Looking at the 2011 Audi A3

The 2011 Audi A3 is a smaller and cheaper 4-door hatchback model of the Audi A4 premium compact car. The A3 comes with two types of 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engines. 2.0T has a 200 hp turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual or dual clutch automated manual transmission, the latter being somewhat similar to an automatic. The second type is the 2.0 TDI, which has a 140 hp turbo diesel 4-cylinder that comes in automated manual only. However, all A3s come with front wheel drives, although the 2.0T can equip Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive with auto-manual transmission. Standard safety features of the A3 include ABS, antiskid system, and traction control, as well as front, rear and curtain-side airbags. ABS stands for antilock brake system. It’s a safety mechanism that prevents the wheels of the vehicle from getting stuck when the brakes are applied. The system detects when the wheels get stuck but the brakes and it acts on it by relieving the wheel in question of any pressure. Once the wheel is unstuck, it can revolve again, so that the driver maintains full control over it. An antiskid system works closely with the ABS, but its separate function is mainly to regulate any skidding. When the car skids, the antiskid system works with the antilock brake system to hit the brakes on the wheels to keep the car from going off course. Traction control, on the other hand, prevents skids from happening in the first place. It gives the car good traction when accelerating, braking, or turning, so that it doesn’t lose grip, which would otherwise cause skidding. Aside from that there are optional packages that are available for the A3, namely the Premium Plus Package, the Sport Package, the Cold Weather Package, the Convenience Package, and the Titanium Sport Package. The Premium Plus package comes with a power driver seat, aluminum interior trim, xenon headlights and wireless cell phone link. The Sport package comes with sport seats, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels. The Cold Weather package comprises heated front seats, washer nozzles, and mirrors. The Convenience Package has rear-obstacle detection, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and a Bose-brand sound system. Lastly, the Titanium Sport Package comes with Alcantara sport seats and specific exterior and interior trim. A sunroof and a navigation system are optional as well. Expert ratings show that the 2.0T model of the Audi A3 (with the sports package) is much better rated than premium compact cars in general. The Audi A3 gets a total score of 70 compare to the 66.2 average of other cars within its class. Its best-rated aspects are the steering, handling, braking, and the details, which refer to the car’s interior and overall design. Both criteria were individually rated a score of 8.