Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 Attraction 2005 review

Kickoff is $72,000 – a hefty old ask for what is essentially a three-door hatch.

You could buy any variety of Subaru's Impreza WRX for that figure and still pocket plenty of change.

But then, your new car would not be a German bahnstormer and it would certainly have a completely different feel to the super slick Audi which really hits the sweet spot.

Explore the 2005 Audi A3 Range

Audi A3 3.2 quattro 2005 review Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 Attraction 2005 review

• The naturally aspired 3.2-litre V6 produces a sizzling 184kW of power at 6300rpm and 320Nm of torque between 2500 and 3000rpm. It is currently the most powerful engine in the range, that is until we see what the new S3 has to offer.
• Drive is fed to the ground through all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, with electronic stability control to keep things under control. The ESP can can be switched off if desired but really this is not necessary as we discovered because it is not intrusive.
• With the V6 on board you don't get a choice of transmissions. It is the double clutch DSG tranny or nothing. Having said that, it is much faster than a normal auto and with six cogs to play with, there's plenty to go round.
• We should make a special mention here of the Sport mode, which is not much good around town, but really comes into its own on winding country roads. The gearing is very aggressive, it changes quickly and only does so when necessary, leaving the driver to get on with the job of steering the car. You couldn't ask for a better compromise.
• In terms of power the A3 should trounce the Rex and it does, (at least the equivalent auto model) even though the Audi is a good 75kg heavier at 1525kg. This is like having someone in the seat next to you the whole time. Suffice to say the A3 goes hard, with a 0-100km/h taking 6.4 seconds and the top speed electronically governed at 250km/h.
• Handling is top notch, in a well balanced package that hugs the road. The ride is form but not uncomfortable. Brakes are excellent with big fat 17 inch alloys and 225/45 high performance tyres.
• Despite a heavy foot we still managed to still get 11.2L/100km from the 60-litre tank in just over 1000km of driving, which is excellent considering the size of the engine. Note however that it takes premium unleaded fuel and prefers the 98RON stuff if the budget runs to it.
• Lots of standard equipment including six airbags, suede leather upholstery and a first rate sound system.