6 of 7
BACKNEXT
Simple cockpit
From the inside, the A3 looks positively austere compared to the Lexus, even if you opt for the computer interface, not shown here. There's no question. You're in a German car, not a jet fighter.

Performance is where this car really stands out. The Audi A3 TDI isn't just OK to drive, it's a blast! Once the engine gets nicely warmed up -- response is sluggish when the engine is really cold -- all that low-end torque results in a rush of power and really impressive passing performance, especially since this car this so small and light. Steering feel is also nice, if a bit light, making the A3 TDI nearly as much fun to drive as a sports car.

NEXT: Wide-open space

Last updated March 25 2010: 10:44 AM ET
Email | Print | Share  |  RSS
 
google my aol my msn my yahoo! netvibes
Paste this link into your favorite RSS desktop reader
See all CNNMoney.com RSS FEEDS (close)
Find Your Next Car
More Galleries
10 cars that got a bad rap
10 cars that got a bad rap
The scrap heap is piled high with lousy cars. But a few famous flops deserve a little reconsideration. More
8 most business-friendly cities
8 most business-friendly cities
These metro areas rate highest for ease of starting a business, government support of entrepreneurs, and more, according to a recent Thumbtack survey of more than 8,000 small businesses. More
10 most entrepreneurial states
10 most entrepreneurial states
Thinking about starting a business? These 10 states saw more startup activity than anywhere else nationwide, according to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. More

Special Offer
Market indexes are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer LIBOR Warning: Neither BBA Enterprises Limited, nor the BBA LIBOR Contributor Banks, nor Reuters, can be held liable for any irregularity or inaccuracy of BBA LIBOR. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2013 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer The Dow Jones IndexesSM are proprietary to and distributed by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. All content of the Dow Jones IndexesSM © 2013 is proprietary to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Chicago Mercantile Association. The market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Most stock quote data provided by BATS.
© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Policy. Ad choices .