Key Points: • Base price is $26,860 including destination charge
• A loaded A3 2.0T can crest the $38,000 barrier
• Main option packages are Sport, Premium, Convenience, and Cold Weather
• Key options include navigation, Bose audio, sunroof

Upon its introduction in May of 2005, the 2006 Audi A3 came in a single trim level, called 2.0T, starting at $26,140 plus a $720 destination charge. The base A3 is equipped with automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, one-touch up/down operation for all four power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, cruise control, cloth upholstery, aluminum interior accents, floor mats, a 140-watt audio system with CD player, and a first-aid kit. The options list is rather extensive, and a loaded A3 can crest the $38,000 barrier.

The main option packages are mutually-exclusive and called Sport and Premium. The Sport Package ($1,800) includes multi-spoke alloy wheels, summer performance tires, sport-tuned suspension, aluminum beltline trim, sport leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function control, roof spoiler, front fog lights, and leather sport seats. The Premium Package ($2,025) includes multi-spoke alloy wheels, a HomeLink universal transmitter, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with light and rain sensor, a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, aluminum beltline trim, front fog lights, and leather upholstery. A Convenience Package ($675) can be ordered in with the Sport Package and includes select goodies from the Premium Package.

Audi also offers a Cold Weather Package ($700) with heated front seats, a ski sack, heater washer nozzles, and heated exterior mirrors. The Audi Navigation Plus and Sound Package ($2,850) includes a navigation system and a Bose audio system. The Bose audio is offered as a stand-alone item ($900) in conjunction with the Sport or Premium package, and includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer. There’s also a giant, gaping sunroof called the Open Sky System ($1,100); xenon headlights ($500); metallic paint ($450), Bluetooth wireless communications ($435); XM or Sirius satellite radio ($350), and rear side airbags ($350).

We test drove a 2006 Audi A3 2.0T optioned up with Pearl Effect paint ($450), a Direct Shift Gearbox ($480), a Navigation Plus & Sound Package ($2,850 – includes a navigation system and a Bose audio system), a Sport Package ($1,800 – with), a giant Open Sky sunroof ($1,100), xenon headlights ($500); and XM satellite radio ($350) for a grand total of $33,910.