Image and essence

In anticipation of questions that may arise from this pair, we say that rival the Alfa Romeo 147 (all'm not "some there» Fiat!) We chose among so-called Premium Brands, «prestigious" brands. And, of course, there is "rested" in the Audi A3, as other "prestigious" representatives in the segment "C", in general, and no. But what kind of modification you choose? After a 2-liter engine in the Audi A3 range there. There is a naturally aspirated 1.8 125 hp and 1.8 turbo with 150 hp or 180 150-hp turbo 'appropriate' for power, but even the "base" price of A3 with this engine is high (a 27 800), and the characteristics of the passport (in the first place - the dynamics), it does not leave a "147th" no chance. So we decided to stay on naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine. Of course, in this embodiment A3 is inferior Alfa Romeo in the dynamics, but not catastrophically. And at the price of cars here are similar. It turned out that at the time of the test in Moscow was a 1.8-liter A3 with the "mechanics"! I had to take a car with automatic transmission. Of course, we immediately lost the direct comparison of performance booster. But the price has been achieved parity: A3 was 1,000 euros more expensive, and that approximately corresponds to the "added value", defined by the presence of "machine." Three-door hatchback Alfa Romeo 147 with a 2-liter 150-horsepower engine and a "manual" manual gearbox in a rather rich Russian standard package (there's even a dual-zone climate control) is a 22 500. Plus, this: leather upholstery (a 1122), a proprietary signaling with a sensor size (a 226), tape recorder control on the steering wheel (a 205), net in the trunk, a third headrest, safety belt and central folding armrest (the whole package - a 198), Hi-Fi Audio System Bose (a 825) and CD-changer (a 330). As well as incomprehensible to us replace the "standard" 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R 16 tires on 15-inch, shod with 195/65 R 15, seems more comfortable (a 328). Total - a 25 734. "Initial" price Audi A3 with the "mechanics» - a 23 280, with "automatic» - a 24 790, and is standard equipment already very poor, too, will not name. The car, which we got, was performed by Bosco Sport and "packed" very seriously - under 28 000 euros. But thanks to the discount can be purchased for a 26 800. POETRY AND PROZAI yet to Pushkin's immortal lines in time we'll be back. Because the design of Alfa Romeo can write a poem, and the Audi A3 in this sense, once again brings to mind a favorite saying about German ordnung. All of this applies to the interior: sitting behind the wheel of Alfa Romeo, it is impossible to remain indifferent, Audi, on the contrary, strict, solid and cold. Of course, any red car attracts attention, Alfa same "in the red" looks amazing. But watching the reactions of others, you will find that they fall into two categories: those who do not know what is Alfa Romeo, and those who know. The first react calmly enough - just like the beautiful "foreign car" stand-out against the background of unusual appearance of a rational product of German and Japanese companies, means our people clearly prefer. Those who regularly opens the car newspapers and magazines, can be distinguished at once: they are stopped, pulling his companions ("look, look soon!") And accompany the car a look of admiration. Especially if it sweeps past the crackdown - corporate "alfovsky" sound of the engine is worth a lot. It is clear that the Audi A3, even "electric" bright blue color, does not receive a tenth of these honors. But you do not enjoy the part, you go. And so at times is to resist the sublime emotions, because they do not contribute to an objective perception of reality. PRACTICE OTNOSITELNOSTIEsli you can at least temporarily withdraw from a romantic stupor, proceed to a thorough study of the quality of manufacturing Alfa Romeo. In our experience, this assessment will largely depend on your approach. If you come from is not so old "alpha fiatovskogo" of the past, then you'll be amazed what a significant step was taken by the first and only Italian carmaker in terms of manufacturing quality compact cars. If you're familiar with the products of German and Japanese, then your opinion probably find picky for that catch: a little uneven gap slightly loose joint, slightly coarse treatment of the weld or edge of the plastic part, a little ragged edge of the carpet, which did not reach the wall trunk ... And start with Alfa Romeo, we suggest, because to do the same in the Audi - a waste of time: everything is boring and depressing, right-perfect. Looking ahead, we say that the driving experience does not contribute to the emotional picture of no change: road roughness salon "147th" meets creaking and rustling optimistic individual panels, and interior Audi grimly silent, even on very bumpy road. Everyone SEBEUvy software, placing the engine-transmission power does not allow opponents to bring them into full-time dynamic combat. Therefore, for each separately. Currently decoration Alfa Romeo - the engine. Of course, he draws well on the "lower classes", allowing you to safely drive a car in city traffic. But is it his real life? Here's to you free space, "second" and ... What is the sound! What is overclocking! Tachometer needle in a moment flies the entire scale up to the red zone, for a moment back to four thousand and then rushes up under the inspiration of vysokotonalnuyu song, you can listen to endlessly. Neighbors on the flow if stopped to exist - a feeling that half a ton lighter Alfa on its mass. Rosy picture darkens some mechanism for choosing gears, precision is clearly not the sport's image. And quite a bit - slow pace response synchroniser, especially noticeable when you switch "down" (peregazovka significantly improves the process). In principle, the clutch also has a reserve for improvements, but here at least you can get used to the fact that all the reverse pedal to be smooth (otherwise there are variations). 1.8-liter Audi A3 is also very good. Maybe he does not delight sound (reminiscent of the veteran during acceleration of domestic airlines AN-24), but consistently high point in the range from 2000 to 5000 rev / min, without a doubt, his forte. Not the newest automatic transmission markedly poubavlyaet hurried car (two seconds during acceleration 0 - 100 km / h), but its work is difficult to present a claim: gear selection always corresponds to a situation, visible only change the tone of the motor and the tachometer needle position. Only in one case - if you were driving very slowly and then suddenly decided to dramatically accelerate - "box" is responsible for kick-down delay and a jerk. As for the downhill and other situations requiring the engine braking, then the "automatic" not so "advanced" here is you have to give a concrete indication of a lever, which, however, will be performed accurately and with maximum efficiency. The only thing that part of the longitudinal dynamics combines two cars - a great brakes. The word "great" comments are not required. ABOUT HOW WE DISCOVERIES Wonderful ... It would seem that image of the brand Alfa Romeo should involve in sports acute reactions, perhaps even nervousness car. But no, even though the steering mechanism at the "147th" proprietary "fast" (from stop to stop just over two turns), the reactions of the car can not be called very sharp - at the helm, he reacts smoothly and ... with a roll! Actually, for the average the average consumer is just fine, worse, the reactive force on the steering wheel is small and not growing adequately to the steepness of the rotation. After pouring a solid Alfa Romeo Audi steering effort even seems tight. But although it can be rotated through large angles and the car in a turn too reasonable heel, you feel more confident here. A flattening of the exact reaction only contributes to this belief. And another thing: if on a flat road, both cars are very stable up to the highest velocities, on uneven pavement Alfa sometimes succumb to potholes, making focus. In general, the Audi driving well know, others of his colleagues so popular phrase "ingolshtadtsky Express." When the general good ride, both cars are well noticed hard bumps, and some have to go around or overcome quenching rate in order to avoid the breakdown that the Audi is more often on the compression stroke, while the "147th" - in the course of rejecting it. A vibration of small bumps more Lying on the steering wheel and the back of Alfa Romeo. Incidentally, an interesting observation: in a general sense (not just speakers) may seem like Alfa Romeo Audi easier perhaps to half a ton, but in fact their weight is almost equal! As for the made during the test findings experienced a colleague remarked that one thing to flirt quite another - marriage. So think of it after that to choose - an incendiary passion, but a frivolous and somewhat disorganized Alfa Romeo or confidence and practicality sensible Audi A3