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A small jewel, the A3 distills all things Audi. Rich in design and materials, its cabin boasts excellent seats and the latest version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system. In the German fashion, its ride is firm yet compliant. Handling is top-notch, steering is sharp and accurate and powertrains are responsive and economical.
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The A3 and I faced a week of treacherous driving, from glare ice on the highway to hard-packed snow on the hilly road leading home. With quattro proactively distributing power between the axles and, with 35-series Dunlop SP Winter Sports wrapping the 19-inch alloys, the A3 stuck stubbornly to the road
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The distinctions between FWD and AWD trims go deeper here than usual. FWD models are powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four that makes 170 horsepower. AWD trims run a turbocharged 220-hp 2.0-liter four. The sole transmission is a six-speed automated manual.
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Cabin design and quality fall into line with the baby Audi’s larger siblings. Audi’s familiar, aircraft-inspired vents look cool and allow precise manipulation of airflow. Switchgear works with well-engineered heft and fluidity.
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Like a little bit of magic, the MMI display screen rises automatically at ignition from a slot in the top of the dashboard.
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Like all modern input systems, MMI requires a learning curve but, with that hurdle crossed, it’s one of the most user-friendly controllers on the market.
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