Canadian Driver - Test Drive: 2007 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line Quattro

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The S-Tronic is not just some lazy autobox fitted with shift-flaps for novelty - this dual-clutch system is the real deal. When the driver summons a shift, the computer cuts or guns the throttle and engages the next or previous cog, depending on the paddle clicked. It does this all in as little as two tenths of a second. Gearing down is especially amusing, as the revs go wailing off towards the redline like an F1 car quickly gearing down for a tight corner. All the while the perfectly smooth shifts rarely send a wiggle back through the car’s driveline.Rarely, but not never. It sometimes has trouble accelerating smoothly from a stop, and downshifts occasionally cause a disconcerting jolt as the clutch fights to re-engage as quickly as possible. And though it’s faster than a manual gearbox, it computerizes one of the most rewarding and satisfying parts of performance driving.

At the end of the day it’s useful and quite a blast, but I’m sure some performance purists will be happy with the smaller turbo engine and its available manual transmission.

As an entry level flagship that goes as quickly as it looks and packs more electronics than the PC aisle at Best-Buy, the A3 3.2 passes with flying colours

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