Audi A3 - premium or fake?

In the past, everything premium had to be big and visible. But the world is changing. Today, instead of a 10-kilogram crown, an elegant diamond in a signet is enough, and the word Premium increasingly means class and chic - vulgarity is now outdated. The Audi A3 fits this picture perfectly. But is it really a high-end car?

It's funny, because initially every luxury car had to be big and expensive. But customers probably eventually came to the conclusion that this is pointless and there is a demand for ever smaller models. And it's so much smaller that luxury cars have shrunk to compact sizes. But can we talk about the Premium class here? Of course. In this case, it is enough to offer a small car with a price of a higher segment - this means that most people will not look at it, because it will be a waste of money. They will choose Dacie Sandero and look at such a compact on the street with pleasure. Thanks to this, the car is much cheaper than luxury limousines, but also unique, because not everyone will buy it. Like the Audi A3.

The attackers say that in Poland the one who plunders the state faster than his own country is rich, which is quite a reflex in terms of the amount of fees paid. Anyway, when such a rich person usually moves around the city, there is a good chance that in his spare time he will drop into an Audi dealership and buy an A3 model. In 2003-2012 it was very difficult to find an interesting CD on the Premium shelf. The Mercedes A-Class did not look the happiest, and the BMW 1 Series, despite being a great car, also looks rather controversial. It was difficult to get a similar product from other brands. In the A3, everyone is good for everyone, and the car is a kind of label: “I don’t need to flaunt driving a limousine, because I can already afford my whims – that’s why I have an Audi A3.” And, perhaps, that is why the A3 is so popular in the secondary market - because it is cheaper, at the same time prestigious, tasteful and not vulgar. Just in time for modern fashion. However, it also has several drawbacks.

In addition to averaging 5 stars in the era of 4-star EuroNCAP crash tests, Audi also needs to look at the engines. Naturally aspirated versions with FSI direct injection have problems with soot - then you need to clean the engine, because the service light comes on. However, both the 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI are quiet, agile and modern – they can be quickly convinced on the road. The supercharged 1.4 TFSI engine is much more agile and quicker. It perfectly matches the character of the A-1.6, willingly gaining momentum and does not require constant fanning of the gearshift lever, because it is eager to work at most speeds. Unfortunately, a faulty timing belt design can lead to its destruction. Gasoline units 1.8, 2.0 and 3 are old school - especially the first one is popular, simple, durable and proven, but not very suitable for the nature of this car. You need to look for power at high speed, but the car is still not dynamic. Apart from the space variants S3 and RS3.2, the top is closed by a bifurcated 6 V. It sounds great, burns a lot and slightly worsens traction, heavily loading the front wheels, but connoisseurs will like it.

Diesel is also an interesting topic. Even the iconic 1.9 TDI is, frankly, hard-to-kill. It has a few weak points, such as timing, pump injectors, boost or EGR valve, but after years of practice, the services have no problem fixing these defects. Its operation is cheap, also due to low fuel consumption. However, 105 km makes the car lazy. While the dynamics are not bad up to about 100 km / h, freeway speeds and dynamic overtaking are already a problem. This diesel badge was pushed out of the range at the end of production by the more modern (and more environmentally friendly) 1.6TDI engine of the same power. And even more power is offered by the 2.0 TDI turbodiesel. It was supposed to be a successful continuation of the VW diesel line, but on a good day, it left people gasping when they received bills to repair this unit. The first examples suffered from problems with a cracking head and an emergency oil pump. Newer versions, for example in the VW Passat, still caused a lot of problems - in the case of the Audi A3, things were a little better - it's a different type of engine. Even better equipment was used, thanks to which the bike began to break down less. The engine reaches 140 or 170 hp. Both options are worthy of a recommendation in this car when it comes to the performance offered. In addition, the car is quite hardy - even the suspension can withstand our roads, and its maintenance is limited mainly to connectors and kingpins. Otherwise, the air conditioner compressor, the display between the clocks, the fan or the air conditioner cooler, which is placed in the wrong place, sometimes fail. Minor errors in the computer are also the norm; diagnostics in the service usually help. There are no peeling elements of the dashboard - they are just like that, and that's it. Owning an Audi A3 comes with some interesting challenges.

A3 is a bit like an inverted stomach on a date - it makes a good impression. This compact is actually a VW Golf, with the best finishes, equipment and the worst price. But the kinship with the Golf is not a disadvantage. At least the A3 can be serviced for ridiculously little money for a premium brand. There are plenty of replacements on the market, and spare parts fit even Skoda. Markings are only different and sometimes you have to look.

The interior of the car seems a little boring and asexual, but it's easy to find your way in it. In fact, maybe that's why nausea is coming - everything is just there. True, the armrest interferes with the handbrake a little, but you can get used to everything. At least the steering and suspension are great - the rear is multi-link, and traction can be further boosted with quattro all-wheel drive. True, in the A3 the 4 × 4 system is not fixed and the rear axle is connected electronically in critical situations, but fortunately the whole thing works quickly and the car behaves predictably. In addition, when buying, it is not necessary to focus only on the 3-door version, which was available as the only one at the beginning of production. Among the newer ones, you can also find a 5-door body and a stylish convertible. Little has changed over the A3's production run - the 2005 and 2008 facelifts focused more on cosmetic changes and LED lighting. In any case, this is probably what the buyers of this brand value privacy for.

You believe what you see, not what you hear, unless it's gossip. That's why it's probably best to see for yourself that, despite its plebeian roots, the A3 retains the shape of a high-end car. And, by the way, it successfully combines two extremes - the world of Premium with inexpensive operation.

This article was created thanks to the courtesy of TopCar, who provided a car from the current offer for a test and photo session.

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