Audi A3 Sportback 2.0TDI March 11, 2008
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Model tested: Audi A3 Sportback 2.0TDI (140PS)
Price as tested: £18,915
Range price: £15,540 – £27,000
Insurance group as tested: 11E
Insurance group range: 9E-18E
Date tested: August 2007
Road tester: Adrian HigginsAuto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 76%
Grown-up driving with sporty appeal is the big selling point for Audi’s A3 Sportback. But owning the original premium hatch comes at a price.
And very often that’s not simply a case of the model you choose but the extras you specify.
We drove one for a week to find out whether it was worth it
The A3 looks every inch a premium hatchback and the five door Sportback model we drove even more so. In an age of crossover vehicles this model A3 looks more than the sum of its hatchback parts, with a distinctly coupe like styling to the rear windows. But it is done in a very grown-up way. Longer, lower and wider that its predecessor and boasting its own rear-light cluster and discreet spoiler point to performance, but as with the rest of the car there is an understated elegance at work.
8/10
A darkened interior roof makes the car appear less roomy than it is. But rear-seat passengers were happy to confirm there is plenty of space in the car. Everything has a quality, slightly minimalist look, with controls which are both easy to find and simple to use. The quality of materials used adds to the premium feel. Still unusual enough to be a novelty are the paddle shift controls on the steering wheel, which should have your passengers pointing.
9/10
The Sportback model has the same wheel base as the regular A3, which is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation model. And of course its got those two extra doors to make access to the rear seats easier. However, despite this being the sporty version, it is still a practical hatchback. The boot can swallow 370 litres of luggage and shopping with the rear seats in place or 1120 litres when they are folded. Its capable of seating five adults and stylish storage solutions mean there’s somewhere for drinks and travel sweets.
8/10
The steering adapts to the car’s speed with response varying for low-speed manoeuvring and higher speed changes in direction. We found it responsive and fun to drive. As for the ride, our first impression was that the sports suspension had left it a little too rough. However, that view changed through the course of a week’s loan, by the end of which we had got used to the car’s individual character and were more than happy.
8/10
A3 buyers have a choice of nine engines, covering both diesel and petrol, ranging from the 1.6-litre FSI turbo model to the 3.2-litre V6 which powers the Quattro model. The 140bhp 2-litre TDI S tronic A3 Sportback achieves 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 129mph. It also has an impressive 236Ib/ft of pulling power to call on. The model we drove featured the semi-automatic S tronic transmission. Designed to combine the advantages of a conventional six-speed manual gearbox and a modern automatic transmission while keeping an eye on the fuel economy the gearbox anticipates changes up and down with the appropriate gear ready to take the strain. Smooth.
8/10
Average fuel consumption of 48.7mpg (57.6mpg for economical driving). C02 emissions of 154 g/km place it in tax band D which currently incurs an annual bill of £140. Audi’s prestige helps ensure strong resale prices. Insurance for our model was a reasonable 11E, the whole range stretches from 9E to 18E.
7/10
Audi has a good reputation for reliability. In the 11 years since its launch the A3 has proved a reliable car with electrical problems the main source of worries after an average four-and-a-half years into the vehicle’s life.
This generation model only dates back three years but we found the car very robust during our week’s ownership.
7/10
The A3’s electronic stabilisation program is the umbrella for a host of driver aids including anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution. Driver, front passenger and front side airbags are fitted as standard. The A3 scored a four star rating following EuroNCAP crash tests
7/10
The A3 range consists of A3, A3 Sportback and S3 Quattro models. There are variations in specification (standard, SE, Sport and S Line) between these three. Standard features on the A3 Sportback model we drove include CD/radio, electric front and rear windows, electric heated door mirrors and central locking. The SE model adds cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, light and rain sensor pack, interior light pack and storage pack. The Sport models also has front sports seats, front fog lamps and sports suspension. The S Line model we drove adds a black roof-lining, rear roof spoiler, exclusive front and rear styling and gearshift paddles (a manual version is also available). The S3 Quattro specification includes 18” alloys, four-wheel drive, six speed manual gearbox, chrome oval-shaped exhaust pipes and heaps of “S” sporty styling. However buyers could soon find themselves compiling a shopping list of other nice-to-haves from Audi’s huge options list which could substantially change the price. Our A3 features a huge array of extras which helped send the price just a few hundred pounds short of £30,000. Choosing the S line model cost £3,800, the DVD satellite navigation system plus was £2,175 while the Automatic S tronic transmission was £1,400. More modest extras included a BOSE stereo system for £440, heated front seats at £250 and 6 CD multi-changer for £320.
6/10
It’s a grown-up fun hatch. No, that isn’t an insult. There comes a time when the desire to drive an involving hatch isn’t accompanied by a desire to drive a car which looks like it dressed for the roller disco. The A3 Sportback is fun and grown-up. Suits us.
8/10
Chevrolet Captiva LTX VCDi, Manual March 9, 2008
Posted by carcritic in Uncategorized.Tags: 4x4s, car reviews, cars, global warming, new cars, uk cars
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Model tested: Chevrolet Captiva LTX VCDi, Manual
Price as tested: £21,140
Range price: £16,995 – £24,825
Insurance group as tested: 12E
Insurance group range: 10E-12E
Date tested: December 2007
Road tester:
The Chevrolet Captiva is a keenly-priced seven-seater SUV with 4×4 capability on all diesel models.
It also comes with plenty of extras from the entry-level model upwards.
We drove the Chevrolet Captiva for a week to find out whether it’s as good as it sounds.
The Chevrolet Captiva is a stylish, chunky SUV with stacks of presence. The big, gold manufacturer badge dominates the grille while the car’s profile goes for the coupe-like styling seen on other new SUV/4×4 models including the Mazda CX-7. It seems tidy and compact for a car which can carry up to seven.
7/10
The Chevrolet Captiva might be at the budget end of the SUV spectrum but that isn’t reflected inside the car. The driving position is great, nice and high, as well as being comfortable. The information panel is easy-to-read, though the green illumination might not be to everyone’s taste and the controls on the central console are easy to manage. The Chevrolet Captiva has a good interior which provides a nice environment for longer journeys. Full leather trim is available on the top-of-the-range LTX model and is good quality.
8/10
Chevrolet claims the Chevrolet Captiva is the best value seven-seat SUV on the market (the petrol version is only available as a five-seater and there is a diesel option in this configuration too). The third row of seats do not lend themselves to long trips but should be fine for ferrying the little ones’ mates over shorter distances. The seats lie flush to the floor when not in place and are incredibly easy to “put up” – you simply pull one handle. With all seats up the boot space is limited to just 85 litres. However, flatten the back row, the second row and the front seat and the total load volume increases to a maximum of 1,565 litres. It is more SUV than off-roader but has (on-demand) 4×4 capability on most models (see Performance).
9/10
The diesel model Chevrolet Captiva we drove is an SUV with “on demand 4×4 capability” (The petrol model is front-wheel drive only). That means most of the time it operates as a front-wheel drive car with the 4×4 capability automatically kicking in when the vehicle senses the occasion warrants it. Chevrolet claims the on demand 4×4 capability enables the Captiva to match the handling of smaller cars – and it is relatively nimble for a seven-seater. However, the steering is inevitably a little vague and the car wallows in corners. But when it comes to ride quality, the Captiva is excellent. One of the regular passengers during our week-long test had recently suffered a very bad back and commented on the comfort, even over speed bumps.
8/10
The Chevrolet Captiva comes with a choice of two engines. The entry-level model is powered by a 2.4-litre manual petrol engine. But it is the new 2-litre diesel engine, available with a manual or automatic gearbox which is expected to account for the vast majority of sales and was the version we tested. All models boast roughly the same top speed, ranging from 111mph-115mph with 0-60mph times of 11.5 seconds for the two manual models and 12.2 seconds for the automatic. A five speed gearbox is standard on all models. We found the manual diesel model to be responsive with plenty of power available when needed.
8/10
Fuel economy is reasonable for a car which can seat up to seven. Both automatic models, petrol or diesel, average 32.8mpg while the manual diesel model should achieve 37.1mpg. Go for the manual model and your car will fall within tax band F, currently a £200 annual bill. Obviously the more passengers you regularly carry the more economical your motoring will be.
7/10
The Chevrolet Captiva was launched in 2006 after undergoing three million test miles but it is a little early for reliability issues to have surfaced yet. The South Korean-manufactured vehicle comes under the General Motors umbrella (Vauxhall is its big seller in this country and the Vauxhall Antara its sister car) and is backed by a three year/60,000 miles warranty plus three years AA roadside cover.
7/10
The Chevrolet Captiva was awarded four out of a maximum five stars following EuroNCAP tests. The 4×4 capability will assist grip on the diesel models and all cars benefit from safety features anti-lock brakes and six airbags (with electronic stability program available on LT and LTX models).
7/10
The value for money emphasis on The Chevrolet Captiva’s sees all models come with plenty of extras. The entry-level five-seat petrol-powered LS version comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electrically adjusted door mirrors, CD player and steering wheel-mounted controls. On diesel models there is a choice of LT and LTX models. The LT model, available with five or seven seats, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, electronic stability program, cooled glove box and leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob. The top-of-the-range LTX model we drove adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, trip computer, cruise control, full leather trim, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and more.
9/10
Chevrolet is as good as its word. You get great value for money with the Chevrolet Captiva. But in terms of the car itself, the feature which impressed us most was the superb ride quality. This is a very comfortable car for drivers and passengers, although, as mentioned above, the third row of seating is best used for short journeys.
8/10
CAR Critic 