We scored a few goals over the weekend at the Audi A3 driving experience held in conjunction with the Audi Fashion Festival. The event was held in a huge A/C tent built specifically for that very purpose and this new hot hatch is the youngest star of the Audi family.
Audi has
also commissioned students from LASALLE College of the Arts to produce
original backdrop artworks the way they interpret the A3. The results
were some stunning pieces put up between the beautiful rides and the
Marina Bay waterway.
We ventured deeper into the holding area (A3ttraktion Zone) where we took our chances to have some fun with the zippy sportback.
The 3rd generation Audi A3 Sportback comes in two variants for now, the 1.4 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI. First look, smart edgy angles and up-to-date refined lines that is hard to miss but getting more difficult to differentiate from other models.
Presented before us was an interactive booth that educates the audience the ins and outs of the vehicle.
They say the interior of the A3 is impressive so we stepped inside to have a closer look.
Not disappointing at all. What greeted us was a neatly arranged driver's console. The cabin is beautifully designed with high-quality materials and intuitive icons, and the ergonomic position of various switches feel premium to the skin.
The 1.4 TFSI produces a decent 120bhp and clocks slightly shy of 10 seconds from 0-100kmh, flat out.
In terms of practicality, passenger leg room and boot spaces are now surprisingly more spacious than its closest rivals of the BMW 1 series and the new Golf Mk7. This is due to a stretched wheelbase, both length and width, and seats 3 adults comfortably at the back.
Time to go out into the sun for some fun.
The A3 took off easily when stepped on the accelerator, powered by some 200Nm of torque. Engine noise is muffled even when pushed, hinting at a good sound insulation job done. Power to the car delivers almost clinically with not much turbo lag. Pretty amazing for the small petrol engine.
An obstacle course was set up for the A3, rigged by Audi engineers, to demonstrate the different aspects of this nimble car.
And off it goes to score!
The gleaming A3 is such a head turner under the sun. You can almost stare and wish that it is coming home with you right now.
All in all, Audi has created yet another brilliant piece of art for the road and we couldn't wait to see the beefed up S3 version on Singapore roads too. sgCarShooters signing off.
CONVERSATION