Audi A3

shipo

"...and given the 2.0t has better acceleration than the 330, I'd go with the Audi."

I must have missed it, where did you see a side-by-side comparison of the two cars where the A3 2.0T was faster than a 330i?

Best Regards,
Shipo

misterjj

"the Audi system will not let me configure the car with the Convenience Package (and Bluetooth) AND the Bi-Xenons for the Sport Package."

Sport with Convenience AND Bi-Xenons are NOT going to happen. Many have confirmed it to be a hard fact. No, nobody knows why. And don't even think of retrofitting the convenience package as it would require replacing the entire windshield (due to rain sensor) and a whole lot of other expensive stuff. So... Just drop the Bi-Xenons and get an aftermarket Xenon kit for around $350.

blueguydotcom

Aftermarket xenon kit for $350? And it's bixenon and adaptive? I'd like to see that...

My guess is it's a cheapo system like you see on modded japanese cars. There's a big, big difference.

Drop the convenience package as the bi-xenons will make your night driving a pleasure.

shipo

The problem is that I've had Xenon's on both of my BMWs and there ain't no way I want to go back to driving without them. That having been said, I have quite a few clients back in NYC (and might even have to move back to the Apple in the next year or two), and if you ain't hands free, you cannot use your phone (legally anyway). I already have a Bluetooth phone and I fully intend to use it in my next car. Period, full stop, the end.

If Audi persists with this, ummm, ill advised arbitrary and capricious configuration limitation, then my business will most likely go elsewhere.

This seems to be just another example of Audi attempting to prove that the A3 won't sell here. Let's see, Audi USA has limited the A3 in the following ways:

1) No power memory seats available with the 2.0T Sport Package.
2) No Bluetooth/Xenon combination available with the 2.0T Sport Package.
3) No Quattro of any sorts with the 2.0T powered cars.
4) No true three pedal manual transmission available with the 3.2 VR6 powered cars.

Any others? It seems that depending upon who is doing the configuring, there is a very high probability of hitting a configuration limitation that is significant enough to cause many prospective buyers to shop elsewhere.

Best Regards,
Shipo

blueguydotcom

A bluetooth phone and bluetooth headset gets the job done handsfree. I tap one button on my headset and then simply tell my phone, which sits in my cupholder closed, the number to call or which contact to dial...it works perfectly.

donthegreek

Looked at a red one the other day....nice wheels! $37,800 with auto and glass roof..can't remeber what else it had...too much money!

shipo

I've got a Razr and a Bluetooth headset, and on my fairly frequent drives to NYC I've found that the headset only will last a total of about 2 hours of talk time. While there might be a car charger for the headset, exchanging the headset wire to the phone for a headset wire to the cigarette lighter outlet kind of defeats the purpose. A car with a Bluetooth interface will solve that problem. I suppose I could also buy a couple of extra headsets, but I'm trying to keep thing simple, and that ain't it.

If Audi keeps this restrictive configuration policy much longer then an ED 330i is quickly going to rise back to the top of my list.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dhamilton

It's not much but I believe road & track had the 330 at 6.7 and the A3 at 6.5 to sixty. Not much I know, but as a novice autocross racer it helps.

dhamilton

And BTW there has not been a head to head that I know of. Actually I think that it's two different mags that have tested and one found the A3 to be a little quicker. I have not driven the new Bangleized monsrocity yet however, I would put styling a side if it drove a good deal better. I'm just afraid I'll be treated like I was at Subaru and denied a test drive. Both good cars to be sure

shipo

Unless the results are from the same test, on the same day, and at the same venue, then they don't really mean all that much as a comparison. That having been said, a 330i at 6.7 seconds??? What was it, a slushbox automatic? If so then those numbers are irrelevant as well as I only drive cars with three pedals under the dash. FWIW, most of the test reports that I've seen on the 330i 6-Speed come show 0-60 numbers more like high 5s or low 6s.

FWIW, I've driven both cars and while the A3 2.0T 6-Speed has more than enough urge for my needs, wants and desires, my butt dyno tells me that the 330i is noticeably quicker.

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

Keeping in mind that I did say, "...the A3 2.0T 6-Speed has more than enough urge for my needs, wants and desires...", I'm thinking that chipping an A3 isn't really the issue for me.

The issue for me remains that BMW doesn't put stupid restrictions on which options one can order for a car. Me? I want a car with many of the goodies that both the A3 and E90 3-Series have as options. Specifically, I want a car with the Sport Package, 6-Speed manual transmission, Leather seating, Power seats with memory (I valet park a lot in NYC and it is amazing just how badly a parking valet can screw up a seat with 12 separate adjustments), Xenon headlights AND Bluetooth. I can order either E90 that way, I can even order an A4 2.0T that way, but I cannot order an A3 with that specific set of options, even though all of those items exist somewhere on the order sheet. Go figure.

Best Regards,
Shipo

wale_bate1

"...my butt dyno tells me that the 330i is noticeably quicker..."

You might want to have that looked at. I hear they have specialists now... :P

I'd love to go 2.0T, but no Quattro, no Audi. Just doesn't make sense to me. I'm re-evaluating everything at this point because of recent market disappointments, and that kind of pisses me off.

Frankly, if I'm going to concede to FWD, I'm going to look at Mazda 3 & 6 5-doors.

If I'm going to insist on RWD, the G35 coupe is back in the pic, even though it means giving up my preferred door arrangement.

Maybe I just keep my great little mule...

blueguydotcom

I've got a scala cardo 500 and it lasts 9 hours talking!

Who makes your headset model?

blueguydotcom

If you just want to be faster than a 330i, get an A3 and buy a performance chip. Case closed. A chipped A3 will likely beat a chipped 330i as well.

By beat are you talking about just brainless speed runs? Or do you mean actual driving (turning, braking, etc)? If you're talking about actual drive, the 330i's handling is in another league vis-a-vis the A3/A4/TL/IS350/C class.

I like the A3 a lot but I'm not delusional enough to think that an oddly weighted, unbalanced FWD wagon stands a chance against a 330i e90 sp. I've driven both very hard...there's not any chance an A3 (even with a chip - it's not a power issue...it's balance, suspension, drivetrain, etc) will keep time with a 330i in spirited driving. None. Zip.

blueguydotcom

I have not driven the new Bangleized monsrocity yet however, I would put styling a side if it drove a good deal better.

Go drive it. It does. It's a better handling car than my e46 performance package (which was better than any non-M3 e46).

I'm just afraid I'll be treated like I was at Subaru and denied a test drive.

Wow, you got some issues. Never had a problem getting drives.

shipo

Nine hours! Yikes, how big is that battery? ;-)

I've got one of the Plantronics models (apparently recently discontinued as mine is only about 3 months old) that looks very similar to the Plantronics Voyager 510 unit (which claims up to a 6 hour talk time). FWIW, unless I want to bring my charger with me, six or even nine hours will not be enough on many of my trips. Geez, one of my trips just recently was over seven hours down to Long Island, and I spent almost the entire trip on the phone with several customers. Fortunately that was with my old phone which had a car charger and a wired headset.

Hmmmm, thinking about my claim of only two hours of talk time on my headset... My bad. I forgot that I had let my wife talk on it for a few hours on our trip to NYC last Friday (we were caught in that little snow storm that hit New England forcing her to phone in to the meeting that she was supposed to be attending), and so maybe four to five hours is more realistic for my current unit.

Best Regards,
Shipo

sunilb

but no Quattro, no Audi. Just doesn't make sense to me

Agreed... why not just go with the upcoming 5-door GTI? It's the same car, with a less presitigous badge and for a lot less coin.

Audi - Quattro = VW... just like Acura - fancy interior = Honda. I don't get the attraction.

shipo

"...why not just go with the upcoming 5-door GTI? It's the same car..."

Same car? Hmmm, it doesn't look the same to me, inside or out. Personally I like the way the A3 looks, not so with the new GTI. What about the dealership experience, I've heard/read very little good about my local VW dealership; however, my closest Audi store is actually rated pretty high.

While you might not get the attraction, in many cases, preferring one sibling marque over another is simply practical and/or esthetic preference.

Best Regards,
Shipo

blueguydotcom

Somewhat the same but not totally. The GTI is taller and has a different suspension setup (tighter for more control). The A3's tuned more for luxury and it's interior and design point to that. Additionally, Audi's come with 4 years free maintenance (about 1k in savings) and you get a different experience from audi service v. VW service.

wale_bate1

I've done VW service before. Unless things have changed rather dramatically in the last nine years (and I hear they haven't) I decline to "enjoy" their company again, unless they have a truly hip ride I simply can't get elsewhere.

No, if it another FWD 5-door, then I'd look at Mazda I think. Different kettle of fish obviously, but I like what they do and I think they do it rather well.

shipo

To Whom It May Concern:

As I've just turned in my second consecutive BMW at lease end, I'm in the market for a new car and currently the A3 is my leading candidate to fill that role. Unfortunately both my local dealer and your web site configurator confirm that I cannot order an A3 the way I want it, even though the options are all available on this otherwise fine car.

Specifically, I want an A3 2.0T 6-Speed Manual, Lava Gray Pearl Effect paint, Black Leather Seating (with a Power Memory seat for the driver), Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Sound Package, Convenience Package, Bluetooth Interface Package, Open Sky System, and Bi-Xenon headlights. I'm told that the Power Memory seating cannot be had at any price on the A3, and that Power Seating is only for the Premium Package on the 2.0T or the 3.2. Why no Power Seats for the Sport Package for the 2.0T? I'm also told that for a Sport Package equipped car, I can order either Xenon headlights OR the Convenience/Bluetooth Package, but not both. Why? To make Xenon headlights mutually exclusive with the Convenience package seems both arbitrary and capricious, to put it mildly.

When I first saw the A3 on the streets, I thought to myself, "Well, there's a car that will win me away from BMW, in spite of it not being Rear Wheel Drive." Now however, I'm inclined to opt for a new 3-Series instead. Please, if Audi is going to relax their option limitations anytime soon, let me know and I will once again become an owner of one of your fine cars.

Best regards,
Shipo

dino001

Why didn't you mention quattro with 2.0T, if you took sush time to write this letter? The more people ask for it the more chance it will happen in five years

shipo

Well, I didn't ask about the Quattro simply because I probably wouldn't order it even if it was available. That said, I hear you on the mass voice thing, sorry folks, I kind of blew it on that one. :-/

Best Regards,
Shipo

guitarmaker

A cab just crushed my A4 so I'm in the market. Today I drove the A3 (2.0 and 3.2), Saab 93, and Volvo v50 t5. The A3 was easily the best followed by the saab with the Volvo a way distant third. Would love to see a 2.0t quattro. I called Audi and they had no answer if it would happen.

guitarmaker

What is up with DSG automatically upshifting when it red lines? I hate that feature! Can this be modified aftermarket?

mapin

I got one of those motorola bluetooth speakerphone devices, it's a tiny thing that clips onto your sun visor. I keep the charger in the glove compartment, so I can easily charge it up again while still using it plugged into the cigarette lighter.

You just press a single button on it and speak into it. Turns off by itself when you leave the car and take your phone with you.

shipo

Thanks for the "Heads Up", however, I want a car with bluetooth. Period, full stop, the end.

Best Regards,
Shipo

ivan_99

What is up with DSG automatically upshifting when it red lines? I hate that feature! Can this be modified aftermarket?

Probably…why, and how many times, would you find it necessary to go PAST the red line?

kyfdx

I like the auto-manuals that will bounce off the rev-limiter, like a real manual will.. It gives you more control, and makes the car act more like a true manual transmission...

That said, if I really wanted that, I'd just get a manual..

regards,
kyfdx

wale_bate1

Interestingly enough, my old '95 Stratus ES with AutoStick (tm, of course) would slam into the rev-limiter. How I know that is not meet fodder for this thread, but suffice to say I found out it would do that.

Silly 'ol Chrysler...

How's tricks, Kentuck? Season's best to you and yours.

I gave up on the LPS thread. People got mean in there. Ah well.

Now that they're on the lots I still mean to go and test out a 3.2Q. Who knows, maybe I'll decide to do it anyway. I configured a G35 coupe in red and tan with the sport suspension. It's nice, but it's still rather Japanese after all.

Indecision is a trait rather lowly regarded by employers...

blueguydotcom

Now that they're on the lots I still mean to go and test out a 3.2Q. Who knows, maybe I'll decide to do it anyway. I configured a G35 coupe in red and tan with the sport suspension. It's nice, but it's still rather Japanese after all.

Indecision is a trait rather lowly regarded by employers...

Welcome to my world. Last night I found myself looking at used G35s thinking "yeah maybe this would be a decent car until i find something I like it."

shipo

I received the following response from Audi today:

Dear Shipo:

Thank you for contacting Audi of America.

We certainly appreciate your taking the time to share your comments with us. We welcome feedback from our customers regarding their experience and preferences. This information is extremely important to us and is the basis for future changes and modifications. Although we cannot confirm that any option package changes will be made in the immediate future, such changes are not infrequent, and most often respond to suggestions made by our customers.

To that end, your note has been forwarded to the appropriate individuals. We look forward to hearing from you again if we can help with any information or be of any further assistance.

Again, thank you for contacting Audi.

Marjorie

AudiTalk

Best Regards,
Shipo

guitarmaker

Has anyone test driven both of these? Seem pretty comparable in price.

kyfdx

That is a pretty nice reply.. Especially her calling you Shipo...

Now, if only a few hundred of your friends write, asking for the same thing.... :surprise:

shipo

"Especially her calling you Shipo..."

Ummm, errr, call it literary license. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

donthegreek

That Audi reply is the same reply I recieved. I emailed them many months ago inquiring about them making an A3 2.0 Quattro....

jccai1

I doubt you can find a new 2006 325xi for under $31k.

But I did drive both the A3 2.0T sport DSG and 325i sport (rwd) auto. The A3 felt faster. The 325i has a better appointed interior (personal taste) and is quieter. Didn't push either too hard with the salesman present, so I can only say that the handling felt about the same, with A3 having a firmer ride.

I used to own a 3-series (last body style), so I got to drive both the rwd 325i and awd 325xi as loaners. I prefer the handling of the rwd version much better. The steering of the xi felt loose and its handling felt sloppy.

blueguydotcom

doubt you can find a new 2006 325xi for under $31k.

Two words: Euro Delivery.

But I did drive both the A3 2.0T sport DSG and 325i sport (rwd) auto.

Right there you drove a handicapped 325i. Steptronic is garbage and I wouldn't dream of driving a 3 series with an automatic.

The A3 felt faster. The 325i has a better appointed interior (personal taste) and is quieter. Didn't push either too hard with the salesman present, so I can only say that the handling felt about the same, with A3 having a firmer ride.

The 325i will lose an A3 in the twisties. With an a3 when you push hard and fast into a corner you'll get nose dive (bad weight distribution) and understeer. Plus you won't launch out of said corner. I wish BMW could put the VWAG 2.0T and DSG into a 320i....I'd buy it in a second, chip it and have a car that would be more entertaining to drive than my 330i. Basically, that'd just be a fantastic car.

travelinman

Specifically, I want an A3 2.0T 6-Speed Manual, Lava Gray Pearl Effect paint, Black Leather Seating (with a Power Memory seat for the driver), Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Sound Package, Convenience Package, Bluetooth Interface Package, Open Sky System, and Bi-Xenon headlights. I'm told that the Power Memory seating cannot be had at any price on the A3, and that Power Seating is only for the Premium Package on the 2.0T or the 3.2. Why no Power Seats for the Sport Package for the 2.0T? I'm also told that for a Sport Package equipped car, I can order either Xenon headlights OR the Convenience/Bluetooth Package, but not both. Why? To make Xenon headlights mutually exclusive with the Convenience package seems both arbitrary and capricious, to put it mildly.

I have a Lava Gray A3 2.0T w/DSG (tan leather interior, however). I have the Sport Package, the Convenience Package, and Xenon Lights. Are you sure the Convenience Package and xenon lights are mutually exclusive? If they are, I guess I got lucky, because I have both. Of course, this was before Bluetooth was functional.

But I just use my Bluetooth headset, so it's not a big deal.

I do know that the power seats only come with the Premium Package. I agree that is really odd.

(And P.S. I drove both the new 325 and the A3 before making my decision. The A3 is definitely more fun.)

shipo

"Are you sure the Convenience Package and xenon lights are mutually exclusive? If they are, I guess I got lucky, because I have both. Of course, this was before Bluetooth was functional."

Yes, I'm quite sure. :-( When Audi reshuffled the configurability of the A3 about the Bi-Xenons and Bluetooth options became avalable they decided to make the Convienience Package mutually exclusive with the Bi-Xenons. Why? Beats the stuffin' out of me. :confuse:

Best Regards,
Shipo

kurtamaxxguy

VW and its subsidiaries have said over and over they want to make a healthy profit, Period.

They have the highest cost manufacturing in the world, and will __never__ be able to compete on price nor will they resort to the "employee fire sale" the domestics use. If you want the features VW/AUDI offer, and can live with the shortcommings and the arrogance, go for 'em!

This is not unique - unfortunately, a lot of German products follow this pattern. Part of the "Myth", I guess.

kurtamaxxguy

Nice form letter you got back...just like the one I got when inquiring about some aspects of Audi dealer policy.

Plz let us know if they ever actually follow up? They never did wrt mine.

As for A3 alternatives, the Mazdas are looking better and better every day.

nmrt

I have been waiting patiently for the new GTI mark V 5 door. but i am also thinking about the A3. i recently got a chance to test drive the jetta GLI (2.0T) and the salesman told me that they (i guess "they" means him and a few of his buddies at the dealership) found out that the 2.0T Jetta GLI runs better on 87 octane than on the recommended premium. since the a3, the gli and the upcoming GTI will have the same engine, i was wondering that whether any of you A3 owners have experienced this.

i was also wondering if anyone could shed some light on any mechanical differences between the upcoming 5 door GTI and the A3.

thanks a bunch.

blueguydotcom

They're full of it. Don't under any circumstances run a 2.0 with 87 octane. It's a very high compression engine and it needs high octane fuel to run efficiently. You put 87 in the engine and the car's sensors will detect knock and retard the power.

nmrt

wow! why woudl they lie to me? i guess, cheaper gas means cheaper running costs which means i woudl be more inclined to buy the car. wow!wow again! what dealer tactics.

thanks blueguy.

shipo

Cheaper gas in the high compression 2.0T does NOT mean cheaper running costs, quite to the contrary it means more expensive running costs. Why? Simple, that retarded timing that BlueGuyDotCom referred to will also retard your fuel economy. Hmmm, let's see, use cheap gas, get less power and get crummy gas mileage... Gee, what a deal.

Best Regards,
Shipo

andys120

i was also wondering if anyone could shed some light on any mechanical differences between the upcoming 5 door GTI and the A3.

It's my understanding that the A3 and it's nearest Golf equivalent are mechanically identical. Thus the new Golf with a 2.0T FWD drivetrain will be identical to a GTI which uses the same drivetrain. The upcoming A3/3.2Q
will have a Golf equivalent, the R32, with the same drivetrain (only the AWD will be called "4Motion" instead of Quattro--it's the same Haldex system.)

billherrmann

When I took delivery on my A3, the salesman commented that 89 octane would be 'just fine'. I've only been using 93, but am wondering if any other owners had recieved the 89 recommendation.

misterjj

Incorrect fuel recommendation could just be an honest mistake by an uninformed sales person. If you run a car on 87 for a while it will adapt the timing to it and stay that way for a while. Then if you try out 91 it will run poorly, and then run fine if you switch right back to 87. I believe that it takes up to 3 tanks of gas for the car to fully adapt to fuel changes.

rjlaero

It says use 91 Octane right on the fuel door. I would never put 87 in any type of higher performance Turbo car.

I've heard other sales people talk of using a lesser grade gas in these new FSI motors, but I have no idea where they're getting their information from.