Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
We've all heard it a million times. Americans don't dig hatchbacks. The Euros can't get enough of them, but bring one to the States and it instantly becomes some kind of niche vehicle with a cult following. A very small cult following.
Audi knew all this when it introduced the A3 back in 2006, but it plowed ahead anyway. It was hoping that the A3's more reasonable price, potent 2.0-liter engine and useful configuration would finally win over some buyers who couldn't quite step up to an A4 Avant.
So how much are you giving up by choosing the A3 over the all-new A4 these days? The balance of power has shifted a bit, as the A4 now uses an upgraded 2.0T that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The A3's similar size four-cylinder continues with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft.
In this case, our A3 tester was helped out by the presence of a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive to save some weight. The more powerful A4 uses a traditional six-speed automatic funneled through a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Care to guess which one was the better track car? Full details after the jump.
Audi, Hatchbacks, IL, Track, Tested, Sedans, audi, a3, a4,
