Escape Hatch

It is deep within the numerous switchbacks of Mulholland Canyon where I fully appreciate the inherent performance values of Audi's new A3, the company's answer to an entry-level premium compact. The hatchback, or Sportback as Audi likes to call it, is really a multifaceted sport wagon.

A smile emerges on my face as I dive confidently into the tightest of turns, hands and steering wheel spinning. I throttle up and the front-drive A3 reacts, traversing the steeply raked banks with impressive torque and mountain goat agility. The roller coaster ride continues. This is too much fun.

We arrive at The Sunset Restaurant, a wonderfully quaint seaside eatery in Malibu. Our red A3 catches stares from beach-goers not so much for its bright paint, but for its uniquely crafted overall design. "The A3 carries a very bold, distinctive look," said senior designer Gary Telaak. "It breeds emotion and confidence." Telaak is one of those instantly likable characters who also happens to be very gifted with a pencil and paper. Earlier in the day, he entertained members of the media with freehand sketches of the car from various angles. I still regret not walking away with an autographed copy.

At a glance, the A3 is strikingly handsome. Its silhouette flows gracefully with a sloping roofline that allows your eye to wonder down the pillars and onto the car's powerful overall proportions. This is a vehicle that can be admired from all sides. In fact, while its nose is easily the most recognizable characteristic with the now familiar single-frame trapezoidal grille, its aggressive low-slung profile and attractively tailored rear also play well into the equation. As well, its wide wheel arches, tapered body lines and short front and rear overhangs further define a masculine stance. The deep contoured arches will also provide plenty of room for larger optional wheel choices. I'm also pleased Audi continues to color-coordinate its rockers. Flat or satin black just doesn't cut it. In this case, a matching rocker creates a more seamless body line, helping the A3 appear even bolder.The interior is also quite pleasing and in more ways than one. Not only is it well suited for comfort; it features myriad design cues that give it a sporty overall aesthetic. Regardless of its entry-level status, it incorporates a level of attractiveness and sophistication that is expected from a car wearing the quad ring insignia.

The sporty layout is attributed in part to a low seat position and a high center console, which provides a more sports car-like feel. The A3 also features Audi's new generation of three- and four-spoke steering wheels, recognized by the trapezoidal central element, which effectively ties in with the design of the grille. There's no doubt the TT provided design inspiration for various interior elements, including the round air vents, the rotary knobs on the automatic climate control and the numerous aluminum trim pieces. Still, the package is unique enough to give the A3 its own well-defined identity.

Naturally, the A3 comes equipped with a full array of premium standard equipment, including all the creature comforts you'll ever need. Still, there are optional packages available to tailor to your individual tastes. We like the Sport Package ($1,800) for its value and wealth of interior/exterior upgrades. There's also an optional two-part "Open Sky" sunroof that's quite nice.

Although roughly 10 inches shorter than its big brother, the A4 Avant, the cabin is surprisingly spacious with just enough room for four average size adults. In fact, we're told it is as spacious as the outgoing A4 Avant. With the driver's seat adjusted at its lowest and furthest back position, even my 6-foot 4-inch frame had room to spare. Depending on the front seat positioning, rear passengers may also enjoy ample leg and headroom. The rear doors also open nice and wide, allowing easy in out access. With respect to safety, side airbags are standard in front, as are curtain airbags front and rear. Rear side airbags will be optional.A large cargo capacity is yet another impressive aspect and will inevitably appeal to those with active lifestyles. Its rear storage area is impressive and quite adequate for most items, though folding down the 60/40 split rear seats opens up even more useable space. Nicely trimmed, the compartment also features a recessed side storage pocket and a multi-purpose net for securing shifty loads. You'll also find a handy 12V outlet. For larger items, an optional streamlined roof rack is available.

Back on the road, we decide to take an alternate route to the Mondrian (our swanky West Hollywood host hotel). It is another serpentine stretch with more turns and elevation changes than a single-engine prop plane in heavy turbulence, a dream road for those who wish to discover a car's maximum performance potential.

I knew that extra helping of chicken skewers with peanut sauce wasn't wise. I hate buffets.

Equipped with the same new 2.0T FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) engine as found in the A4, the hot little hatch handles the road with spirited enthusiasm with only a small hint of turbo lag. Its impressive torque (207 lb-ft) and wide range of power throughout the band (1800-5800 rpm) is partly attributed to FSI (same race technology used in the Le Mans-winning Audi R8), which squirts fuel directly into the combustion chamber, whereas the more familiar port injection puts gas into the intake passages. Combined with a turbocharger, the result is a unique synthesis of performance. Moreover, it's not at the expense of fuel economy. A higher compression ratio also increases engine performance and efficiency. The 2.0-liter turbo has a 10.3:1 compression ratio versus 9.3:1 for the outgoing 1.8T. A whopping 400 pounds lighter than the Avant, the A3 also clearly offers a better power-to-weight ratio. Audi claims zero to 60 mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

The engine is mated to a stellar six-speed manual gearbox or the optional sporty DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission, both in front-wheel drive. Readers already know what we think of the "gearbox that rocks," as we've referred to it in the past. For those not yet familiar, DSG provides dynamic acceleration without interrupting the flow of power from the engine and is yet another A3 feature derived from auto racing technology. Thanks to its electro-hydraulically controlled twin clutch, the system allows lightning-fast gear changes with uninterrupted traction. Shifting is performed automatically in normal or sport mode, or manually using the shifter or paddles. I typically prefer a manual transmission for performance driving, but I've grown quite fond of DSG and couldn't imagine our long term TT with anything else. The A3 is no different and it's also well suited for driving around town, including stop-and-go traffic.

Fitted with a MacPherson front suspension and an innovative four-link independent rear, the A3 offers a comfortable, yet dynamic driving experience with a high standard of stability. Only when pushed to the limit does the front step out a bit, otherwise understeer is very minimal. When activated, the standard ESP (electronic stabilization program) is forgiving and helps keep things under control. Braking is also impressive with large rotors at each corner. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with 225/45-17 tires come standard, with 18-inch running gear as optional.

A3s are on dealer showrooms now with base models starting at just under $25k--quite a lot of car for the money. Later in the year, Audi will offer a kick-ass model with a 250bhp, 3.2-liter V6, quattro and DSG. Expect to pay five grand more for it.

Historically, a premium vehicle in the hatchback configuration hasn't fared well in North America. BMW tested the waters a decade ago with its 318ti and Mercedes a few years back with its three-door C Coupe. Both were discontinued after short-lived production runs, which may explain why Audi has no current plans to release the three-door version of the A3 here. That may change, as BMW intends to launch its 1 Series late next year, and there's also the pending A Class from Mercedes and even a rumored entry-level hatch from Jag down the road. Until then, the compact five-door reigns supreme with models from the likes of Saab (9-2X), Volvo (V50), Volkswagen (Jetta) and others.So call Audi's new A3 what you like, a hatchback, a sportback, a wagon. We call it a winner.

2006 Audi A3 2.0T

MSRP: $24,740

Drivetrain

Transverse front engine,front-wheel drive

Engine

2.0-liter inline four, dualoverhead cams, four valvesper cylinder, turbochargedand intercooled

Transmission:

Six-speed manual; Optional six-speed Direct ShiftGearbox (DSG) withelectro-hydraulic control

Dimensions

Length x Width x Height (in.): 168 x 77 x 56
Wheelbase: 102 in.
Curb Weight: 3,329 lb

Performance

Peak Power: 200 bhp@ 5100 rpm
Peak Torque: 207 lb-ft@ 1800 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.7 sec.
Top Speed: 130 mph(electronically limited)
Fuel economy:23 city/30 hwy

Major Safety Equipment:

Driver and passenger next generation front airbags, side airbag front, sideguard, two 3-point safety belts with automatic pre-tensioners, height-adjustment and belt force limiters, three 3-point safety belts with automaticpre-tensioners, central locking with safety unlockMajor Standard Features: Automatic climate control, 140-watt stereo w/10 speakers, satellite radio preparation, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows, and central locking