"Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh" (andymcbradleigh)
06/06/2015 at 10:24 • Filed to: Audi, Hybrid, e-tron, A3
2
0|
"Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh" (andymcbradleigh)
06/06/2015 at 10:24 • Filed to: Audi, Hybrid, e-tron, A3 | 2
| 0 |
Disclaimer: A friend of mines mom bought a new car, and he wanted me to drive it so bad that he drove 10 miles so I could give it a go.
And it is amazing. The power is there from the moment you touch the go faster pedal and it just keeps going until you have reached “no more license for you mister” speed, sure, it’s not a sportscar.. but my god does it go. A 150hp 1.4 liter TFSI and a 75kw electric thingamabob does make driving this car rather entertaining indeed.
But how does it handle? Well, the car I drove had the standard 16” wheels, so no crazy low profile tyres or anything, nor did it have the sport suspension.. But it doesn’t matter, in fact I don’t think I’d want a sports package with firmer suspension and 18” wheels. With the 16” wheels and standard suspension it soaked up the bumps when needed and was more than firm enough through the corners.
It does have a sport setting with firmer steering, a bit more oumph and WAY more regenaraneta.. regenita.. you know that braking thing with the electric motor. But I actually preferred the steering in the “soft” setting, it actually felt more responsive (in sport mode if felt firm just for the sake of being firm, not really any more feedback, in fact it actually felt like less feedback).
Downsides?
Sure, very small petrol tank (40 litres or so, gotta make room for those batteries you know).
You DO notice the weight of those batteries, the rear end does some strange stuff if you enter a corner a bit faster than you should.
Engine noise? Not really, but there was a bit more noise from the wheels than I’d like in a car like this.
It shifts a bit harder than I’d like.. But I guess that’s part of the Sports setting or something.
Positive things and stuff?
It chirps the tyres as easy as pie.. So that’s fun.
It just keeps pulling, almost feels like you’re being pushed by the hands of some demigod or something.
The interior and the overall feel is close to immaculate (I’d imagine the seats would be a tiny bit short if you’re a tall guy/gal).
It’s nimble, much more nimble than I thought it would be (but as I said above, you do feel the weight of those batteries).
It looks REALLY good in Brilliantrot.
I’m sure there’s more to be said about it, but I only drove it for a short time, and only took it for a short stint on the motorway so I can’t say that much about how it feels at speeds above 110kph (68mph) but I’d imagine the wheel noise could be a bit annoying with the stereo of.
Would I buy it if I had the money? Well, no (I’d rather buy a few old cars).. but I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a smallish hybrid that’s fun to drive.