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2009 Audi A3: The hottest 5-door whip in town!
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2009 Audi A3 3.2
Price
$36,,975 Base / $41, 650 Tested
Annual Fuel
$1,543 (15,000 miles @ $2.16/gallon-premium unleaded)
MPG:
18 city / 25 Highway
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Across the board standards such as leather seating surfaces and an auxiliary jack to connect your iPod are great to have on all trim levels (the industry calls them “trim levels,” while the average person refers to them as models, or versions). Add to that Bluetooth phone connectivity that bears the phone owners name on the dashboard, bi-xenon headlights, a 250 horsepower engine with six speed automatic s-tronic transmission and the legendary Quattro permanent all wheel drive system at the top of the line---3.2 level. Also of worthy mention are the paddle shifters on the three spoke steering wheel, automatic up and down on all four windows, even rain sensors. I’m telling you, this little whip is loaded!
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Talk about a fun car to drive, this one sits low and reminds you of what the S-Line of Audi’s will do each time you hit the gas, and grab a paddle. Between the all wheel drive and electronic stabilization this car latches on to the road like a lambskin leather glove adheres to a well-manicured hand. And come next month you’ll be even more thankful for the dust and pollen filters on the dual zone air conditioning system. At the same time you can see the beauty of the blue sky and the tree and flowers in bloom through A3’s Open Sky sunroof, featuring dual glass roof panels for the front and rear, each with sunscreens also.
Parking next to a Range Rover made me feel like little Pee Wee only when I stepped out of the car. While seated inside I never once felt the compromise. I say all that to say that Audie has managed the interior space quite well. Another favorite of note was the fact that dead smack in the center, just above the steering wheel where the speedometer reads, lies the information center. Phone numbers dialed appeared, the time, outside temperature, I could even chose songs and playlists on my iPod from the steering wheel controls and see it all happening right before my very eyes. That was nice.
Photo by Bobby Thornton / www.Bobbythornton.com
Despite the effects of the financial crisis, Audi Group ended the 2008 fiscal year with yet more record-breaking figures for production, vehicle deliveries, revenue and profit: "With our 13th successive deliveries record, 2008 was the most successful fiscal year in the history of our company. We have been steadily improving our productivity in recent years, and the main financial figures for 2008 reflect this. These positive effects make it easier for us to respond appropriately to the crisis," remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at the recent Annual Press Conference in Ingolstadt. "In the current year too we have succeeded so far in increasing our market share in the premium segment with an attractive model range," added Stadler.
Although it’s small, remember, it was designed to perform. Therefore be forewarned that the gas mileage is just okay. But of all the five door short ones I’ve seen and driven, they all pale greatly in comparison to the new A3, where great things really do come in small sizes.
Oh, and if you're wondering who's the guy on top of the Audi, that's my buddy--Chef Guy, chef and owner of Miso Izakaya. Guy, a 27 year old Hong Kong born, Sandy Springs raised Atlantan, is credited with bringing the first Izakaya (think small plates, cozy and friendly) to Atlanta.
"It's all about the experience rather than traditional here. We want you to come and have a drink with some friends and share food," Chef Guy explains as part of his definition of an Izakaya. In fact at Izakayas in Japan you're likely to find all sort of food, even French fries!
In addition to some of the freshest sushi in town, Miso Izakaya serves up petite miso short ribs ($13) grilled to perfection, Kyoyo lamb chops ($8) with a light dusting of curry and a lemongrass marmalade that will make you want to eat them all night long! Be it Chinese, or Japanese, you know they've got to have fried chicken and Miso IZakaya's $6 Tebasaki chicken wing tips with a semi sweet, savory glaze will make you want to haul off and slap the poop out of the guy seated next to you! Get the $6 gyoza pan fried (as opposed to the optional steamed) to absorb the carmelized flavor. And with tempura being such a favorite, for $8 you'll want to try his fresh tasting, light and crisp (not greasy) battered shrimp and vegetables. And don't even think about leaving until you try the $4 velvety smooth and refreshing Macha brulee--a green tea creme brulee like nothing I have ever had ,
When you get inside of your new A3, enter the address of 619 Edgewood Ave SE, in Atlanta, into the navigation system to get to Miso Izakaya. You can also call ahead to reserve a table at 678/701-0128 and/or look them up online at www.tapanese.com
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