A3 Conclusions/Previews of Things to Come

ccd1ccd1 Member Posts: 140
edited March 2014 in Audi
After hanging around several Audi forums, the overwhelming conclusion is that the A3 3.2 is just not worth the extra money over the 2.0. If you want more power, the 2.0T can be chipped for 20-30 extra ponies, depending on the octane you are willing to put in the tank. Chip and add a rear anti-sway bar and you are done. Both can be done for FAR less than the cost of a 3.2. Quattro is all that will be missing.

For those who can wait, 2008 should be a REALLY interesting model year for the A3 and Audi in general. 2008 is the 1st year the US might get the S3 which uses a tricked out 2.0T to get 260-270 hp. The appearance of the S3 will coincide with the disappearance of the 3.2.

But the BIG news in 2008 is that one of Audi's turbo diesels will likely be an option on the A3. Reading reviews in parts of the world that already have the diesel, it pulls like a V6 and gets 40-50 mpg. With the addition of a diesel engine, the A3 may become one of the most practical sports machines around. My bet is that the diesel A3 will be the car to have.
Tagged:

Comments

  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    In Europe, Audi has a turbo and supercharged Diesel that - same old story, sign - they have no plans to bring to the USA. That diesel performs well and offers excellent fuel economy.

    Perhaps Audi will need to stop sending hand-me-downs (a VW trait, apparently) to the USA and get serious about introducing unique product as well as building a decent dealer network before they really take off here. Then again, they may be perfectly happy with their USA setup now.
  • ccd1ccd1 Member Posts: 140
    Audi has a diesel plan for the US, they just aren't ready to provide details. Take a look at the interview with an Audi VP at audiworld.com The second part of the interview in on Audi's diesel plans in the US

    There have been reports of diesel options on the TT and Q7. Something is headed our way, just don't know what and on which models it will be offerred first. The continual rise of gas prices can only encourage Audi to go forward with their plans
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    but audiworld.com did have this to say about the A3;

    "[for June, 2007], The Audi A3 recorded 665 sales in the U.S. , with most sales coming from the all-important Southern California market."

    Wonder what the model mix was (2.0 .vs. 3.2)?
  • ccd1ccd1 Member Posts: 140
    It's right there. Click on audiworld.com and look! The site talk about an interview with some Audi VP on Audi's US Diesel Strategy
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    yes, it was right up at the very top of the site page, not within the news postings I saw and looked over on last visit. thanks!

    I try to keep up on Audi info, given they are one of the more innovative auto companies these days. Unfortunately, no dealer is close at hand, and I am still waiting for A3 reliability info before deciding.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,901
    i'm in San Diego, and looking for fun routes to take in my A3? Any suggestions.
    '21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    There are various mountain roads around San Diego, but if you want REAL thrills, take Decker Canyon road (route 23) from Pacific Coast Highway (the junction is west of Los Angeles but before Point Mugu) and drive up to Ojai. You will get bucket loads of hair-pin turns threading through various mountain ranges plus ascent and descent into several valleys.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,901
    Thanks for the recommendations! I'll be going up to Ventura in February and I'll probably be racing through that route 23 in my A3 Sport DSG 2.0T. Tell the CHP to take the month off in February.

    Any other recommendations in Southern CA besides 23 for having a blast driving a car that handles like its on rails?
    '21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Well, there is Pacific Coast Highway / Route 1 that goes along the ocean from LA up to Oxnard/Point Mugu. Also, Kanan Dune Road is another N-S road between Route 1 and the 101 freeway that snakes through various tunnels.

    Meanwhile should you go over the grapevine / I-5 on way to points north, you can go north on route 33 instead which has lots of sweeping turns from somewhere near Taft/S-end of central valley) up through Hollister.

    Or should you go up I-5 to Coalinga, you can cross over from I-5 to 101 using 198 (lots of twists and turns and hills on that one).
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles