New 2007 Audi A3 Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Audi A3 Exterior Review
Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2007 Audi A3 hasn't undergone major changes since last year's debut model. It has Audi's new grille and elegant, European styling. "With its attractive wedgy profile and bold trapezoidal grille, the five-door A3 comes off as a sort of A6 Avant Lite," says Automobile Magazine.
New Car Test Drive calls the styling "understated and elegant. Its masterly crafted panels fit just right, the paint is exquisite, and there's an overall expensive look to it that contradicts the usual expectations from a small, affordable car."
MSN decides that the A3 "resembles a station wagon," while observing that "Audi knows that's an unwanted description in America. So it calls the A3 a 'premium compact sedan with the sportiness of the TT coupe sports car.' " New Car Test Drive writes, "In profile, the downward, coupe-esque sweep of the roofline is supported by a strong shoulder line that joins front, side and rear of the car and leads the eye to the strong haunches, all of which makes it appear as though the car is launching forward, springing into action."
Exterior Trims
New Car Test Drive hypothesizes that "a compact five-door hatchback can't be a car designer's favorite project." Designers nonetheless came up with the S line, a sport package that slightly tweaks the front and rear appearance. Of the S line, Cars.com observes, "Audi says the look is designed to be 'more aggressive,' but that's probably best decided by the viewer."
