Consumer Road Test: Five Reasons to Downsize into a 2011 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line

Now when you think of the term "downsizing," the first car company that springs to mind is probably not Audi. But there is more to downsizing than just buying a less expensive car, it also means owning a car that is more efficient and is more in line with your needs rather than your "possibilities." Honestly now, do you need that 7-passenger SUV or are you just following the herd of mooing cattle in Suburbia?

Well, even if you do have kids there is no reason to give up any driving enjoyment, style or concern for the environment. That's because you can buy a 2011 Audi A3 2.0T like the one I road tested for one memorable week. This car was impeccably built, fast, sexy and filled all cargo hauling duties that I asked of it. All the while the driving experience kept me grinning from ear to ear.

So if you are the type of person who needs further convincing, here are five reasons why the 2011 Audi A3 2.0T is the perfect way to downsize from that boring SUV. If you go crazy with the options it may get expensive but trust me, downsizing with the 2011 Audi A3 is the only way to go.

Also, if even better fuel economy is what you seek, there is a TDI diesel engine variant which offers highway readings of 40 miles per gallon plus. It does cost more and is only available with a double clutch automatic and front drive. The 2.0T model tested here is front drive with a 6-speed manual but Quattro all-wheel drive is available when the gas engine is ordered with the double clutch auto. Got that?

With the Rear Seats Folded Flat Cargo Space Rivals many Compact SUVs

From the side, the 2011 Audi A3 looks like a miniaturized wagon and judging by its cargo carrying ability that assumption wouldn't be too far off the mark. With the rear seats folded flat there is 39 cubic feet of cargo hauling space so hauling furniture home from ikea should be no sweat. Building Ikea furniture is another matter entirely.

The Lower Ride Height Means Loading the Cargo Hold of your A3 Will be Easier on Your Back

Most moms and know that there is nothing harder than pushing a stroller, holding a heavy diaper bag and trying to corral the kiddies into the car. Minivans are popular because of their lower ride height which makes loading heavy strollers, ever growing infants and full diaper bags less of a strain on your body.

The A3 has a nice low ride height so fitting up to two kids in the back car seats should be no sweat. The usefully shaped 19.5 cubic foot hatch area also is big enough for most strollers to fit inside. And you won't have to suffer the ignominy of driving a minivan.

It Gets Much Better Fuel Economy

This 2.0 liter turbocharged 200 horsepower/207 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder can go 0-60 in 7.1 seconds on to a top speed of 130 miles per hour yet returns EPA estimates of 21 city/30 highway. During a week of testing we averaged 24.2 miles per gallon. The fuel tank, however, at 14.5 gallons, could be bigger.

It's Sexy

Before every automaker got wise to the fact that hatchbacks are hip and sexy, Audi was brave and released the premium A3 in a market where it was believed that any model with a fifth door was "cheap." Well, if all of the cars that you build with hatches are cheaply built, then that reputation is going to be kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, right? Thanks to the Mini Cooper and the A3, however, automakers realized U.S. buyers would pay more for stylish, utilitarian and luxurious hatchbacks.

It is More Fun to Drive than Any SUV on the Planet

It shares a lot of its DNA with the VW Golf, one of the most fun to drive cars on the road today, yet it takes a bit of the bad boy edge off which affords the A3 a more pleasingly grown-up demeanor. No one will accuse you of having a mid-life crisis when you buy a 2011 Audi A3 2.0T. But judging by how much fun you'll have with the mind-bendingly agile chassis and buttery smooth 6-speed manual transmission, the 2011 Audi A3 2.0T might just be able to fill in for a Corvette. At least for now.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line

Base Price: $27,270

Price as Tested: $32,645 (including destination)

Options on Tester: Titanium Sport Package : $2,000-(18-inch Titanium optic alloy wheels/performance tires, Sport Suspension, Suede/Alcantara Sport Seats, Piano Black Trim, Black Headliner), Cold Weather Package : $500-(Heated front Seats, Windshield Washer Nozzles, Heated Side Mirrors), Premium Plus Model : $2,000-(Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, 3-spoke Multifunction Steering Wheel, Power Driver Seat, Aluminum 'Medial' Beltline Trim, Illumination and Storage Packages).

Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged/direct injected 4-cylinder

Power: 200 horsepower/207 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 6-speed Manual

Drive: Front wheels

0-60: 7.1 seconds

Top Speed: 130 miles per hour

EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/30 highway

Economy as Tested: 24.2 miles per gallon

Gas Tank Size: 14.5 gallons

Runs on: Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Cargo Volume: 19.5 cubic feet

(With Rear Seats Folded): 39 cubic feet

Curb Weight: 3,219 pounds

Crash Test Ratings (IIHS): 2011 "Top Safety Pick"

Warranty: First Service at 1 year or/5,000 miles is Complementary

4 years/50,000 mile bumper to bumper

Vehicle Assembled in: Ingolstadt, Germany

Vehicle Provided by: Audi USA

Source: Audiusa.com