Page 21 - Top Cover Issue 4

TOP COVER +557'

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61 $' *10'56 9*'0 + kind of look like all the other hatchbacks. rear is a pain! T at said, the seat release
On sitting in the car the first thing to access the rear is very good and slick in
)16 *1/' #0& 5#9 that struck me was the straight forward operation. T e boot is a good size as well
no fuss design of the controls. Everything (see photo) and access to it was easy due
6*' ).'#/+0) $.#%- was well made and the plastics looked like to the low boot lip ■

#7&+ # 5+66+0) 10 they will last an eternity. T e seats were
comfortable, but did not have any lumbar 6*' 8'4&+%6
/; &4+8' + 9#50²6 support. T ey were multi-adjustable and
allied to the adjustable steering column 5Q CHVGT OKNGU QH XCTKGF EQPFKVKQPU
':#%6.; &4+$$.+0) it was easy to find a comfortable driving YQWNF + TGEQOOGPF CP #WFK # !
position. T is car came with a DAB radio 6JG CPUYGT KU C TGUQWPFKPI [GU KH
70%10641..#$.; which is delivered, literally, via a pop up [QW YCPV VQ NQQM NKMG CNN VJG QVJGT

#6 6*' 6*17)*6 1( monitor from the center of the dashboard, JCVEJDCEMU DWV VJGP DGCWV[ KU QPN[
I liked that!
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&4+8+0) 6*+5 (#/+.; On the turn of the key the engine started VJKU ECT [QW YKNN PQV DG FKUCRRQKPVGF
with only a little diesel clatter and soon
*#6%*$#%- (14 (+8' settled down to a quiet thrum. T e steering
is light, but positive and the clutch and gear
&#;5 change are about perfect. Certainly lighter
and more direct than the current 1 Series
With several long journeys planned, the BMW the PFOA run. On the road the first
cars first impressions just did not set my thing that struck me was how quiet and
juices flowing. I have never owned an Audi, refined the car was. T e suspension soaked
and have only driven one briefly at work, up bad road surfaces without any fuss, and
so are they really that good? Is the new A3 at the national speed limit the car cruises
as good as Whatcar say? along quietly leaving you feeling relaxed
T e car in question was the latest A3 and refreshed at the end of the journey.
with the two litre diesel engine producing I have to admit that after my first long
150bhp. T e SE spec on the car adds a few journey, 130 miles including the road to
bits and bobs. T is particular car came with hell M25, I was beginning to see what all
the following options: acoustic rear parking the fuss was about with the new A3. T e
at £345, comfort pack £605, cruise control performance from the two litre diesel engine
£225, DAB radio £305, dual zone climate is superb, and I never failed to return less
control £390, pearlescent paint £525 and than 54mpg over the 600+ miles I drove.
an SD card sat nav system at £495 taking Official figures are 57.6 urban, 78.5 extra
the on the road price to £23,750. urban and 68.9 combined. Handling was
When you look around the car you safe and predictable and mid corner bumps
have to admire the build quality and finish. were taken without any drama.
T e paint job was faultless – as it should T e Audi A3 comes with an NCAP 5
be – and the panel gaps perfect. T e only star rating as you would imagine, and has
thing about the car is its boring looks! T at a multitude of airbags and other safety
is of course my opinion, but in the words equipment.
of Mrs W, if you were reporting a crime T e cabin is roomy, although
and asked someone to describe the car they personally I would not go for the three
would just say a ‘black hatchback’ as it does door as it’s inevitable that access to the