And, yes, i'm going to go visit germany/france anyhoo and i'll have a car to drive while i'm there ( if i go this route ). So i subtract the cost of a rental in my head.
I talked with a salesman today...he's going to an Audi meeting on april 14/15....where they get to drive the new A3 + the quattro etc.....he said when he gets back hopefully he'll know when the quattro will be available. He thinks quattro version(s) will be out in the fall.Will talk to him again after the 15th of april.
I'm in north central PA. The Audi dealer I'm talking about (the closest one to me) is in Ithaca,NY.The one they have isn't loaded up....sticker is a little over $25,000. I'll know more on the quattro,s after april 15th. When a bunch of audi dealers go to a big gatheringin NYC where they learn about the new A3's and get to drive all the upcoming versions...
I'd think not, since the program is BMW sponsored, Dewey. From what I hear, it's apparently a popular way to shop BMW!
Hell, playing tourist in Germany and France (or Switzerland, Austria, Spain, etc.) in my new car sounds like a blast to me. Wonder what valet parking at the Crillion goes for these days? ]-} Or a room at the Crillion, for that matter? [-(
Nice day trip out to Vaux le Vicomte... I could do that! |-)
Heck, i rented a car in ireland a few months ago. After driving on the left, shifting with my left, traffic circles, and dealing with 2-way traffic on 10 meter wide wall-lined roads, taking a new car on the autobahn sounds like a dream.
The funniest thing was, the first few times i drove after being back in the states, i punched my driver's door when trying to shift. My brother got a giant kick out of that.
I wonder why Audi doesn't do euro delivery. Mercedes, BMW, Saab, and Volvo all do. It'd make the a3 an even better deal.
you mention the follwoing: "a lack of a 330it for US consumption"
Please refer to the website on my post #192. It states the following:
"The next addition to the family is the 3 Series wagon, which should arrive in North America late this fall as a 2006 model. It will make its public debut in September at the Frankfurt auto show, and should be in showrooms by November. Engine choices will be similar to those for the sedan. "
Note the last sentence---Engine choices will be similar to those for the sedan! I believe that means it will include a 330xit!
I was at Wyoming Valley Motors(Porche, Audi, VW, Mazda,BMW) getting a locking lug nut tool for my 2003 Passat GLS Wagon this morning and noticed a black A3. Very appealing, 2.0. No sticker on window so no more info at this point.
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Stopped at the local dealer (in NJ), and they had 2 on the lot (came in Monday). A base 6 speed, and a loaded (except roof) DSG.
The black manual stickered for about 25.5 or so (ballpark since the sticker wasn't on it). Really no options.
The silver DSG had Premium, sound, cold, and something else that I forget. No roof (seems the first batch didn't have them). MSRP $30.085.
Anyway, look real nice in person. The silver looked much better than a very dirty black one. Lots of room inside. I even (at 6') had enough room to sit behind myself without feeling compacted. Good amount of room in the trunk too, especially since the squared off back doesn't impede the height.
Nice comfy seats, although I only sat on the base cloth (manual adjustments) since I drove and inspected the strippo model.
Driving was very, very nice. Real quick, and pulled hard in all gears. Decent shifter, nice clutch, and without the traditional engage in your face VW action. Steering/handling was very sharp. It reacted quick, and gripped well. Real easy to drive fast.
Didn't notice road noise, but you get a nice snarl from the engine when you punch it. FUn, and sounds good too!
The 2.0 has so much pull, I really can't see the need for the V6 on something this size. Maybe a DSG Quattro with the extra weight, but the 2.0 is a sweet engine.
One thing that I know will annoy some people is the console. It has TT like grab handles (where the console meets the center stack, ahead of the shifter) that are fairly pronounced, and somewhat hard. It looks like your right leg will spend it's time resting on it, unless you drive really stretched out (and have gorilla arms). Just ahrd to reach the clutch that way!
Might have to go back and drive a DSG just to see what it is like. Sales guy was gushing over how slick it was. Mileage on the DSG was 25/31 IIRC, the stick is supposed to be a couple MPGs higher.
In summary, if I decide to spurge on an upgrade, this is now the front runner, assuming I like it with the skyroof (moonroof a must havve for me). And they put on a killer lease deal to get them moving, since I don't plan to buy a brand new design from Audi with me taking all the exposure!
I do want to check out the Volvo V50 T5 for comparision, but I don't think it will have the fun factor.
Car and Driver didn't like the stick shift S40 T5, they said it was the only stick they consistently stalled... How was the turbo lag, compared to the 1.8T?
Will it not be trivial for Dinan to make a chip for the 325i/xi that will make it have the same horsepower as the 330i, since the engine is basically the same? (And, of course, a factory 330i could be chipped to an even higher echelon...) I'm guessing the 330i's engine has some internal components that are more robust than the 325, but still, look at all the VW 1.8T variants.
Well, the 2.5L surely could be chipped to basically the same HP as the 3.0L. The problem is that the drivetrain for the fake 2.5L is the same as for the real 2.5L in europe, so it's not designed for the 3.0L's power. If it really can't handle the extra torque, who can say? My guess is that it can. However, if you want sunroof, xenons, and the upgraded logic 7 stereo, you're probably better off getting the 330i, because those are standard.
I drove the s40T5 AWD with stick, and i thought it was a nice combination, and i didn't come close to stalling it, or if i did, i didn't realize it. It's really quiet at idle, but barks under WOT. The turbo lag with stick was minimal. The stick wasn't great i thought, but not awful either. I never missed a shift, FWIW. The auto, i thought, was bad laggy. However, i also think the 1.8T in the lighter jetta with stick does pretty well too.
I thought the seats in the s40 are really fantastic as well. But, i also really liked the seats in the new jetta, so the a3 may also fit me as well too.
I saw a article stating the 2.0L a3Q with a chip (250hp/trq) does 0-60 in 5.8. That's pretty good.
I have an out of town guest visiting here who's interested in audi, so we might test drive the a3 together.
My "local" Audi dealer (local until the one in my city is built... still under construction) has a black manual A3 priced at $26050. I may drive it if it's still there when I go to the Louisville New Car Show Saturday (in the alternative, it may be on the show floor, and not available for driving, although Audi has not always been represented at the show).
Just checking, I've only driven two turbo cars before: 2003 VW Passat 1.8T Tiptronic - miserable, hated it. May have had regular fuel, it was at a used car dealer. 2005 Subaru Legacy GT stick - didn't notice any lag, it's possible that it doesn't make all its power down low, but there is more than enough; it's easy to burn the clutch. I liked it.
Torque@rpm doen't have anything to do with lag. My old saab had 208lb-ft at 2000RPM, but you'd press the gas and get nothing, then one, two, thr--boom! Lag is the period between depression of the pedal, and delivery of power.
Now, small revvy engines that have all their power at high RPM's have a different sort of lag, but no one seems to talk about that.
I took your advice and drove it before I went to the Louisville New Car Show today (Audi wasn't represented there). Blue Grass Audi had a black base model with a stick shift and no options. They got it in as a demo on Wednesday, and apparantly I was the first customer to drive it. There's plenty of power low in the powerband, and I didn't notice any appreciable lag. In the 2-4,000 rpm working range, the engine is almost silent. The ride is a perfect balance of comfort and feel. The steering feels different due to the electric power assist, and I found it a little overboosted at interstate speeds. The corollary to that is that, due to the electric assist, it tracks extremely well--doesn't it have a program in it to help correct crosswinds? I think the fuel economy numbers for the stick were around 24/32, but I don't remember exactly.
It's unfortunate that most of the neat (metallic) colors are for sold orders only, as is the standalone Skyview option (without sport or premium packages).
The Audi dealership in Louisville recently moved in to their new facility next to the mall. It's a really nice building.
I really loved the A3, and will look seriously at getting one.
Audi of Nashua in new Hampshire has 2 A3s. One is 6 speed manual and the other is the DSG. I test drove the DSG and it is one fun car to drive. This car has plenty of pull and handles well. The DSG is one fantastic transmission. The shifts are seamless. I'd almost buy the car just for the DSG and I generally prefer manuals. The engine has a nice sound when revved hard. The gas mileage is great for a car that feels this quick. The interior quality is OK, not as nice as the A4.
On the other hand the car had a sticker price of over 30K without a sun roof. I just can't see paying that much for a hatch back. I tried and couldn't come close to fitting a set of golf clubs in the back. The interior feels about the same size as the A4, but with less headroom in the back seat. I also sat in the manual without the leather seats and am not at all impressed with the cloth seats. I'm just coming off my second A4 lease and loved the leatherette seats. This car should grab the neoprene seats from the Volvo s40. I also recently test drove the S40 T5 AWD. I had no problems with the shift and that was also a lot of fun to drive.
At over 30K this car is 3K more than a better equipped Acura TSX. It's getting close to the Infinity G35X which has AWD and 280 HP. It's in the range of the Acura TL. Its a shade under the 325i and 325ix. It would be even closer to these cars with a sun roof.
I've been driving an Audi A4 Quatro for the last 6 and 1/2 years, but doubt my next one will be an Audi. You can just get more car from others in the same price range or for less.
Three years ago I thought the A4 had a superior driving experience to everything in its price range especially if you did not go wild on the options. Today, the others have pretty much caught up.
No, I didn't... There was quite a bit of traffic, and I wasn't that familiar with the area where we were driving. I have read on other forums that it corners very flatly, and judging from the overall feel of the car, I am inclined to believe that assertion.
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I think they nailed it, the A3 is essentially a five-door version of the MINI Cooper S. No need to wait for MINI to come out with a weird-looking extended wheelbase model, when you can have this. The only caveat is that it's way more expensive than the MINI S for the same features. I think some posters have mentioned that the DSG was already available.
I drove one last year. No contest on the responsiveness of the engine, even with a MT Sube.
The legacy is much bigger though.
Still, I think the A3 is a great driving car, and reasaonbly practical. I'm just concerned that the small premium hatchback at 30K price point might be a touch sell.
Really, this is a gussied-up Mazda3 hatch (from a functional perspective). It does have more power and goodies,but sells for about 8-10K more (depending on equipment). The Mazda seems to sell just fine, but 18K is a lot different market than 29K.
I will be going back in a couple of weeks to check out a sky roof model when it finally shows up. If Audi decides to offer a killer intro lease deal to get these babies flying off the lot, I might be takeable!
I think there's a market for it, but certainly, it's not a volume entry. If Audi is thinking volume, then the price to feature value index is off. IMO, this is a car for those who (like me) prefer our sport-lux in a compact package. It's about the size of my current car, which is perfect, and sized about where benchmarks like the 3-series and A4 were five years back or so, IIRC.
Compact is where I want to be. Past a certain point in size, I think the fun factor is at risk. There is something about the intimacy of a close cockpit and being able to actually reach four door handles from the driver's seat that adds to the overall experience; don't even ask me why!
Not that I'm in the market for a micro. But I don't care much for the expanding 3, A4 direction. They're getting to the point of becoming something far different from what they were to begin with.
As for the Mazda, if it were AWD (or better: RWD) and offered with a six, I'd jump in a heartbeat. That's one hip little car, if a bit tall in the saddle!
"As for the Mazda, if it were AWD (or better: RWD) and offered with a six, I'd jump in a heartbeat. That's one hip little car, if a bit tall in the saddle! "
A AWD 6 cyl. Mazda3 would be a knock out!!! It would be too good to be true--I guess that is why it wont exist!!
There is very little competition in the niche that the Audi A3 is serving. While the Mazdaspeed 6 is in a very over crowded market segment, a 6 cyl. AWD Mazda3 selling at a reasonable price would enter a market that is under served and would be a GUARANTEED SUCCESS. With such a Mazda the pricing of the A3 would appear somewhat ridiculous. Also the new FWD VW GTIs or the new 200hp FWD Civic would most likely be toast against such a Mazda3.
I noticed the A3 had that trademarked VW hair trigger throttle... I think it had less lag than my VR6 Jetta (the first electronic throttle models had a discernable lag, combined with the hair trigger, and no traction control on mine, it made for plenty of tire spinning starts).
actually, I don't think it would be nice with the V6, and probably wouldn't fit. But, throw in the turbo 4/AWD combo from the speed 6, and you would have a direct competitor. The SE package already has leather/side bags/etc. Toss in a few more goodies, and you could have a car that might be faster, a little roomier, and cheaper, but just as much fun.
The Mazda3? You can't get stability control, dual-zone climate control, 4 auto up-down windows, or that nifty Audi/VW rotary sunroof control in the 3. I'm sure there's other stuff, as well, but not sure if the 3 offers light-sensing wipers, etc.
This is just me, but if looking at straight FWD, why bother with Audi? I mean, I would think if FWD is acceptable, then a whole world of options opens up, not the least of which starts at VW, and leads such places as Japan and Sweden (via Dearborn unfortunately); all of it less expensive per pound I believe.
All those little features, Corvette, are justifications of price based on content, but for me do little to enhance the package really. I accept them as part of the price of admission to get a well-turned, ultra-sharp driving AWD wagon with a six, but I' can live quite nicely without most of them. Much the same story as my present car. I wanted a six with leather and RWD in a compact. Left me with two choices and I took the better of the two, IMO, but I could have been quite comfy with less gadgetry.
OTOH, I could easily have upped the ante and gone German V8 wagon. Damn near did... [-)
OK guys...I've always wanted to own a New Audi ..really like the new A3,but I think i'd prefer the Quattro (I live in snow country,PA. USA),also like the Volvo S40 T5..... I want awd with an automatic...I'm concerned about Audi's reliablity factor...I read a lot of negatives on this issue. I don't think the volvo is selling well,so might be able to get a good deal...the A3 is new....they probably won't deal cause its a new model.... Which car do I go with?
I don’t think there is any reliable data out yet on the NEW 2.0T engine or the 3.2 V6.
I think the A3 uses the same AWD system as the TT so you may check the TT’s reliability as far as the AWD system goes other than that I think it’s ALL new.
I think the Volvo T5 (in various forms) has been around for a while so there should be extensive data regarding its reliability.
I would test drive both and pick the one I like better. If there is no discernable differences between the two I would go to both dealers and let the bidding begin may the lowest bidder win!
The A3 has the cargo hauling edge, unless you compare it to the V50. They're both really expensive when optioned up. I've not yet driven an S40/V50, but my immediate family has owned both VW's (VW owns Audi) and Volvos. Both brands have their reliability issues.
Judging by my test drive of the 2.0 A3, the automatic, Quattro model would certainly be adequate in performance, but just short of the league of the S40 T5. The all wheel drive and automatic both work to sap the power.
The A3 is a low volume production car for Audi and they'll have no problem selling every one of them. It's not like they're Honda or Mazda and need to move 50,000 cars.
I think the A3 is fairly priced in the 25-32k range. You can no doubt buy a cheaper car, and the A3 is not marketed that everyone can afford it.
Audi has enough of a loyal customer base that will buy A3's as well as bring in new customers.
This is my take on it, exactly.. Someone earlier (maybe not even in this discussion) stated that Audi owners tend to opt more often for AWD, but BMW owners generally do not... And that is exactly the reason.. FWD vs. RWD.
If I want AWD, I'll probably pick an Audi over a BMW, but if not getting AWD, then Audi isn't even on the list....
I'll also agree about the Mazda3.. If you are going FWD, I'd rather drop $22K on a Mazda3 with everything they offer, including Navigation, than $30K on an Audi A3.
"If I want AWD, I'll probably pick an Audi over a BMW, but if not getting AWD, then Audi isn't even on the list..."
That's a big "bingo" to me. And I don't mean that in a mean-spirited way in the least. Audi is on my list for that reason (AWD) among a short list of others. To wit: Audi styling, even with the setback of the unfortunate Auto Union retro nose, is still the top rung on the ladder, IMO; Audi (and VW) interiors are second to none overall for clarity of purpose and supremely tasteful execution; Audi handling is (both in my limited experience and reportedly) crisp, tenacious and accurate, thanks to Quattro in large part and purposeful tuning.
Of those plusses, it's the AWD plusses of Quattro that really seems to distinguish. Without that, I would be seriously entertaining a well-trimmed VW cousin instead. Or a Mazda.
On sales: I think they'll sell. But it is a very price-sensitive proposition, and if I were VP of Marketing, I'd be pushing like a bulldozer for some hugely enticing introductory lease rates. Nothing so guarantees success like out of the gate sales.
As far as "conquest" sales go, well, I'm in a Lexus now, and very seriously considering this as my next car. I think that says something. Unfortunately, I think it says even more about Lexus than it does Audi! [-)
"If I want AWD, I'll probably pick an Audi over a BMW, but if not getting AWD, then Audi isn't even on the list.... "
That is your view and the view of many these past few years.
BUT times do change! The new BMW e90xi and xti will be equipped with x-drive.Based on what I read(I have not tested it), x drive is just as good, if not better than Quattro.
Based on my preferences I would drive a BMW 130xi(if it does exist sometime in the future) versus a A3 3.2 quattro.
Comments
2) no charge
3) no
4) no
And, yes, i'm going to go visit germany/france anyhoo and i'll have a car to drive while i'm there ( if i go this route ). So i subtract the cost of a rental in my head.
I agree with your concerns with the next 3.
dave
Sounds like a great plan.
but are there not warranty issues in USA/Canada if you buy a car from Europe?
Hell, playing tourist in Germany and France (or Switzerland, Austria, Spain, etc.) in my new car sounds like a blast to me. Wonder what valet parking at the Crillion goes for these days? ]-} Or a room at the Crillion, for that matter? [-(
Nice day trip out to Vaux le Vicomte... I could do that!
|-)
Driving in the Autobahn with my cousin's Trabant was quite an experience that I am stlill trying to forget.
With a new A3/E90 I am sure the experience will be more tranquilizing.
The funniest thing was, the first few times i drove after being back in the states, i punched my driver's door when trying to shift. My brother got a giant kick out of that.
I wonder why Audi doesn't do euro delivery. Mercedes, BMW, Saab, and Volvo all do. It'd make the a3 an even better deal.
you mention the follwoing: "a lack of a 330it for US consumption"
Please refer to the website on my post #192. It states the following:
"The next addition to the family is the 3 Series wagon, which should arrive in North America late this fall as a 2006 model. It will make its public debut in September at the Frankfurt auto show, and should be in showrooms by November. Engine choices will be similar to those for the sedan. "
Note the last sentence---Engine choices will be similar to those for the sedan! I believe that means it will include a 330xit!
http://info.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.cfm
Don and jwb: what the deuce do you mean by hogging all the A3 production in Penn? Spread it around a bit!
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The black manual stickered for about 25.5 or so (ballpark since the sticker wasn't on it). Really no options.
The silver DSG had Premium, sound, cold, and something else that I forget. No roof (seems the first batch didn't have them). MSRP $30.085.
Anyway, look real nice in person. The silver looked much better than a very dirty black one. Lots of room inside. I even (at 6') had enough room to sit behind myself without feeling compacted. Good amount of room in the trunk too, especially since the squared off back doesn't impede the height.
Nice comfy seats, although I only sat on the base cloth (manual adjustments) since I drove and inspected the strippo model.
Driving was very, very nice. Real quick, and pulled hard in all gears. Decent shifter, nice clutch, and without the traditional engage in your face VW action. Steering/handling was very sharp. It reacted quick, and gripped well. Real easy to drive fast.
Didn't notice road noise, but you get a nice snarl from the engine when you punch it. FUn, and sounds good too!
The 2.0 has so much pull, I really can't see the need for the V6 on something this size. Maybe a DSG Quattro with the extra weight, but the 2.0 is a sweet engine.
One thing that I know will annoy some people is the console. It has TT like grab handles (where the console meets the center stack, ahead of the shifter) that are fairly pronounced, and somewhat hard. It looks like your right leg will spend it's time resting on it, unless you drive really stretched out (and have gorilla arms). Just ahrd to reach the clutch that way!
Might have to go back and drive a DSG just to see what it is like. Sales guy was gushing over how slick it was. Mileage on the DSG was 25/31 IIRC, the stick is supposed to be a couple MPGs higher.
In summary, if I decide to spurge on an upgrade, this is now the front runner, assuming I like it with the skyroof (moonroof a must havve for me). And they put on a killer lease deal to get them moving, since I don't plan to buy a brand new design from Audi with me taking all the exposure!
I do want to check out the Volvo V50 T5 for comparision, but I don't think it will have the fun factor.
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Will it not be trivial for Dinan to make a chip for the 325i/xi that will make it have the same horsepower as the 330i, since the engine is basically the same? (And, of course, a factory 330i could be chipped to an even higher echelon...) I'm guessing the 330i's engine has some internal components that are more robust than the 325, but still, look at all the VW 1.8T variants.
I drove the s40T5 AWD with stick, and i thought it was a nice combination, and i didn't come close to stalling it, or if i did, i didn't realize it. It's really quiet at idle, but barks under WOT. The turbo lag with stick was minimal. The stick wasn't great i thought, but not awful either. I never missed a shift, FWIW. The auto, i thought, was bad laggy. However, i also think the 1.8T in the lighter jetta with stick does pretty well too.
I thought the seats in the s40 are really fantastic as well. But, i also really liked the seats in the new jetta, so the a3 may also fit me as well too.
I saw a article stating the 2.0L a3Q with a chip (250hp/trq) does 0-60 in 5.8. That's pretty good.
I have an out of town guest visiting here who's interested in audi, so we might test drive the a3 together.
dave
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2003 VW Passat 1.8T Tiptronic - miserable, hated it. May have had regular fuel, it was at a used car dealer.
2005 Subaru Legacy GT stick - didn't notice any lag, it's possible that it doesn't make all its power down low, but there is more than enough; it's easy to burn the clutch. I liked it.
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Now, small revvy engines that have all their power at high RPM's have a different sort of lag, but no one seems to talk about that.
dave
Just drive it and decide for yourself.
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It's unfortunate that most of the neat (metallic) colors are for sold orders only, as is the standalone Skyview option (without sport or premium packages).
The Audi dealership in Louisville recently moved in to their new facility next to the mall. It's a really nice building.
I really loved the A3, and will look seriously at getting one.
On the other hand the car had a sticker price of over 30K without a sun roof. I just can't see paying that much for a hatch back. I tried and couldn't come close to fitting a set of golf clubs in the back. The interior feels about the same size as the A4, but with less headroom in the back seat. I also sat in the manual without the leather seats and am not at all impressed with the cloth seats. I'm just coming off my second A4 lease and loved the leatherette seats. This car should grab the neoprene seats from the Volvo s40. I also recently test drove the S40 T5 AWD. I had no problems with the shift and that was also a lot of fun to drive.
At over 30K this car is 3K more than a better equipped Acura TSX. It's getting close to the Infinity G35X which has AWD and 280 HP. It's in the range of the Acura TL. Its a shade under the 325i and 325ix. It would be even closer to these cars with a sun roof.
I've been driving an Audi A4 Quatro for the last 6 and 1/2 years, but doubt my next one will be an Audi. You can just get more car from others in the same price range or for less.
Three years ago I thought the A4 had a superior driving experience to everything in its price range especially if you did not go wild on the options. Today, the others have pretty much caught up.
that's with the back seats up, correct? still, that's a bummer if you have to have the back seats down to just go golfing.
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The legacy is much bigger though.
Still, I think the A3 is a great driving car, and reasaonbly practical. I'm just concerned that the small premium hatchback at 30K price point might be a touch sell.
Really, this is a gussied-up Mazda3 hatch (from a functional perspective). It does have more power and goodies,but sells for about 8-10K more (depending on equipment). The Mazda seems to sell just fine, but 18K is a lot different market than 29K.
I will be going back in a couple of weeks to check out a sky roof model when it finally shows up. If Audi decides to offer a killer intro lease deal to get these babies flying off the lot, I might be takeable!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Compact is where I want to be. Past a certain point in size, I think the fun factor is at risk. There is something about the intimacy of a close cockpit and being able to actually reach four door handles from the driver's seat that adds to the overall experience; don't even ask me why!
Not that I'm in the market for a micro. But I don't care much for the expanding 3, A4 direction. They're getting to the point of becoming something far different from what they were to begin with.
As for the Mazda, if it were AWD (or better: RWD) and offered with a six, I'd jump in a heartbeat. That's one hip little car, if a bit tall in the saddle!
A AWD 6 cyl. Mazda3 would be a knock out!!! It would be too good to be true--I guess that is why it wont exist!!
There is very little competition in the niche that the Audi A3 is serving. While the Mazdaspeed 6 is in a very over crowded market segment, a 6 cyl. AWD Mazda3 selling at a reasonable price would enter a market that is under served and would be a GUARANTEED SUCCESS. With such a Mazda the pricing of the A3 would appear somewhat ridiculous. Also the new FWD VW GTIs or the new 200hp FWD Civic would most likely be toast against such a Mazda3.
DSG 24730
Sport 1638
Premium 1843
Metallic\Pearl 410
Cold 637
Sound 819
Sat 319
Open Sky 1001
Xenon 455
Convenience 614
Nav 1787
Nav+Sound 2606
Custom Paint 910
Destination 720
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/935/index.jsp
However, i think the a3 looks nicer inside and out. What really turned me off to the 9-3 sedan was the interior quality.
dave
All those little features, Corvette, are justifications of price based on content, but for me do little to enhance the package really. I accept them as part of the price of admission to get a well-turned, ultra-sharp driving AWD wagon with a six, but I' can live quite nicely without most of them. Much the same story as my present car. I wanted a six with leather and RWD in a compact. Left me with two choices and I took the better of the two, IMO, but I could have been quite comfy with less gadgetry.
OTOH, I could easily have upped the ante and gone German V8 wagon. Damn near did...
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I don't think the volvo is selling well,so might be able to get a good deal...the A3 is new....they probably won't deal cause its a new model....
Which car do I go with?
I don’t think there is any reliable data out yet on the NEW 2.0T engine or the 3.2 V6.
I think the A3 uses the same AWD system as the TT so you may check the TT’s reliability as far as the AWD system goes other than that I think it’s ALL new.
I think the Volvo T5 (in various forms) has been around for a while so there should be extensive data regarding its reliability.
I would test drive both and pick the one I like better. If there is no discernable differences between the two I would go to both dealers and let the bidding begin may the lowest bidder win!
Judging by my test drive of the 2.0 A3, the automatic, Quattro model would certainly be adequate in performance, but just short of the league of the S40 T5. The all wheel drive and automatic both work to sap the power.
I think the A3 is fairly priced in the 25-32k range. You can no doubt buy a cheaper car, and the A3 is not marketed that everyone can afford it.
Audi has enough of a loyal customer base that will buy A3's as well as bring in new customers.
This is my take on it, exactly.. Someone earlier (maybe not even in this discussion) stated that Audi owners tend to opt more often for AWD, but BMW owners generally do not... And that is exactly the reason.. FWD vs. RWD.
If I want AWD, I'll probably pick an Audi over a BMW, but if not getting AWD, then Audi isn't even on the list....
I'll also agree about the Mazda3.. If you are going FWD, I'd rather drop $22K on a Mazda3 with everything they offer, including Navigation, than $30K on an Audi A3.
regards,
kyfdx
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That's a big "bingo" to me. And I don't mean that in a mean-spirited way in the least. Audi is on my list for that reason (AWD) among a short list of others. To wit: Audi styling, even with the setback of the unfortunate Auto Union retro nose, is still the top rung on the ladder, IMO; Audi (and VW) interiors are second to none overall for clarity of purpose and supremely tasteful execution; Audi handling is (both in my limited experience and reportedly) crisp, tenacious and accurate, thanks to Quattro in large part and purposeful tuning.
Of those plusses, it's the AWD plusses of Quattro that really seems to distinguish. Without that, I would be seriously entertaining a well-trimmed VW cousin instead. Or a Mazda.
On sales: I think they'll sell. But it is a very price-sensitive proposition, and if I were VP of Marketing, I'd be pushing like a bulldozer for some hugely enticing introductory lease rates. Nothing so guarantees success like out of the gate sales.
As far as "conquest" sales go, well, I'm in a Lexus now, and very seriously considering this as my next car. I think that says something. Unfortunately, I think it says even more about Lexus than it does Audi!
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That is your view and the view of many these past few years.
BUT times do change! The new BMW e90xi and xti will be equipped with x-drive.Based on what I read(I have not tested it), x drive is just as good, if not better than Quattro.
Based on my preferences I would drive a BMW 130xi(if it does exist sometime in the future) versus a A3 3.2 quattro.