A3 for bad roads (TEST)

Audi found a niche between the A3 Sportback and the sedan. Now it's filled with the allstreet. We tested the crossove piese auto online.

A3 for bad roads (TEST)

FOR THE SUMMER, Audi not only gave a sharper look and higher-quality materials to all variants of its compact A3 model, but Ingolstadt also included an entirely new derivative of the model in its lineup: the Audi A3 allstreet.

The name suggests that this is a crossover, whose off-road vision should primarily attract customers who are looking for a compact car with which they can overcome a road with a worse surface. For more, the 30 mm increased ground clearance from 15 cm, combined with tires with a larger diameter and at least 17-inch wheels, is already not enough. It is clear that the setting of the springs/shock absorbers is also tailored to the higher center of gravity of the car - when you go over bumps and holes. allstreet absorbs bumps skillfully, but typically for Audi it remains tightly glued to the road and demonstrates its sporty side. This is also conveyed by the optional progressive steering. The specific gear rack changes the gear ratio depending on the steering angle and thus allows for precise steering at higher speeds.

Optionally, you can order the Audi drive select dynamics system and thanks to it, at the push of a button, change the engine and steering settings through five modes. This also applies to the allstreet 35 TFSI. It is powered by the 1.5-liter gasoline engine from the VW concern with a 48-volt electrical system. The 150 horsepower and 250 Newton meters of the test car, sent via the 7-speed automatic transmission with dual clutches to the front wheels, are more than enough to accelerate the allstreet to 100 in 8.6 seconds.

The maximum speed of the car is 222 km/h – it is possible without effort. The 35 TFSI does not become noisy when calling for full power, and the mild hybrid system does not pull when switching from recuperation to boost. In addition to the aforementioned engine, the A3 is available in all its derivatives, that is, as a Sportback, sedan and allstreet, and with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 116 hp. In the 35 TDI, a 2-liter diesel unit with 150 hp works. The greatest power, as usual, is the S3 as a Sportback or sedan with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and 333 hp.

The dimensions are the same: the Sportback is 4.35 m long. Since this is also the basis for the allstreet, the dimensions are identical up to the boot capacity of 380 to 1200 l. The space offered for passengers is the same: the second row of seats is not suitable for very tall passengers, as a 3 cm difference in height makes it easier to get into the allstreet and improves the driver's view. The increase in the quality of materials and workmanship in the interior is impressive. The interior feels significantly higher quality to the touch, the buttons have a distinct pressure.

If you wish, you can choose a fabric made of 100 percent recycled polyester for the cockpit. The fully digital driver display has a diagonal of 12.3 inches, and the central monitor is 10.1 inches and fits perfectly into the overall design. Thus, the A3, whose quality has not been so good lately, rises to a premium model again. Although there are still hard plastics in the lower part of the rear doors. Much more importantly, during the first test there was no creaking or rattling on any road surfaces, which is evidence of very good workmanship. In terms of price, the Audi A3 allstreet starts at 65,604 BGN – about 3,000 BGN more than the Sportback.

Conclusion

The Audi A3 allstreet is more than just a polished Sportback. However, in the end, it's more about looks than off-road prowess. Otherwise, the allstreet isn't cheap.

Technical data: Audi A3 allstreet 35 TFSI S tronic

Engine 4-cylinder, turbo, front transverse Displacement 1498 cm3 Power 110 kW (150 hp) at 5000 rpm Max. torque 250 Nm at 1500 rpm Drive front/7-speed DSG
L/W/H 4353/1816-1984/1457 mm Weight (empty) 1425 kg Boot 380–1200 l 0–100 km/h 8.6 sec Max. speed 222 km/h Fuel consumption 5.4 l A95H/100 km CO2 emissions 123 g/km Price from 65,604 BGN

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

FOR THE SUMMER, Audi not only gave a sharper look and higher-quality materials to all variants of its compact A3 model, but Ingolstadt also included an entirely new derivative of the model in its lineup: the Audi A3 allstreet

The name suggests that this is a crossover, whose off-road vision should primarily attract customers who are looking for a compact car with which they can overcome a road with a worse surface