In a culture in which the axiom “bigger is better” is quickly becoming an anti-SUV catch phrase, the Audi A3 is perhaps the most affordable answer to a large-car obsessed nation to scale it down a bit. With Svelte lines and a classy exterior treatment, as well as the optional Quattro all-wheel drive to retain things interesting on the sporty side, this five-door hatch has all the amenities you would want out of a $50k + sport coupe, blended with all the practicality of a grocery getter. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety chose the Audi A3 as its’ top safety pick for 2008, and other accolades laden on the Audi A3 include a “10 best engines award” from Ward’s AutoWorld, Forbes.com “Best under $50K luxury cars, and “Auto trophy 2007″ by Auto Zeitung. All accolades aside, however, the truth is that the Audi A3 is a smart, sleek four-door with a roomy interior, and may be just what you’re looking for in your next small car.
The Audi A3 gives you the option of choosing two engines: The base engine is a 200-hp 2.0L turbocharged four, while the sportier Audi A3 gives you the 6-cylinder 3.2L dual-overhead cam engine that is good for 250hp. Both give impressive acceleration, and the 2.0 gets moderately top-notch gas mileage, although Audi A3 engineers would do well to get those numbers bumped up before Japanese automakers such as Lexus, Mazda and Acura start bringing out their own competition in this already tight field. The 3.2L engine is the engine of choice for the S-line Audi A3, and sends this lightweight car through turns at very athletic speeds, plenty enough to scare the pants off whoever you might be taking to soccer practice (should that practice just happen to be on the other side of a twisty mountain road.) Don’t think that the Audi A3 2.0 is any slouch, however, as you will find the 2.0 with a six-speed manual loads of fun to drive, and every bit the competition to the Audi A3 ‘s nemesis, the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen GTI.
Safety isn’t lost on the Audi A3 engineers, however, as the Audi A3 gets a host of airbags, electronic stability control, child safety seat anchors, and REARGUARD head restraints on the front seats. Leather seats are available, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system which will let you know when you need to air up the Audi A3 tires.
All in all, the Audi A3 presents a smart, sophisticated car to a public clambering to get into a capable smaller car than the land yachts that we’ve grown accustomed to. Pricing for the Audi A3 starts at $25,930 for the base 2.0T, and $34,915 for the V6. Query to pay a premium for Quattro, but you can probably skip it in the south, where snow isn’t as grand of an issue as in the north.
Filed under Infinity Car Insurance by on Feb 23rd, 2011. Comment. 
It is always against the law to drive without auto insurance, but that doesn’t mean you have to murder your cable TV or your subscription to Better Homes & Gardens. There are better ways to save money and keep your finances in line, including these unique auto insurance discounts.
1. Proper Drivers
Being a safe driver has its advantages: You don’t have to pay for costly repairs to a damaged vehicle, no one ever gets hurt on your watch and you might qualify for unique auto insurance discounts. Specifically, some states require that insurers provide premium discounts to consumers who complete driver safety courses, according to the AARP.
Thirty-six states require the discount if you take the Driver Safety Program in a classroom with an approved instructor, and 10 states even require it if you take the course online. This can mean a serious auto insurance reduction even if you’ve had tickets or accidents in the past.
2. Retirees
Did you know that there are novel auto insurance discounts for retirees? Some car insurance companies give reduced rates to seniors who are at least 55-years-old and are no longer employed full-time.
This is not a requirement, of course, and all insurance providers are different. However, if you can come by a provider in your area who offers this discount, you’ll save a bundle on car insurance.
3. Students
Younger drivers aren’t left in the dust. Other unique auto insurance discounts include reduced rates for full-time students. If you’re getting your education, you probably don’t have extra money to throw around, and with the discount you might be able to afford a few non-Ramen meals outside the dorm.
In most cases, new auto insurance discounts for students require that the consumer be under 24 or 25 years of age and maintain a distinct grade point average. You might not qualify if you are married or included on your parents’ insurance coverage.
4. Students’ Parents
One of the most unique auto insurance discounts available is the reduced rate for students’ parents. If you support a child (he or she lives with you, in other words) you might qualify for a discount. However, there are always lots of stipulations, so you’ll want to check with your insurance agent for details.
5. Farmers & Ranchers
Many farmers and ranchers beget dedicated vehicles that never leave their property. In this case, you might qualify for a unique auto insurance discount that insures your truck for less.
Remember that in order to qualify for this discount, you will need to own an applicable vehicle that follows the rules on the policy. Otherwise, you might wind up paying grand more.
There are plenty of other fresh auto insurance discounts that you might not have heard about. If you want to take advantage of them, you’ll need to sit down with your insurance agent and discuss the options available to you.
It is also a top-notch idea to research other insurance providers from time to time. You never know when a unique auto insurance discount is going to crop up that would save you money on car insurance.
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Filed under Infinity Car Insurance by on Dec 18th, 2010. Comment.
