Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S Line’s Design:
Once the gray creeps in and the gut flops out, young women stop taking notice of an aging man – unless he’s rolling in a new 7, S, Conti GT, or similar. Driving our blazing red Audi A3 3.2 S Line around Orange County was good for my ego, because this car attracts the attention of under-25 women like few cars I’ve driven recently. Of course, the one woman who finally makes my knees go weak would immediately point out that these girls were looking at the car, a bright red car, and not my sorry ass. But one is entitled to grasp at fading youth…

I think the Audi A3 is a terrific looking car, well balanced and with just-right doses of elegance and attitude. I’ve always been a big fan of small cars, though, and the concept of a luxury-branded compact hatchback bothers me not a bit. I also think the A3 wears the new single-frame Audi grille the most naturally of any model in the lineup. Inside, the décor is dark and austere in the traditional German idiom. But, with the gigantic glass sunroof, the light gray headliner, the gray-stitched leather seats, and the tasteful application of aluminum trim throughout, the car isn’t a rolling depression chamber.

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S Line’s Design:
Based on looks alone, the 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S Line gets two-thumbs up. This is the best application of the new Audi corporate grille, which looks a bit odd and out of proportion on models like the A6, and the smooth body lines give the car some upscale character. Subtle touches, like the rear body-color spoiler and the upgraded 18-inch wheels, add an understated sportiness. The interior is equally attractive, marked by sculpted leather seats, a small steering wheel, and the black and alloy color scheme.

If only comfort scored as well as design.

Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Audi A3 3.2 S Line’s Design:
Audi is smart when it comes to design. It’s the little things that impress in their cars, and the A3 is no exception. Besides the well-designed layout of the gauges and interior controls, Audi uses high quality aluminum trim pieces throughout the cabin. Another nice touch is the matching silver thread used in the stitching of the leather seats. Dual sunroofs really open up the interior by filling it with light, and the addition of a pass-through to the 60/40-split rear seat is a nice touch. One downside of the interior is the failure of the rear seats to fold flat. There isn’t really any excuse for designers not to have addressed this issue. Also the cupholders in the fold-down center console of the rear seats is pretty flimsy.

Outside, the nice touches continue. Audi makes those around you aware of what you’re driving with multiple S Line badges. One is placed on the grille, another on the trim at the back of the rear passenger door, and additional S Line treatments are on the front and rear door sills. The overall design of the Audi A3 S Line doesn’t knock my socks off but it is a design that will endure over time. Buyers can feel confident that the A3 will still look good several years down the road.