Since the TT is in the stealership (story here), I've been spending some time in what seems to be a base A3 FWD. Once I find more specs, I'll update this post with info.
Needless to say, I've been enjoying the A3. It's definitely less sporty than a 2014 TT s-line, but "fun enough" as a daily and definitely more comfortable while being less of a pain on the pump.
Engine
I think it has more than enough pep for daily driving. Merging on freeway and passing slow vehicles has never been an issue.
Definitely enough "off the line" fun as the engine has no problem overwhelming the tires.
Awesome not needing premium fuel.
40ish minute commute of about 40% city 60% hwy seems to be netting over 40mpg according to the trip computer. Will confirm with manual calculation when I gas up.
Audi took a book from y'all who like to turn off their engines when coasting. I've been driving "more economically" the past couple of days which has led to the above MPGs; playing the coasting game seems to make my commute less boring.
Handling
Definitely awesome as a DD. Comfortable ride though able to be tossed around if the opportunity presents itself.
Acceleration after a corner is limited by the stock tire's grip. I don't believe the axle has a limited slip and not professional enough to find out.
There is some nose-dive but still acceptable for this type of vehicle.
NVH
Not sure how accurate the phone apps are for noise readings, but I'll DL one and post my findings on here.
I believe noise is acceptable, if not good, as an 'entry level luxury' vehicle.
Road imperfections seem to be handled well by the tires and suspension which ensures very little gets into the cabin.
I had to pass a slow work van this morning and barely heard any racket from the engine. I may do several more higher-rpm runs to confirm.
Safety
I personally like the blind spot indicator lights & location. Wife does not and claims its too bright outside of daylight.
Collision mitigation/braking swept in when I was driving... ummm... a little too aggressively for the car's taste. The brakes work.
Collision warning also worked (yesterday) when a vehicle was making a left turn too slowly. No brakes were applied that time.
Radar Cruise would be nice. Except it seems a subscription is needed. It seems the auto-world has taken a page out of the software world's subscription-based transactions.
Interior & Tech
Steering wheel leather is awesome, as expected. The shape is a tad different; not sure what it is...
Seat leather seems to be different from steering wheel leather. What it lacks in softness seems to have been placed on durability. Only time will tell.
Wireless Car-Play seems to be working as it should. Connect Bluetooth and voila.
Infotainment screen is nice and crisp. Snappy enough.
Digital dash is awesome as expected. I personally prefer dimming all the lights; need to find out if that's possible.
HVAC controls (buttons & switches) are acceptable, for an Audi. I still feel the TT/R8 HVAC controls are peak design.
Surprisingly don't mind the different AC vent setup for the front seats. Drivers vents are a little high in my opinion and I was expecting to dislike the left passenger vent being right in front, but it grew on me.
What's up with the fisheye reverse camera? Am I doing something wrong?
Need to try automated parking. Seems like a gimmick.
Disappointed with the lack of lane keep assist at this price point.
I think that's it for now. I may edit and add more as I drive it more this weekend.
Bae
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