I've driven it. It's a better car than my current e46 330i performance package. Better handling, better acceleration...just plain better.
By comparison, the looks of the A3 flow and "make sense". Even the huge new grille looks good in this context - it visually separates the car firmly from the new Jetta/Golf, which would otherwise look awfully similar up front. Uh, the A3 is a wagon. Mz3 is a decent looking wagon but in the end, it's still a wagon.
Oh, I don't doubt it, and the standard feature content is very impressive when compared with the last 330. Of course, even with the 3.2 (with Quattro) and DSG, I am not sure the A3 will really reach the heights of 330 wagon sticker prices (if there is a 330 wagon). I was referring to looks with my comment.
And I am firmly with wale, wagons and hatches rule! Sedans need not apply unless there is just nothing else that will do.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Anywho, the power of the estate, hatch, wagon, shooting brake, etc., is in it's cleanliness of form that clearly follows function! Reminds me of a line about bow ties (an article my father donned four days out of seven, as it never got in the way of a stethoscope): "What can one say about the average wearer of the bow tie? Nothing, for there is nothing average about the wearer of a bow tie..." :-]
that A3 thingie actually is kinda sexy for a wagon/hatchback. Has a surefooted, progressive, almost cocky look about it. I don't know which of the two you'd actually call it, because it's kind of a combination of both. I wonder how the headroom is in it? Does it have tilt steering standard?
looks pretty nice. Maybe I'll have to take one for a test drive sometime. Maybe bring my girlfriend along, and see how we fit in it. Normally I like bigger cars where you can stretch out and have easy access to everything without bending into obscene shapes that only a contortionist or sado-masochist would enjoy, but I kinda likethat little sucker.
the '76 LeMans I recently bought gave me a new appreciation for smaller cars. :shades:
Now normally, the only beef I have with smaller cars is that I feel cramped in them, and often I don't like the way they're proportioned, as I tend to like cars that look long and low. I do like the A3's style, though. And I'm sure that, being an Audi, even if it's small it's still going to have a beefy, substantial feel to it, moreso than a Corolla, Civic, etc would have.
I am pretty concerned with headroom. I don't like that on a lot of cars the roof curves down at the side. So, even if there is room directly over my head, i can't lean to the left. This is just what the a3 does. If it were flat roofed, i'd have few complaints. I sat in the RSX when it first came out and the saleslady chuckled at how unhappy i looked.
I also don't like cars to be "wide open" inside, preferring an intimate feel, but i don't want my head to whack the roof if i'm jostled. It's hard to find a nice compromise. There must be a lot of people built like me in sweden, because their cars always fit well.
I have that same problem with some cars, where either the roof curves down too much on the sides, or the windows/roof pillars curve in too far, putting the top of the door opening, glass, or some part of the car too close to my head.
I think sometimes it's just something that I see out of my peripheral vision too, and don't like having the side of the car that close to my head. Sometimes when driving a newer car, I'll often find myself subconsciously leaning over to the right while driving to compensate, and slouching/leaning on the armrest/console.
Now there's some conflict for me. I greatly enjoy the visual impact of a tapering greenhouse. I also have issues with field of vision intrusions though. Form previous choices, I'd say I'll live with form over function if the form is sexy enough for me. That old '95 Stratus ES I had was typical cab-forward with a real low junction of windshield and roof. Had to duck to see stoplights change! But the thing was a styling knockout (by comparison to the rest of the class, and IMO) plus a joy to drive (for a FWDer), so I found I could forget about the sightline violation.
Very few cars can make me live happily that way...
to see close-up traffic lights in my Intrepid, too. Same reason...roofline drops down low in front where it joins the windshield, and with me the whole thing is low enough that I actually look down at the rear view mirror, as opposed to older cars where it's a straight-on view, or even looking up slightly at it.
But now the replacement 300C/Magnum are just as bad. The roofline doesn't drop down as low in front, and the windshield is more upright, but the front of the roof is further forward, which still blocks out some of the view upward.
The a3 didn't have line of sight problems for me. I drove the new goat, however, and that sure did. I definitely would have had to scrunch down to see lights. No thanks! I don't care how cool a car is, i won't sacrifice a comfortable seating position.
I'm not in a hurry, i'll wait until the a3Q is here, then reassess the headroom issue.
you'll be sure to share your impressions of the A3 when you get done today, yes? :-)
I don't know what the actual numbers are, but my head feels more encroached on in the A3 than in my own car, which is coincidentally (given the remark above) an RSX. In the fornt of my car, that is. In the back seat there is no headroom at all in my car.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I think they pull some of those interior measurements out of a horse's aaaah....ear :P For instance, I've seen front legroom measurement quotes of something like 43"+ for the Subaru Legacy. I can't even FIT in a Legacy! And I was a bit worried when the Mopar LX cars came out, because the 300 is quoted at 41.8", almost a half inch less than the 42.2" of my Intrepid. I was worried that it would be too cramped to fit me, but somehow it comes off as feeling roomier! The new A3 is listed at something like 41.2", but I won't hold that against it, unless I try to sit in one and find I need to use some lube to squeeze in there! :surprise:
I test drove an a3 today. I'm 5 10" 220 lbs and it was fine. It certainly is not overly roomy, but it feels nice and snug. It drives and handles great. I sure would like to talk my wife in to one. Unfortunatly it will probably be a while before Audi offers any incentives on these sweet driving liitle things. I have also driven the legacy and it seemed tighter than the Audi. Just my two cents. Can we start a prices paid buying esperience pretty soon on these? Exscuse me, "experience" [Lucy you got some splaining to do] Viva la A3
HA as I was reading I was totally thinking of my mothers 1995 Stratus ( 40k miles currently) Any who I had some part in her purchasing it then. Now I cannot get past the rear view mirror being in my line of vision all the time .. :mad:
She's only got 40K? Whoa. I had mine for six years. Loved it. Right down to its slightly underpowered Mitsu 2.5L six. Thank goodness I never tried to change the rear bank of plugs myself...
Well, I spent a few shining moments with George Gonsalves out at Livermore Audi, who's the same salesguy I talked to when I tested the S4. His take was that I really need the '06 S4 Avant in Imola Yellow with the black/gray leather/Alcantara, and no, ordering one today would be no problem whatsoever! ;-]
You know what's refreshing, aside from seeing the same guy there after more than six months? It's when you ask a simple question of a salesman, and you get a straight answer. Like: "when will you get the 3.2 DSG Quattros, George?"
"January, Mr. Wale. Should I give you a call when they hit?"
"That would be great, and the 'Mr.' isn't necessary."
Almost any other lot, and it would have been "I don't think they're going to offer it", or "that option's been cancelled", or "you don't want that"!
The car is a tad boxier in person than in pics. Not enough to make a difference in lust, but enough to notice. It's just plain stunning, even on static display. The lust factor is huge, though those 16-spoke "bi-color" wheels seem a mistake to me. Too fussy for something so otherwise clean (note to self: real wheels have five spokes - forget the "upgrade" on the wheels). It's also a touch smaller on the outside than my current car, which didn't really surprise me much. In all they had eight on the lot and one in the showroom, with two more outside the service bays with "sold" stickers on. Three in silver, one in blue, two in black, and two in red. The sold ones were red and silver. They were split about 50/50 on loaded v. bare, but most (six) were 6M I think with two DSG.
What did surprise me was how much bigger it felt on the inside than one would think looking from the outside. I'm 6'0" and 183, and had zero difficulty finding comfort right away (I actually tried leaning left, Dave!). Bear in mind, though, that a lot of that 6' is leg. Note to self: this is how you do an entry-lux/sport-lux interior. You want cloth? Go for it. I'm taking the leather (tan) and definitely the sky roof thingy. The textures, materials, visual cues are totally unimpeachable. A true superlative in interior execution, especially considering the class. Like we all haven't heard that before! I think Lexus really needs to take some lessons home from this little baby before they release the IS250, but hey, that's just me. Since I didn't drive (no time), I can't make a call on layout, but it looked OK. That's really something you have to use to judge I think.
It's just a cool little car. You know what else I liked? George didn't pull a Lexus on me like when I shopped my IS. He was clearly less enthusiastic about me considering an A3 than an S4 Avant (duh), but he was genuinely enthusiatic about the car, as well as fairly up to date on the specs. That's nice. I mean, we're a pack of on-line dweebs who pack away all sorts of little details that are rarely germane to the sales process, but he had all the big chunks down solid. I can fill in the blanks. Gives you a certain level of confidence! I also like it when they drive the product. George is in an '04 S4 black on black. Apparently he likes driving almost as much as selling.
I can see where the dimension might cause a problem, Dave.
Oh, the one in the showroom was gray. I really can't wait for a fashion shift that brings back some fun in color offerings. To me, silver and gray don't need to be offered at the same time. Pick one and run with it. Gimme a real green and a yellow and that copper would be nice. A silver blue is nice too, but balance it with a real deep Navy with no mica in it.
Too few offerings, and way too many dull, boring colors out there now.
yes only its the 2.4 four banger....I heard at the time about some engines falling in the ocean ? who knows. Biggest back seat Ive seen in a midsize tho..
All the guys/gals at the Audi dealer here drive Audi's. Don't know if its a part of the hiring process or not , but I like it. Unfortunatly I can't say the say about my BMW center
with a lot of my length being below the belt :shades: So legroom is usually the critical dimension for me. I'd be kinda curious to try out an A3, but I don't even know where there's an Audi dealer near me! I think the last time I checked, the local Buick dealer was looking to add Audis to the showroom once they couldn't get Opels anymore! :P
On the Sratus/Cirrus/Sebring sedan...those cars were (and are) some roomy little suckers when it comes to legroom. The published dimensions don't look so generous, but I can fit comfortably in one up front, and with the seat adjusted for me, I can still sit in the back without my knees touching. Sadly, there are plenty of much larger cars out there that actually feel more cramped inside to me. It's a shame that Chrysler hasn't paid much attention to these cars in recent years...if they developed it better they could've had something really nice on their hands.
Yeah, interior room in the entry mid-size class was a real consideration for me at that time. That's how the Ford Contour lost out! I agree, DCX had a good thing going that should've been updated carefully. The current ones are just blah.
16-spoke wheels aren't really bad on their own, but IMO they don't really work with the simplicity and clean lines of the rest of the car. They draw the eye too much I think. Besides, who the heck wants to sponge brake dust off all those dang spokes? Not me!
I like five or seven spoke wheels. More is too fussy, and even numbers like six are too industrial. How's that for opinionated? ;-]
I don't know about everyone else, but I know way too much about everyone's body structure now... This is the internet... By the way, I'm 6'4" 220 lbs, built like Ahnold, with a face like Brad Pitt.... :P
from what I recall, there was plenty of leg room, to the extent that I had to pull the seat up a ways to work the clutch. I'm 6', but more torwo than legs (32" inseam). I usually have problems with headroom if anything.
From someone who usually picks their wheels on easy of cleanliness. I hear what your saying. Surprisingly tho I kinda like the 16 spoke. Maybe cause Ive seen the others on the A4 for too long :confuse:
Today I took out a DSG with premium package. Well, I'm a converted fan of ther DSG. Wow. That's one amazing tranny. It feels a tad creepy getting lightning fast shifts and the sensation of coasting at the end of a stop is odd. I was a bit uncomfortable with it at first but within a few miles goofing around (runs from 60 to 110), I got used to it. Fast.
I still love the feel of a clutch pedal and I'm not certain I could trade in my 3 pedal cars for a DSG but I gotta say it wouldn't make me miserable like a traditional auto.
Big concerns - rebuilding costs. My god that's scary. Normal autos costs 4-5-6k to get fixed at 100k. I can only imagine what a DSG will be like when it goes bad. Yikes! The Audi/VW origins scare me too. Why is it German makes seem to come up with stuff like this before everybody else? Toyota will probably do it right like 5 years from now but I still don't get why airbags, anti-lock, etc come from Germany first. Weird.
BTW, I would not buy that premium package. The sport pack cars weren't available. i'll drive one when I can because the car feels a little soft in corners and it definitely has body roll.
Anyone know if VW's GTI will have the DSG too? That might be the best cheap option. Dunno...
The a3 I drove was impossible with a clutch. The clutch needed to be depressed totally and that was blocked by the footwell. It was tighter than past vw trannies but still not on par with honda.
nope, if i return to vw, the DSG wins. the response was insanely good. I still like the vw turbo more than bmw's inline 6 too. much more responsive engine, imho.
"Big concerns - rebuilding costs. My god that's scary. Normal autos costs 4-5-6k to get fixed at 100k. I can only imagine what a DSG will be like when it goes bad. Yikes! The Audi/VW origins scare me too. Why is it German makes seem to come up with stuff like this before everybody else?"
Well, there is always the extended warranty... Seriously, though, VW/Audi worked with the US supplier BorgWarner to build this - so you can't blame (real or perceived) European lack of reliability if it fails.
As to your last point, there are quite a number of people in Europe who think that cutting edge science and engineering are crucial for the future of the area. I let you guess what they think of Kansas, at the moment...
You seem to be forgetting that U.S. employs largest number of Nobel Prize winners. Even if some of them are from abroad, who forbids Germans or French to do the same? How about space shuttle (I know - it blew up twice, but nobody else got even close to such technology), biotech, computer science, etc?
I think the view of European vehicles can be also skewed by the selection reaching the US. At their home market VW makes Lupo, Audi A4 comes base with 1.6L (I think), BMW 3-series base is 316, etc. A3 may be even coming with a smaller engine. Leather seats and climate control are in minority of those cars (that's why you see Mercedes cabs everywhere: they are basic versions with four or five cylinder diesel engines; some of them don't even have regular AC standard). Passenger front airbags are still options, curtain airbags are almost unheard of (probably less than 5% of vehicles sold, including "premium" brands).
It is like judging all American cars by looking only at Cadillacs and Lincolns. No matter what you think about their quality, they definitely may be perceived as quite advanced and luxurious. Remeber the unique option of infra-red view enhancer on Deville?
Well, there is always the extended warranty... Seriously, though, VW/Audi worked with the US supplier BorgWarner to build this - so you can't blame (real or perceived) European lack of reliability if it fails.
Why not? Audi was involved in the engineering and the greenlighted the car. If the tranny turns out to be junk it's entirely Audi's fault. They engineered it and picked the supplier, so all responsibility rests on them. both Audi and BMW have blamed vendors for the bad coil packs on cars I've owned. Both times I quickly dismissed that line of reasoning spread by my service advisor. I don't want Audi/BMW saying, "Uh it's the manufacturer's fault your engine stopped working." No, it's BMW/Audi's fault for picking a bad vendor.
I will lease, as usual, and as usual, the car will be under warranty from day one through day 1095 when I turn it in.
Bullet proof is all relative. I'm in a wallowing hippo RX330 today because of Toyota's bullet-proof reliability. Caught a small pseudo-grinding noise pulling out of a parking lot on Friday afternoon which I mistook for one of the floppy dams up front touching concrete (obviously my hearing's none too good anymore), and as I topped the hill near home, noticed the Check Engine light on and Trac Control light flashing, but no other symptoms.
Lordy, I miss my car when it's in the shop.
I maintain my position (broadly generalized, so grain of salt please) that real innovations in creating apps don't come from Japan, but rather refinement of said apps now does. So it makes perfect sense to me that a (IMO) truly significant innovation like DSG wasn't going to come from Japan, but almost anywhere else, and Germany would be my first thought, because it is a performance app. If there are any bugs in it, the German company will unfortunately allow them to exist until the Japanese company innovates a proccess of manufacturing (their real strength) that refines the app and works the bugs out.
I'm not keen on leasing a third time but you may be right. Especially with a new-fangled wacky stuff like DSG on an Audi/VW it's probably a good idea.
Wish I weren't so torn on this... fun but semi-luxurious = 330i - fun with compromise = miata, fun and utility = A3/Mazda3, fun, small and cheap = WRX/GTI.
Fun and insane and I should do it while I'm still young enough to have the necessary reaction times = S4 Avant... ;-]
I like leasing, especially as the cost passes the $30K mark. Consistently more gizmology coupled with compounded tech in drivetrains means to me that I'm not keeping anything past warranty. An most extendeds are ripoffs, IMO, covering a multitude of things that are most unlikely suspects in the first place and leaving you in the cold on others. But I can also write off a portion of it legitimately, and that makes a difference. I also like turning cars in 3yrs or so. I get bored, and there's always something new and shiny out there calling to me. Much like your typical magpie!
I'm taken with the A3. I think, in the absence of a dark horse entry in the IS lineup, which I don't see now, it's coming down to whether I stay sane with the A3, or go nuts on the S4. I'll drive the E90 touring, but I'm not anticipating going that way right now.
BTW, I'm glad we're all square on proportions now! ROFL!
I'd say that's outstanding, and y'all got my favorite color/material combo. Can you see green on your screen now? That'd be my jealous streak... ;-]
I don't understand how you got a white one, since they show that as a special order only color on the website. Is it Arctic White or Brilliant White (maybe I should forego the website, eh Nippon?)?
Congrats and enjoy. Nippon and I are Bay Area; where are you, ralpher (in general terms)?
Comments
I've driven it. It's a better car than my current e46 330i performance package. Better handling, better acceleration...just plain better.
By comparison, the looks of the A3 flow and "make sense". Even the huge new grille looks good in this context - it visually separates the car firmly from the new Jetta/Golf, which would otherwise look awfully similar up front.
Uh, the A3 is a wagon. Mz3 is a decent looking wagon but in the end, it's still a wagon.
We believe you can take that as gospel.
We have spoken. [-P
And I am firmly with wale, wagons and hatches rule! Sedans need not apply unless there is just nothing else that will do.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Hosts... sheesh! ;-}
Anywho, the power of the estate, hatch, wagon, shooting brake, etc., is in it's cleanliness of form that clearly follows function! Reminds me of a line about bow ties (an article my father donned four days out of seven, as it never got in the way of a stethoscope): "What can one say about the average wearer of the bow tie? Nothing, for there is nothing average about the wearer of a bow tie..."
:-]
Here's the link:
http://www.audiusa.com/configurator_powertrain/0,,13___,00.html?bodystyle=a3sedan&referrin- - gPage=buildallmodels_theater
Enjoy!
As for headroom, it was a tight for me, but i sit very tall. I'm pretty sure the steering is tilt.
I agree with everyone here, it seems, that the a3 is very sharp looking.
The steering is tilt/telescope, I am pretty sure. I do love the look of the car myself.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Now normally, the only beef I have with smaller cars is that I feel cramped in them, and often I don't like the way they're proportioned, as I tend to like cars that look long and low. I do like the A3's style, though. And I'm sure that, being an Audi, even if it's small it's still going to have a beefy, substantial feel to it, moreso than a Corolla, Civic, etc would have.
We'll see later today.
:-]
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
;-]
I also don't like cars to be "wide open" inside, preferring an intimate feel, but i don't want my head to whack the roof if i'm jostled. It's hard to find a nice compromise. There must be a lot of people built like me in sweden, because their cars always fit well.
dave
I think sometimes it's just something that I see out of my peripheral vision too, and don't like having the side of the car that close to my head. Sometimes when driving a newer car, I'll often find myself subconsciously leaning over to the right while driving to compensate, and slouching/leaning on the armrest/console.
My biggest problem in most cars is legroom.
Very few cars can make me live happily that way...
But now the replacement 300C/Magnum are just as bad. The roofline doesn't drop down as low in front, and the windshield is more upright, but the front of the roof is further forward, which still blocks out some of the view upward.
I'm not in a hurry, i'll wait until the a3Q is here, then reassess the headroom issue.
dave
I don't know what the actual numbers are, but my head feels more encroached on in the A3 than in my own car, which is coincidentally (given the remark above) an RSX. In the fornt of my car, that is. In the back seat there is no headroom at all in my car.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
DL
Well, I spent a few shining moments with George Gonsalves out at Livermore Audi, who's the same salesguy I talked to when I tested the S4. His take was that I really need the '06 S4 Avant in Imola Yellow with the black/gray leather/Alcantara, and no, ordering one today would be no problem whatsoever! ;-]
You know what's refreshing, aside from seeing the same guy there after more than six months? It's when you ask a simple question of a salesman, and you get a straight answer. Like: "when will you get the 3.2 DSG Quattros, George?"
"January, Mr. Wale. Should I give you a call when they hit?"
"That would be great, and the 'Mr.' isn't necessary."
Almost any other lot, and it would have been "I don't think they're going to offer it", or "that option's been cancelled", or "you don't want that"!
The car is a tad boxier in person than in pics. Not enough to make a difference in lust, but enough to notice. It's just plain stunning, even on static display. The lust factor is huge, though those 16-spoke "bi-color" wheels seem a mistake to me. Too fussy for something so otherwise clean (note to self: real wheels have five spokes - forget the "upgrade" on the wheels). It's also a touch smaller on the outside than my current car, which didn't really surprise me much. In all they had eight on the lot and one in the showroom, with two more outside the service bays with "sold" stickers on. Three in silver, one in blue, two in black, and two in red. The sold ones were red and silver. They were split about 50/50 on loaded v. bare, but most (six) were 6M I think with two DSG.
What did surprise me was how much bigger it felt on the inside than one would think looking from the outside. I'm 6'0" and 183, and had zero difficulty finding comfort right away (I actually tried leaning left, Dave!). Bear in mind, though, that a lot of that 6' is leg. Note to self: this is how you do an entry-lux/sport-lux interior. You want cloth? Go for it. I'm taking the leather (tan) and definitely the sky roof thingy. The textures, materials, visual cues are totally unimpeachable. A true superlative in interior execution, especially considering the class. Like we all haven't heard that before! I think Lexus really needs to take some lessons home from this little baby before they release the IS250, but hey, that's just me. Since I didn't drive (no time), I can't make a call on layout, but it looked OK. That's really something you have to use to judge I think.
It's just a cool little car. You know what else I liked? George didn't pull a Lexus on me like when I shopped my IS. He was clearly less enthusiastic about me considering an A3 than an S4 Avant (duh), but he was genuinely enthusiatic about the car, as well as fairly up to date on the specs. That's nice. I mean, we're a pack of on-line dweebs who pack away all sorts of little details that are rarely germane to the sales process, but he had all the big chunks down solid. I can fill in the blanks. Gives you a certain level of confidence! I also like it when they drive the product. George is in an '04 S4 black on black. Apparently he likes driving almost as much as selling.
I'll be seeing George again.
As for the headroom, i'm an inch shorter than you, but i have the legs of a person who's 5'4.
dave
Oh, the one in the showroom was gray. I really can't wait for a fashion shift that brings back some fun in color offerings. To me, silver and gray don't need to be offered at the same time. Pick one and run with it. Gimme a real green and a yellow and that copper would be nice. A silver blue is nice too, but balance it with a real deep Navy with no mica in it.
Too few offerings, and way too many dull, boring colors out there now.
All the guys/gals at the Audi dealer here drive Audi's. Don't know if its a part of the hiring process or not , but I like it. Unfortunatly I can't say the say about my BMW center
you didn't like the 16 spoke wheels :confuse:
DL
On the Sratus/Cirrus/Sebring sedan...those cars were (and are) some roomy little suckers when it comes to legroom. The published dimensions don't look so generous, but I can fit comfortably in one up front, and with the seat adjusted for me, I can still sit in the back without my knees touching. Sadly, there are plenty of much larger cars out there that actually feel more cramped inside to me. It's a shame that Chrysler hasn't paid much attention to these cars in recent years...if they developed it better they could've had something really nice on their hands.
16-spoke wheels aren't really bad on their own, but IMO they don't really work with the simplicity and clean lines of the rest of the car. They draw the eye too much I think. Besides, who the heck wants to sponge brake dust off all those dang spokes? Not me!
I like five or seven spoke wheels. More is too fussy, and even numbers like six are too industrial. How's that for opinionated?
;-]
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Don't start us down that terrible, terrible, slippery slope.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
DL <-- sparing the crowd his dimensions.
I still love the feel of a clutch pedal and I'm not certain I could trade in my 3 pedal cars for a DSG but I gotta say it wouldn't make me miserable like a traditional auto.
Big concerns - rebuilding costs. My god that's scary. Normal autos costs 4-5-6k to get fixed at 100k. I can only imagine what a DSG will be like when it goes bad. Yikes! The Audi/VW origins scare me too. Why is it German makes seem to come up with stuff like this before everybody else? Toyota will probably do it right like 5 years from now but I still don't get why airbags, anti-lock, etc come from Germany first. Weird.
BTW, I would not buy that premium package. The sport pack cars weren't available. i'll drive one when I can because the car feels a little soft in corners and it definitely has body roll.
Anyone know if VW's GTI will have the DSG too? That might be the best cheap option. Dunno...
And hey, I thought GM did airbags first. It just didn't install them in its cars - it let Mercedes beat it to that.
The A3 has a nice clutch, you couldn't get me to trade three pedals for the DSG.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
nope, if i return to vw, the DSG wins. the response was insanely good. I still like the vw turbo more than bmw's inline 6 too. much more responsive engine, imho.
Well, there is always the extended warranty...
Seriously, though, VW/Audi worked with the US supplier BorgWarner to build this - so you can't blame (real or perceived) European lack of reliability if it fails.
As to your last point, there are quite a number of people in Europe who think that cutting edge science and engineering are crucial for the future of the area. I let you guess what they think of Kansas, at the moment...
I think the view of European vehicles can be also skewed by the selection reaching the US. At their home market VW makes Lupo, Audi A4 comes base with 1.6L (I think), BMW 3-series base is 316, etc. A3 may be even coming with a smaller engine. Leather seats and climate control are in minority of those cars (that's why you see Mercedes cabs everywhere: they are basic versions with four or five cylinder diesel engines; some of them don't even have regular AC standard). Passenger front airbags are still options, curtain airbags are almost unheard of (probably less than 5% of vehicles sold, including "premium" brands).
It is like judging all American cars by looking only at Cadillacs and Lincolns. No matter what you think about their quality, they definitely may be perceived as quite advanced and luxurious. Remeber the unique option of infra-red view enhancer on Deville?
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Seriously, though, VW/Audi worked with the US supplier BorgWarner to build this - so you can't blame (real or perceived) European lack of reliability if it fails.
Why not? Audi was involved in the engineering and the greenlighted the car. If the tranny turns out to be junk it's entirely Audi's fault. They engineered it and picked the supplier, so all responsibility rests on them. both Audi and BMW have blamed vendors for the bad coil packs on cars I've owned. Both times I quickly dismissed that line of reasoning spread by my service advisor. I don't want Audi/BMW saying, "Uh it's the manufacturer's fault your engine stopped working." No, it's BMW/Audi's fault for picking a bad vendor.
Not like it's an ignition coil or anything... }-]
I will lease, as usual, and as usual, the car will be under warranty from day one through day 1095 when I turn it in.
Bullet proof is all relative. I'm in a wallowing hippo RX330 today because of Toyota's bullet-proof reliability. Caught a small pseudo-grinding noise pulling out of a parking lot on Friday afternoon which I mistook for one of the floppy dams up front touching concrete (obviously my hearing's none too good anymore), and as I topped the hill near home, noticed the Check Engine light on and Trac Control light flashing, but no other symptoms.
Lordy, I miss my car when it's in the shop.
I maintain my position (broadly generalized, so grain of salt please) that real innovations in creating apps don't come from Japan, but rather refinement of said apps now does. So it makes perfect sense to me that a (IMO) truly significant innovation like DSG wasn't going to come from Japan, but almost anywhere else, and Germany would be my first thought, because it is a performance app. If there are any bugs in it, the German company will unfortunately allow them to exist until the Japanese company innovates a proccess of manufacturing (their real strength) that refines the app and works the bugs out.
Can't wait to actually drive it!
Wish I weren't so torn on this... fun but semi-luxurious = 330i - fun with compromise = miata, fun and utility = A3/Mazda3, fun, small and cheap = WRX/GTI.
I like leasing, especially as the cost passes the $30K mark. Consistently more gizmology coupled with compounded tech in drivetrains means to me that I'm not keeping anything past warranty. An most extendeds are ripoffs, IMO, covering a multitude of things that are most unlikely suspects in the first place and leaving you in the cold on others. But I can also write off a portion of it legitimately, and that makes a difference. I also like turning cars in 3yrs or so. I get bored, and there's always something new and shiny out there calling to me. Much like your typical magpie!
I'm taken with the A3. I think, in the absence of a dark horse entry in the IS lineup, which I don't see now, it's coming down to whether I stay sane with the A3, or go nuts on the S4. I'll drive the E90 touring, but I'm not anticipating going that way right now.
BTW, I'm glad we're all square on proportions now! ROFL!
dave
White (apparently the only one in CA)
DSG
Premium package with beige leather interior.
Skyroof.
We're lucky to get a package with just the right number of options. Wife is driving it now.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
;-]
I don't understand how you got a white one, since they show that as a special order only color on the website. Is it Arctic White or Brilliant White (maybe I should forego the website, eh Nippon?)?
Congrats and enjoy. Nippon and I are Bay Area; where are you, ralpher (in general terms)?