Audi A3

pat

You folks might like to read Edmunds.com Editor Karl Brauer's post about the A3 review he has written that will soon be posted: editor_karl, "Karl's Daily Log Book" #546, 17 May 2005 7:13 pm. He sparked some conversation that I think will also interest you. Enjoy!

dhanley

mapin, i've compared and contrasted the a3 and s40 a bit on this thread. I think thety are very compeitive cars. Both turbos, the audi less laggy, the volvo more powerful, the volvo more room in the front, the audi more room in the back, audi interior a little nicer, volvo interior more unique. Of course, the audi is a hatch.

rjlaero

I agree....Lease rates are terrible on the A3. You're much better off buying the car.

grc1

I was picking up my 03 A4 Avant 3.0 yesterday that was in for service. Saw the A3 on the dealer lot and was able to take it for a spin. Feels much smaller inside than specs indicate - even though I know its roughly the same interior size as the A4 save for the hatch and a bit of rear legroom. As for power, it kicks in with almost no lag - and the quick shifts are very noticeable - congrats to Audi for introducing it on production cars. Had the impression when accelerating hard that the front wheels were just about to break loose on dry, flat pavement. Wonder what would happen in damp/snow/curves? I think with that much torque so low in the curve, quattro will be required for serious driving. Did not notice torque steer though. Quality, finish, etc, at very high audi standards. Unfortunately, I don't have the confidence/driving skills to handle that torque curve on 2 front wheels. Will consider A3 quattro when it arrives next year (salesman said winter 05/06 which is consistent with other posters here) Have started reviewing past thread on this topic - but wanted to know if others have similar impression?

dhanley

"Had the impression when accelerating hard that the front wheels were just about to break loose on dry, flat pavement."

That DID happen to me.

If it had quattro and a little more driver room, i'd have tried some dickering.

Problem is, i'd prefer the 2.0T to the v6.

dave

wale_bate1

Quattro.

We're waiting Audi. January. Tick, tick, tick...

;-}

grc1

Dave, Thanks for the confirmation. Note that I didn't gun it from a standing start because I knew it would spin, rather, I accelerated hard from a rolling start at about 10mpg. Still, it was on the verge of breaking loose - didn't feel planted. As for your desire for more room, I got the same impression but the specs don't show it when I compare it to my A4 - which is fine for me @ 6' and 180lbs. A3 felt a little cramped. Maybe I'm loosing my mind.

Another question for the technically inclined in this forum: Will the A3Q come equipped with DSG? If so, will the shifts be as quick driving 4 vs 2 wheels?

Great forum! Thanks.

dhanley

I gunned it from a standing start and broke it loose easily. However, even with a rolling start, i broke the tires free twice--not right when i gunned it, but maybe 2 seconds thereafter at 3500 RPM or so. My 3-series has a slightly more torque than the a3, but you have to really work to make the tires break loose ( except in the wet, of course ). The s40 and 9-3 didn't spin the front tires when i drove them, but the audi does ride better than either. And perhaps the turbo lag helps the aforementioned competitors, or their traction control is simply more aggressive.

dave

andys120

if you break traction at the front end while accelerating hard in a FWD car. I've owned a couple of 9000Turbos and an SHO that could easily do that and the solution was amazingly simple-BACK OFF!

Even a slight lift of the throttle will put you back on track.

nippononly

this Danish movie today which just happened to have the next-gen VW Golf prominently featured (it was the lead character's new car). Wowzers, was it sweet-looking. I am definitely going to hold off with any decisions until it comes out late this year/early next. An article I read on it indicated it would also have the 2.0T available.

It is a lot more squared off at the back, as usual for the Golf.

ralpher

Pretty unjustified when they only went for a test drive, and had no problem with the A3 but it's styling. I posted a review, other owners should too.

blueguydotcom

...and had no problem with the A3 but it's styling.

I've come to the conclusion I buy my cars for the wrong reason. apparently lots of people care more about how a car looks and how they look in it than the car's actual abilities.

The a3, while not stunning, is not homely either. Regardless, it's a nice package, maybe priced a couple grand too high.

wale_bate1

:P

dhanley

"apparently lots of people care more about how a car looks and how they look in it than the car's actual abilities. "

I have a friend who l like a lot, but we don't talk about cars anymore, because he's a "car nut" or at least labels himself as such, but _all_ he cares about is how a car looks and what it says about the owner. Period. I try to talk about new engines, dsc, etc, and all he he has to say is thing like 'it just doesn't "say tough." '

I wonder if there will be an a3 with one of the more powerful diesels when the US moves to low-sulphur diesel. THAT'D be slick.

dave

blueguydotcom

Sounds like people I know. I mentioned liking the A3 and Mazda3 and his response: "Dude, how could you drive a station wagon after owning a BMW?! You should get a 5 series because they're tight."

Yeah, I make all my decisions based on badges and the "tightness" of cars.

I wish Audi, MB and BMW would flood the US market with diesels. The tech has come so far but so many americans are too myopic to see how its changed from the 1970s/80s.

wale_bate1

I guarantee Amurica's dieselphobia is based entirely on experiences with Rabbits from the late 70's! ;-} Well, that and Benz 300Ds that came out of the carwash white only to be black again in less than 24 hours. Of course, some of the black was brake dust...

It would be nice to have new stuff out there to play with.

Looks. A car can't make it on to my list based on looks alone. No way. But I can say I've taken them off based heavily in part on cosmetics. The 545 iT may come and may be wonderful, but I can't stomach the look so I don't want it. It's also bigger than I want, but so is an S4. The S4, though, is so tasty (along with its other attributes) that I could go that way.

Looks matter to me. In context.

nippononly

"The 545 iT may come and may be wonderful, but I can't stomach the look so I don't want it."

Yeah, an angry sedan was one thing, but an angry wagon? Quite another! :-P

I thought I knew most of the bad stuff about VW Group cars, but after roaming the Web some more, there is an abyss of Audi/VW problems even deeper than what I was familiar with. As much as I love this car (still waiting on the '06 Golf though, just to compare on looks and driving position relative to the roof), I must admit to being a little scared after some of the things I have read. I want the OPTION, at least, to keep the car after warranty expires. I usually exceed 50K miles after 2, 2 1/2 years. :-(

rovision

If you read only the "problem" comments on the web about VAG cars, especially Audis and WVs, you may get a wrong impression though. Most of the people post in these forums only when they have a problem, but for each such problem there are many more cars and users that don't have any problems and they don't post. The forums are just like that, places to get help. And most of the cars have problems, more or less frequently.
I've seen recently a JDPower (or some other co. like this) poll where Audis ranked in the top 10 models for reliability, surprinsingly above some well known Japanese models and above other German cars. If you are really worried about problems after warranty expires, there're always aftermarket warranties, expensive for some, but worth for peace of mind.
A good forum for Audi owners is audiworld. You can get more help there than from some auto shops sometime. And if you pay some attention to the messages there, you'll see that most of the people don't have major problems with their cars, unless they start modifying and messing with them extensively.
Saying that, take a close look at the A3 if you are interested in it. It's something that's quite unique on the market right now, and than compare to anything else in that same price range.

dhanley

I do share some of the concerns with reliability. I think audis are great, but every mechanic i've spoken to has said to be very wary of high mileage/older ones. You don't see a lot of high mileage audis, do you? My one VW ownership experience was a nightmare, as was my saab ownership experience. Good cars, lots of great things about them, but i'd lease one or buy the extended warranty.

wale_bate1

I have a VW nightmare of my own too. '96 Passat VR6 GLX wagon. The list of ailments was long but under warranty (we only leased it two years). The thing was that it was a fantastic car to drive, and beautiful to look at, and when we sold it, we got $2K over the residual!

I wouldn't shy away based on reliability, but then again, I lease. I like being in warranty, I like something different every three years or so, new car smell I find utterly intoxicating, and I can make it work on my taxes - legally!

Also, my Lexus experience hasn't exactly been bullet-proof, contrary to popular mythology...

dewey

" that and Benz 300Ds that came out of the carwash white only to be black again in less than 24 hours. Of course, some of the black was brake dust..."

Oh common! My wife's 300d has been with our family for almost a quarter of a century and is a marvel to behold! A quarter century of durability, quality , reliability ,fuel efficiency,no rust with the original metalic Champagne paint still looking great ! What more can you ask for?

This car has been so loyal to us that selling it would be an act of sheer heartless cruelty.

The only problem with the 300d is driving it during midnight/morning hours. It wakes up our neighborhood!

dewey

wonder if there will be an a3 with one of the more powerful diesels when the US moves to low-sulphur diesel. THAT'D be slick

An A3 diesel would be exciting depending on what diesel engine is under its hood.

Hopefully something more torquey and potent than current 2.0l diesel engine in the Passat .

dewey

wish Audi, MB and BMW would flood the US market with diesels.

My patience is paying dividends! I waited many years for a diesel BMW and now that is going to be a reality in 06/07. The 3.0l and 3.5l diesels sound like gems.

I dont know what kind of diesel engines Audi would have, but I am sure they would be competitive with the Bimmer selection.

Saw my first A3 today!! It was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!!!

dhanley

"An A3 diesel would be exciting depending on what diesel engine is under its hood. Hopefully something more torquey and potent than current 2.0l diesel engine in the Passat ."

The 16v 2.0TDI gets 160hp & 240lb-ft in europe. When we move to low-sulphur diesel, audi USA ought to be able to match that.

"I waited many years for a diesel BMW and now that is going to be a reality in 06/07."

If it's a 330d, i'm ordering!

dave

wale_bate1

LOL!

I never said it wasn't a great car, dewey! BTW, what color is your rear bumper above the exhaust? I mean today, before it gets washed for the weekend?
}-] My cousin and I used to detail cars for spending money when I was like 17 or so, and one of our "clients" had an SD. We would sparkle that thing up on a Friday afternoon, and by Monday it would be a smoky, brake-dust covered mess! Truthfully, the brake dust was a worse problem on those uncoated alloys thaan the soot on the butt.

It will be interesting to see what happens with diesel here. Funny that we would be talking about a diesel ramp-up in the States, while in Europe they anticipate somewhat of a reverse trend, with turbo'd direct-inject gas looking to take market share.

I'll admit to being a partial dieselphobe. Partial, because I know better from reading, but I also experienced US diesel Rabbits from '78-'83. Now that was a VW nightmare...

dewey

I always thought the rear bumper of our 300D was black? I cant recall the last time the 300D had a car wash?! I guess that explains the black bumpers!

Based on these posts I will have to wait until Jan 06 for a A3 3.2 Quattro test drive.

Jan 06 is a bit too late for me!!

IMO the following time frame is unacceptable:

1)Test drive during January
2)Order an A3 with the features I want and not with the loaded features Audi thinks I want!
3)After the order I may have to wait 1-3months.

By that time the tulips will be blooming and snow will be forgotten. The key reason I want a Quattro is to avoid what I did these past seven winters--driving like a winter daredevil with my BMW323i.

New snow tires for my 323i is beginning to sound like a good option for this upcoming winter.

cars_r_me

Greeting,

How certain are you with BMW bringing diesels to North America market?
I'm driving 2003 VW Golf, and would love to get my hand on something better. :shades:

dewey

Certain but not 100 percent certain!

BMW stated that there will be diesels on this side of the Ocean when all 50 States allow the sales of diesels.

There should be no reason for State bans to continue with the upcoming availability of low sulphur diesel and auto manufacturers having the diesel technology to pass the new 07 Emissions regulations.

So I continue crossing my fingers that we will see a Audi A3 TDI and a BMW330d.

dhanley

Actually, BMW has stated diesels for '07--just not which one(s). Odds are x3 and x5 first, i'd guess. But who knows.

ralpher

You didn't say it wasn't a great car, but it's your number that people will see. Giving it a 7.3 would put it in very bottom of cars rated on Edmunds. Even the Kias have higher ratings than that.

Come on, a 5 on interior and exterior? 5 interior, is it worse than a GM interior?

You rated it a 5 on reliability when you went on a test drive? Don't you think that is unfair? You think it is so unreliable yet you said you would rather get a Golf? You think its interior is unattractive and you want a Golf? The Audi advantage warranty covers four years of maintenance, you're not going to get any maintenaince covered on a VW and its weak 3 year warranty. Whatever you think of Audi reliability, you can count on a VW being even less reliable.

It's a really bad review, and I'm slamming you for it. As long as it's the only one up, the A3 looks like a bad car. Really, can you change the numbers? :mad:

wale_bate1

Not sure who you're responding to, ralpher.

I never reviewed the car, because I've never driven it! I sat in one at the dealer for a few minutes, but... I was talking about the Benz 300D m'self.

I read the review. Sounds like a VW fan who hates it when Audis get trumpeted! }-] And frankly anyone who rates any Audi interior at a 5 needs to see the optometrist sooner than later...

ralpher

I thought it was you from your response. Oh, sorry. Probably someone who drove who couldn't afford it who just wanted the free itunes. Speaking of which, has anyone gotten that yet?

acorin88

Hi ralpher, first to respond to the itunes question, yup I've received mine (last weekend) and the wife has already downloaded them. I'm ok with that though because we also have an A3 now! Ralpher, I also agree with you about the review, I just submitted mine, which hopefully folks will find useful.

I've had my car about 5 days now and am still completely smitten with it. We got a Moro Blue DSG/sport/convenience package with a few other goodies (I would have passed on the Bose option myself, but this was the car my wife agreed to).

The car is incredibly fun to drive. We are coming to the A3 from a 2000 Jetta 1.8T which we have really loved and would have likely stayed with the Jetta for this purchase, but we both can't stand the exterior styling of the new Jetta and didn't want to wait for the Golf/GTI to get here.

Audi on the other hand has pretty close to the best styling direction in the business now, IMHO. I love the bold grill and on the A3 the lines all just come together perfectly. This car is about a lot more than style though!

gotmine

I got my itunes certificate by email about a week after I gave them my number.

kurtamaxxguy

...as the Malibu Maxx I drive now is kinda a low rent version of the A3 (latter of which was not available when the Maxx came out). The Maxx long term durability is questionable, and the AWD version of the A3 comming later would be a big advantage for some of the roads I now avoid in the winter.

The challange will be visiting an Audi dealer simply to check that the interior is comfortable (no test drives until the AWD is out ! ). Other option is to wait until next year's auto shows (this years had A3's on display, but roped off, and the GM autoshowinmotion had no Audis at all).

wale_bate1

Good Lord, man, there is nothing GM has manufactured since 1965 the should even be metioned in the same sentence with Audi. I mean really, it's just plain blasphemy.

I don't see buying a non-Quattro A3 as advantageous in any situation. Buy a VW instead. Hell, go for a 4Motion Passat before going for a FWD Audi...

allhorizon

I don't see buying a non-Quattro A3 as advantageous in any situation. Buy a VW instead. Hell, go for a 4Motion Passat before going for a FWD Audi...

My thoughts exactly --- I would recommend doing it before the new one comes out, though, and prices skyrocket. Also, with the old model you get TorSen vs. Haldex in the new Passat - if that makes a difference to you (although Haldex may be the better one in extreme winter conditions).

My Passat 4Motion GLX wagon came loaded for ~ $30K - it will be hard to spend even more on a quite smaller quattro A3. If my Golf holds up (and so far it's been great), I will have some time and will wait for the 2.0TFSI quattro to hopefully make it to these shores...

dewey

I don't see buying a non-Quattro A3 as advantageous in any situation. Buy a VW instead

First impressions are critical! Whether its a first date, job interview or a car introduction.

VW fails to realize this important idea about first impressions. The following is proof :

Introducing an A3 that is a Golf GTI with four circles on the grill! Why not wait and introduce the FWD A3 with a Quattro version?

Delaying Golf sales by almost three years (compared to Europe Intro) and hoping that this dated Golf version next year will outsell more modern compacts.

Introducing a new Jetta that is underpowered and overpriced! Where oh where is the Jetta 2.0FSI and TDI.

Introducing the 05.5 Audi A4 3.2 without manual. Is this not a performance vehicle?

Introducing the new and upcoming Passat as a mini-Phaeton! Many who bought the Passat in the past bought it for its "GTI feel" not for its "luxury feel". Remember those VW "Active Driver" Ads? Has VW noticed that the market is saturated with reasonably priced luxury vehicles? And have they not noticed that many of the hot sellers today are cars that emphasize sport/handling with that "GTI feel"?

I love VW and Audi engineering. But it is their management that makes me feel so :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

nippononly

the A3 is mechanically the four-door GTI that we don't get in the United States. Indeed, I would call this a canny move on VW's part, to sell the four-door GTI here with the four rings in order to get more money for it, except that it is beginning to look an awful lot like the two-door GTI we get in the fall will actually have a HIGHER sticker than the A3 does! Which leaves me thinking either (a) they are managing these brands chaotically, and VW/Audi's future is one filled with doom, or (b) we will see a major price bump for the A3 in the next model year.

ralpher

The A3 and the upcoming Golf, as well as new Passat and Jetta, show that VW is still trying to market Audi as its performance line and the VW as its luxury line. Misguided, of course.

kurtamaxxguy

is it truely a 4 door Golf with Audi trim?

and what is Audi service like? Better than VW? Worse? The same??

ralpher

I'm not sure about that. The specs on Edmunds show different wheelbases and lengths (A3 being smaller than the new Golf actually).

The new golf is going to have to be bigger than the new Jetta inside to have A3 dimensions, I just don't see the Golf being bigger than the Jetta. I really doubt the new golf will have the open sky two-moonroof option. The new Golf has 8 speakers as opposed to 10. Of course it's still a year away.

I'm not aware of VW offering routine maintenance service other than roadside assistance.

kurtamaxxguy

is premium required for A3? has anyone knowledge of whether it will work on midline (between regular and premium) fuel?

nippononly

it will run on 87 if you want, with reduced performance.

The European Golf is a different shape (much squarer hatch - more utilitarian and less sleek-looking) and has a slightly longer wheelbase. Go to VW Europe's website to see it. We get the GTI (2-door only) first I believe, this fall, and then the Golf early next year.

Mechanically, the A3 IS a four-door GTI in every respect, from what I understand. I am sure the GTI will have all sorts of spiffy moonroofs and stereos - love that VW Monsoon sound system. The base Golf may or may not be available with the 2.0T and some of the GTI spiffs - my thinking is NOT. Have they announced one way or the other? It would compete directly with the A3 if it were, and not in a good way.

VW does not offer free maintenance like Audi does, but it DOES have a longer powertrain warranty: 5/60.

kurtamaxxguy

"it will run on 87 if you want, with reduced performance".

does it have automatic knock/detonation detection, and I assume automatic ignition retiming to accomidate the different fuels?

If so, a neat trick !

nippononly

and I would add that this was a neat trick 20 years ago, but is common to almost every car that asks for premium these days. Still, it is a good thing to have, for those times when you can't get premium.

dhanley

"does it have automatic knock/detonation detection, and I assume automatic ignition retiming to accomidate the different fuels?"

It's even easier than that in a turbocharged car; just reduce boost.

dave

dewey

Look at the sales of the A3 during May! Not that impressive!!

Annualized at such a rate the A3 would sell 6 to 7k vehicles annually. OUCH!!!

I dont know what the reason is? A supply issue? A3s overloaded with gizmos sitting at dealership lots? Does anyone here know?

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050601/dew033.html?.v=6

dabeas

Before I plop down my deposit, I have some questions for you Audi experts out there:

1. Are xenon headlights worth the money? My present car has daytime running lights, which I think are great, but wouldn't the intensity of the xenon beams be harsh on on-coming drivers?
2. Are rear side airbags safe for children in seatbelts, or in car seats?
3. Do you have to get NAVI to get Bluetooth?
4. Can you put a roof rack on the A3?
5. What's better - Sirius or XM?
6. I'm not a big fan of the Pirelli P6s. What do you think about asking the dealer for an allowance on some Bridgestone-Turanza LS-Zs?

smirnoff1

I don't know exact reason but as I mentioned here earlier, it looks like Audi is blowing ad campaign. I don't watch TV a lot but I didn't see single Audi A3 ad. Compare this to new BMW 3 series campaign when they replaced all letters "E" to link "3" pointing to their web site. This is how you do it!

So Audi brand awareness is really low. And their identity seems to be lost. Luxurious VW sedan? Um...

Too bad - A3 is really cool car. They could have sold more of them if marketing and advertising has been done right.