured in the past 20 years. It's just advertisement for a product to gain popularity in the market.

[mrwilliwizard]

wow for a turbo engine. horsepower is kinda shitty.

[sym290]

@mrwilliwizard in europe we also get a 170 PS version of the same engine...which I think for a 2 litre engine is enough, especially for a Diesel (I currently drive a 2.0 TDI Passat)

[mrwilliwizard]

@sym290 I understand im just saying. My brothers mazda 3 2.3L inline 4 make about 160 hp. i just thought with a turbo it would be higher then 200

[willo361]

It's funny to see this b/c Europeans have had these tdi's for years, this is just an opportunity for the Germans to infiltrate a new market and compete against hybrids. It is about time diesel powered cars are reaching American shores but diesel is still more expensive compared to gasoline. The $ a potential buyer would save in fuel savings will eventually pay the price premium these manufacturers are suggesting, however, long run savings still exist. Thanks for post :)

[Blunder1248]

The messed up thing is you can remap these and get alot more power. and if you drive sensibly you get even more MPG than the standerd.

[sym290]

Yes, it's all in the engine tune, the car maker (in our case VW-Audi) wants to stay more on the reliability side, in Europe, you can get chip tunning up to 220 HP for the basic 140 HP 2.0 TDI, the car makers are trying to make the car more reliable on the long term.

[pedro19vlc]

This car is sussesfull and great the power it's godd and the sportback are more fun thanks are you in my favorites

[Vietwhiteboy]

watch?v=U6h4UB-Qa2A

[Vietwhiteboy]

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI ad on tv is funny. Talking about reducing foreign oil dependency, while Audi is a foreign car company HA

[mercatorish]

Yes, Audi is a German company. It just demonstrates a quite trivial and realistic solution for a national issue. Maybe the US car industry doesn't feel capable to act like Audi, cause it's busy with its own survival struggle. The US car industry denied to develope cutting edge Hybrids or Diesels for decades. That's the major reason why dozens of plants were shut and so many employees lost their jobs.

[pregnantnproud]

there is concepts of 2010 a3 so, technically, this is actually the 09 facelift a3.

[adrianmx]

thats not A3 2010

[DarkRogue3333]

it IS idiot

[adrianmx]

that is A3sportback !! cant u see? 4 doors

[DarkRogue3333]

OMG

A3, S3, A3 Sportback, S3 Sportback and A3 Cabriolet are ALL models in Audi's A3 Series! another example: the A5 Sportback is also an A5!

[duncan36]

This car gets about the same power and torque as the V8 in the early 80's Chevy Caprice. But gets over 2.5x the gas mileage of that car and accelerates much more quickly. Pretty remarkable when you think about it.

[ToroQ3000]

"Not comparing cost of gas"

FYI As of last month, diesel has averaged 15cents cheaper per gallon than gasoline. Look it up.

=D

[junior5516]

damn that engine has alot of torque!

[SorthNarolina]

good thing about diesel, shame we don't use it enough

probably should see more coming to the states due to recent events

[junior5516]

yeah there should be alot more diesels coming to the u.s. in the future

[chilliedog2918]

i figured it would be at least 32,000 or more on the price range