Good Grades: Nice power from the 2.0 Liter, four-cylinder TDI engine--it has good acceleration from the Turbo Diesel power plant--it's the first diesel-powered car I've had the opportunity to drive, and it was a pleasurable experience. The Audi A3 TDI's six-speed Automanual transmission shifts with precision. The interior materials are great, the seats are comfortable, and interior room is also useful and respectable. The ride is firm but nice, and the A3 TDI's overall driving experience does not disappoint. It feels very sporty and the braking is also good. This feels like a well-made automobile. It comes fully-loaded with useful safety features (a full complement of air bags all around, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control), also.
By the way, it should be noted here that the photos for this review are of the 2012 S Line Wagon; photo opportunities of the TDI I tested were limited to a parking structure--not exactly ideal for good photos--so I had to resort to going to an Audi Dealer to get the shots I needed. However, the dealer was out of TDI's, and a salesman told me as they are such hot sellers, most are already spoken for by the time they arrive at the dealership. In fact, the A3 Wagon shown in this review was the only A3 Wagon they had in stock. The S Line model in the photos does not have the navigation system that I mention below.
Bad Grades: The instrument panel is nice, but I must say I don't care for small, distracting buttons on the radio and navigation system. I'm old school that way, and prefer the least amount of distraction from the road as possible. Plus, the price of admission isn't cheap: prices start at $30, 250 and it can go up from there with options.
Final Grade: There is a lot to like about the 2011 Audi A3 TDI Wagon--this isn't your dad's old-tech, diesel-powered car that was slow, made an annoying "knocking" sound and had smelly exhaust fumes. Diesel Technology has improved over the years, and the Audi A3 TDI Wagon proves it. Decrease the price on it by at least three to five grand, and you'd have a straight "A" grade for this car.
Consumer and Car Exam Final Grade: B+/A-
MSRP: $30, 250
By P. Scott
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