Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Facts & Figures
Exterior DimensionsCargo MeasurementFuelReliability History Reliability History
Trouble
SpotsTrouble
SpotsNEW CAR
PREDICTIONNEW CAR
PREDICTIONEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTSEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTSCR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 63Audi A3
Audi’s A3 is a compelling entry-level luxury car, but it lacks some
expected features for its price, and the interior, although well-
made, feels austere. It’s solid and quiet, and has a drum-tight body
structure. Crisp handling and a firm, controlled ride make the A3
enjoyable to drive. We tested it with the now-discontinued 1.8-liter
engine, which delivered a respectable 27 mpg in our tests. The cabin
is quiet, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear
seat, however, is tight. It takes a bit of time to get used to the MMI
infotainment system, but it ultimately proves to be logical. It’s easy
to hit $40,000 with just a few options. A nicely detailed convertible
and a sporty RS3 are also available. Forward collision warning and
automatic emergency braking are standard.Overall Score 68
Predicted Reliability 30
Owner Satisfaction 30
Road-Test Score 77
Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 04Base Price: $33,300-$56,200
Body Styles: convertible; sedan
Trim Lines: Premium, Premium Plus,
Prestige, RS 3, S3
Drive Wheels: Front, AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (184 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (228 hp); 2.0-liter
4 turbo (288 hp); 2.5-liter 5 turbo
(394 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed sequential;
7-speed sequentialLength (in.)..................... 175
Width (in.) ......................70
Height (in.) ......................56
Wheelbase (in.) .................104
Weight (lb.) ...................3,135
% weight front/rear .......... 60/40Max. Load (lb.) ................1,100
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 13
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NRPremium
CR overall mpg ..................2716 17 18
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05 04 05
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03 05 04
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03 02 05
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02 03 03
Average 03Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio is based on Alfa’s Giulia sedan and, like it, delivers fan-
tastic handling and is fun to drive on a twisty road. That, however,
doesn’t mean it’s fun to live with on a daily basis. Positioned to com-
pete with sporty SUVs such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Porsche
Macan, the Stelvio falls a bit short on the refinement and luxury
quotients. The standard engine is a punchy 280-hp, 2.0-liter turbo
four-cylinder that gets 24 mpg overall on premium. The ride is a bit
jittery, but the suspension absorbs bumps rather well. Among con-
stant annoyances are a driving position with a limited range of seat
adjustments and controls that are not user-friendly enough. Like the
Giulia, the parking sensors are too sensitive, going off constantly in
an urban environment. Rear and side visibility are wanting, and the
cargo hold is modest.
Overall Score 58
Predicted Reliability 02
Owner Satisfaction 03
Road-Test Score 74
Front-Crash Prevention Opt.Base Price: $40,295-$79,995
Body Styles: 4-door SUV
Trim Lines: Base, Quadrifoglio, Sport,
Ti, Ti Sport
Drive Wheels: Rear, AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (280 hp);
2.9-liter V6 turbo (505 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic
Length (in.)..................... 185
Width (in.) ......................75
Height (in.) ......................65
Wheelbase (in.) ..................111
Weight (lb.) ..................4,020
% weight front/rear ...........51/49
Max. Load (lb.) ................ 990
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............. 26.5
Towing Capacity (lb.) ..........3,000
Premium
CR overall mpg ..................24 Worse than average
16 17 1802
A