Audi A3 Sedan

2014 Audi A3 Sedan

2014 Audi A3 Sedan

Now that was unexpecting. In the past, the Audi A3 was available only as a hatchback, in 3-door and 5-door guise, but for the newest A3, they've added a 4-door sedan version for the very first time in the history of the A3. Just one point, why? Some say, they want to compete with Mercedes-Benz's 4-door compact saloon, the CLA-Class and that's an actual fact. However that's the least of the problems because as I heard, somewhere in North American, AUDI USA announced that for the next A3, the Americans won't get a 5-door hatchback version like what the previous generation had and instead go for the sedan version. Seriously?

Technically, that was a bold move to follow for Audi because what they want is to make a new model which not only captures attention from everyone living in the economic superpowers but also from the emerging market like for instance, Eastern and Central Europe, particularly Russia and Turkey. Did you know that more than 60 percent of all sedans sold in Europe are sold in Russia? Well, it's true but it can also be a theory if I'm skeptical.

Anyway, the sedan version. What is it? It's based on the third-generation A3 but the sedan is 11 mm (0.43 in) wider and 9 mm (0.35 in) lower than the A3 Sportback. Also, you can expect the same choice of engines as the hatch models such as the 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI gasoline units and the 2.0 TDI diesel. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or the very clever S tronic double clutch gearbox which shifts faster than a manual as every geeks in the world would explain it.

2014 Audi A3 Sedan interior

2014 Audi A3 Sedan interior

On the inside, it's the same as the A3 hatchback with some numerous features on it. You can expect a new modular infotainment system (MIB), consisting of MMI Navigation plus, a 64 GB hard drive, DVD drive, whole-word voice control and a high-resolution 7-inch-screen. That's seems savvy for the tech geeks but I wonder what's like to be a driver's car, perhaps?

This looks like the job for...some SCIENCE ABUSE! That's right! To imagine what's like to drive this sedan model, I need to go to my room first to read some magazines. I was trying to grab an issue of one of my favorite magazines when suddenly, I heard a little pop! What was that pop going on? Perhaps...it's Peter Logan's Exploding Paste!

That's right. Driving the A3 Sedan is like getting pranked by some exploding paste only a scientist can make. In the normal roads, that's perfectly normal but if I was driving in the traffic-prone areas, say EDSA or Quezon City, that's about as stressful as working at the office overtime. Another one of its problems was the price and with prices start at around 24,300 Euros, making it twice as expensive as an entry level VW Jetta but cheaper than the A4 sedan, making it an affordable Audi saloon money can buy.

Yes, it maybe cheaper than the A4 but is it worth it? Well, no. Remember the whole exploding paste thing unless if you're tired or wired. The A3 Sedan is worth noting to be an entry-level saloon for the masses but even though this is an affordable saloon car, I'm afraid it's still not worth it to compete against the CLA because think about it, the CLA is attractive, it's technological, and that's it. I guess both the CLA and the A3 Sedan truly share the same problem and it's about why it was made for the well-educated college students for the first place. If your mum and dad thinks you passed a driver's exam and they had so much cash in the back, you can be sure that they'll buy one for you but having one of these is like showing off your ultra expensive smart phone to your peers and you said that it has more features than others. Well, it maybe a swag but I'm sorry. That's doesn't sound right to be that kind.

Available colors: Amalfiweiß, Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Belugabraun Metallic, Dakotagrau Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Lotusgrau Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Misanorot Perleffekt, Phantomschwarz Perleffekt, and Dautonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: AUDI AG