omg that A3 is beautiful, even for the 5-door. But only fwd if you insist on a clutch... I guess I can live with that, but I was hoping that by the time I had that sort of money I could look into something less understeery.
Just back from the UK, where I drove a 3.2 A3 for 10 days. Bright red, leather, xenon, nav system (the TV system had not been activated).
This car is fast, so fast that I was pushed back in my seat when accelerating. Handled extremely well. Much more expensive over there. I believe the sticker was about GBP 30,000. I was thinking about buying an A3 in May, but decided on an A4. The car is a perfect size for the UK, but didn't want to always have to fold down the rear seats every time I wanted to carry something beyond a small size. Got an A4 last month.
Honestly Ivan, I was so entranced by the way the DSG shifted manually that I didn't spend much time in the full auto mode. Based on my short drive I'd say it was as smooth as any good autobox
but they are so smooth that I'd be hard pressed to say the DSG was any better.
Autoweek's Top Ten for next year. Entry #2 is of interest.
Hey Dave! LTNS. How ya been?
DSG really does seem total next-gen to me. The main objections to typical automatics have always been lack of control, slower acceleration and torque converters. This unit pretty much erases the bulk of those objections. The control is there, the shifts are even better and there's no TC. Part of the fun factor will still be missing, like throwing a stick around with practised precision, but the performance issues have been soundly addressed, it seems.
Anywho, that discussion is secondary for me. This appears to be the right size, power, style and attitude in a car for my tastes. I will only miss my RWD, though Andy assures me that won't last long.
I will only miss my RWD, though Andy assures me that won't last long.
I recall seeing an interview where Herr Pischetsreider said that future AWD Audis will have a Quattro system which defaults to a rearward bias rather than the current 50/50 split in most Quattro models.
It figures that a guy who ran BMW for some years would understand that folks who go for sporty rides prefer a rwd feel.
Unfortunately you won't see this setup on the '05 A3.
I was playing around with the configurator on the UK site. What fun! Man, I hope they send that icy blue color our way. It's very hip. Choice little ride all the way around.
I wonder if they could stuff a 4.2 in there... ]-}
I have just seen a movie on the new A3 at the Audi Canada website. Does that mean we'll be getting it soon in Canada? I'd appreciate anyone letting me know when it is expected - and what engines/specs/prices are slated for Canada.
Saw this at the Phila. auto show last Saturday. Looks very very nice in person. COuldn't get up close since it was on a platform, but the interior looked sharp (from peering in the open doors).
This is exactly the style/size car that I was looking for. I bought a Scion tC last year, but now wish I had waited. The A3 is probably faster, and has rear doors, not to mention more comfort and goodies. The tC is fun, but not particularly comfortable for me (it's a little cramped).
I can't wait to see one. The Audi rep said they should arrive in April. For a change, the one I would want (FWD with a stick) will be out first!
And yes, this looks like a nice replacement for an IS300 Sportcross (I might have gotten one of them if they had put the 5 speed in it).
Unfortuneatel (for Audi), if it pushes all my buttons, it will probably bomb in the "bigger is better" marketplace, which sounds like a good reason to lease.
OK Audi, intro it with a killer lease deal, and we might be able to do business...
I agree that it would have been nice to sit in the A3, but peering in (from a distance), it looked sharp.
I actually don't recall liking the Jetta interior (or exterior for that matter). Can't remember if it wasn't comfy, or just bugged me for some reason, but I know I didn't care for it.
I think they need to offer it, even though I'd take the DSG anyway. Not offering a manual in this segment across all powertrain choices is a KOD. Just ask Lexus...
Audi had a US version A3 open for all to sit in on the opening Thursday night of the show. It was the 2.0 turbo. They had a $32000 CDN suggested retail price on it. It has a very polished interior. I found the seats a touch harder than I am used to but I will get over it. The back seats are a little small but I have small kids so thats ok. The sun roof is huge. I am going to old out for the 3.2 AWD DSG.
They have a red Sportcross with black leather on show at the Milwaukee Greater Auto show. Had a look at it on Saturday. It is one very nice car. Now I also had a look at a sportcross in the UK in November and that car had a tan interior which simply blew away the black leather one at the Milwaukee show.
This would be Number 1 on my list of replacement cars if it were not for the fact that we need something bigger for my wife and so we're are 90% sure we'll get a Ford Freestyle. Hey, its not too bad though because I will get her A4 Avant and by the time that is due for replacement the A3 3.0 DSG, or perhaps even an S3 will be available (Grin on the S3 - My best friend in the UK has an S3 and that thing scares me silly - especially when he decided to take a roundabout at 80mph in the rain!! But that's is another story....)
I notice that the Audiusa site now has the A3 listed with the other current entires. I'm thinking the configurator is just a shake away from a switch-flipping.
Now that's exciting, even though the powertrain option I want won't get here until next year. Hurry up, Spingtime! ;-)
Not that it has anything to do with the US price, but saw an ad in a Taiwan magazine for the new A3: 2.0 FSI for NT$1.46M, roughly 47K USD, and 3.2 DSG loaded for NT$2.1M, or 68K USD, talk about craziness
Yeah, I'm taking a step backward, IMO, in considering AWD. FWD is a no go for me.
I'm not usually one for mega-displacement myself, but a four doesn't really interest me. Sixes to open, thanks.
Play around on the UK site's configurator for a bit. It's dead loads of fun! Try to figure out which options will get left behind completely, and which will end up as packages! The whole Open Sky roof thing intrigues me, and I'm not usually insistent on moonroofs and such.
I love the idea of an A3--But does not suit my family needs or Home Depot/Costco shopping cargo space requirements. There is nothing worse than having grumpy kids in the backseat with milk bags and orange juice cartons over their knees.
Despite the fact that I would prefer to drive a A3 versus a A4 Avant, I would pick an A4---space for me is a priority.
Honestly, Dewey, I've been using my IS300 wagon for HD duty and grocery for two years now, and it handles all with grace, speed and style.
True, for the long jaunts and the really big loads I use the Town & Country, but a compact wagon can handle a remarkable payload!
Ivan: For real on the DSG? I really think it's the future of transmissions. CVT be damned.
It's interesting, though, that when shopping the S4 Avant, I learned that the 6-spd Tiptronic and the 4.2 actually rates better mileage than the 6spd manual and the 4.2! Pretty neat.
DSG I agree. I was amazed when the CVT came out but floored when I heard of the DSG.
The comparison specs between a DSG and 6 speed manual transmissions I’ve seen are only for the 3.2 Quattro. The 2.0T specs compare a Quattro to a front-wheel drive (so not useful for tranny comparisons)
These specs are for the European estimates and in l/100km but still useful for comparison purposes.
For an A3 Sportback with a 3.2L engine and Quattro
Very interesting article on Audi, as is the claim about the A8 outselling the 7-Series and S-Class with similar engines in Germany. I like Winterkorn's approach a lot. I've been wanting Audi to get serious for years, looks like they're on their way to doing so. Now lets see that LeMans Quattro put into production and the Nuvolari!
"I've been using my IS300 wagon for HD duty and grocery for two years now, and it handles all with grace, speed and style."
As I said ideally I like smaller cars more than larger cars but.....
I am being very cautious about cargo space because my 99 BMW323 trunk is useless and there is no Minivan in our family. My wife refuses to give up her 83 MB300d. The trunk of my BMW is shared with a CD unit that gets in the way of anything that is bigger than a few grocery bags.
I will have to go to some website to compare the interior dimensions of the A3/A4 Avants. Rear seat space is critical since I would like it to accomodate more than two child seats. This is something my BMW cannot do---unless I have a very uncomfortable Aneroxic passenger behind.
That does not mean I am going to write off BMW. I definitely would consider a new and wider BMW 330xi Touring if it will exist in N. America(unlikely).
I also would shop a 330iT (I don't need the AWD down here in CA), but like you, I have doubts we'll see it here.
When testing the current 325, I felt it just wasn't up to pushing the extra heft of the wagon.
On the IS, one of the things that makes it palatable for daily use and mid-range trips (1-2 hours) with my two young'uns (9 and 11) is that it's the only car I've ever owned in which I don't push my seat all the way back. Even in my '65 Olds 98 I pushed the seat all the way back. Hopefully, driving position in the A3 will be somewhat similar! I makes quite a difference.
Comments
Whaddya say, Andy? Is that a SportCross replacement?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I had a 2.8 in a 99 A6, it was 'ok'. Underway with the 5-spd auto it felt more lively than at a stop light.
I had a 2.8 in a 99 A6, it was 'ok'. Underway with the 5-spd auto it felt more lively than at a stop light.
This car is fast, so fast that I was pushed back in my seat when accelerating. Handled extremely well. Much more expensive over there. I believe the sticker was about GBP 30,000. I was thinking about buying an A3 in May, but decided on an A4. The car is a perfect size for the UK, but didn't want to always have to fold down the rear seats every time I wanted to carry something beyond a small size. Got an A4 last month.
but they are so smooth that I'd be hard pressed to say the DSG was any better.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=8068
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Perhaps VW will make some when the new GTI arrives with the DSG (all the tests I've seen were M6s).
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
dave
Autoweek's Top Ten for next year. Entry #2 is of interest.
Hey Dave! LTNS. How ya been?
DSG really does seem total next-gen to me. The main objections to typical automatics have always been lack of control, slower acceleration and torque converters. This unit pretty much erases the bulk of those objections. The control is there, the shifts are even better and there's no TC. Part of the fun factor will still be missing, like throwing a stick around with practised precision, but the performance issues have been soundly addressed, it seems.
Anywho, that discussion is secondary for me. This appears to be the right size, power, style and attitude in a car for my tastes. I will only miss my RWD, though Andy assures me that won't last long.
Can't wait to try it out...
I see this as revolutionary
When I first heard of DSG I immediately thought that there would be commercials everywhere, print ads, and interviews on the evening news with Audi.
There was nothing.
I recall seeing an interview where Herr Pischetsreider said that future AWD Audis will have a Quattro system which defaults to a
rearward bias rather than the current 50/50 split in most Quattro models.
It figures that a guy who ran BMW for some years would understand that folks who go for sporty rides prefer a rwd feel.
Unfortunately you won't see this setup on the '05 A3.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I was playing around with the configurator on the UK site. What fun! Man, I hope they send that icy blue color our way. It's very hip. Choice little ride all the way around.
I wonder if they could stuff a 4.2 in there... ]-}
The A3 with a glass-plus roof? I like.
This little beauty is looking more and more like the next waler every day. One year, three months and counting...
Certainly beats the tar out of everything I've heard planned for the replacement of my current car.
Thanks.
This is exactly the style/size car that I was looking for. I bought a Scion tC last year, but now wish I had waited. The A3 is probably faster, and has rear doors, not to mention more comfort and goodies. The tC is fun, but not particularly comfortable for me (it's a little cramped).
I can't wait to see one. The Audi rep said they should arrive in April. For a change, the one I would want (FWD with a stick) will be out first!
And yes, this looks like a nice replacement for an IS300 Sportcross (I might have gotten one of them if they had put the 5 speed in it).
Unfortuneatel (for Audi), if it pushes all my buttons, it will probably bomb in the "bigger is better" marketplace, which sounds like a good reason to lease.
OK Audi, intro it with a killer lease deal, and we might be able to do business...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Stickguy: If there's any way to make a lease work in your favor tax-wise (legally of course), I'd say that's the way to go.
It's still the odds-on favorite for my replacement car.
I thought the interior of the new jetta really was extremely impressive. It made some much more expensive cars look bad.
I actually don't recall liking the Jetta interior (or exterior for that matter). Can't remember if it wasn't comfy, or just bugged me for some reason, but I know I didn't care for it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
This would be Number 1 on my list of replacement cars if it were not for the fact that we need something bigger for my wife and so we're are 90% sure we'll get a Ford Freestyle. Hey, its not too bad though because I will get her A4 Avant and by the time that is due for replacement the A3 3.0 DSG, or perhaps even an S3 will be available (Grin on the S3 - My best friend in the UK has an S3 and that thing scares me silly - especially when he decided to take a roundabout at 80mph in the rain!! But that's is another story....)
Now that's exciting, even though the powertrain option I want won't get here until next year. Hurry up, Spingtime!
;-)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
IIRC, the 2.0 here should be around $25K for openers, with the 3.2 coming in around $27.5-$28K.
I'd like to fully load a 3.2 DSG up and come away for under $35. That would be a green light for me all the way around.
Now, if that was under 25K, I might be swapping #s with the Audi dealer.
Even better, a killer intro lease on that basic car, in case it doesn't turn out to be a long term keeper. Or I get the itch again!
The new 2.0 sounds like a nice motor though. 3.2 probably overkill in something this size.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
With the stick, I could live with the 2.0 Quattro... for $28K, loaded up..
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I'm not usually one for mega-displacement myself, but a four doesn't really interest me. Sixes to open, thanks.
Play around on the UK site's configurator for a bit. It's dead loads of fun! Try to figure out which options will get left behind completely, and which will end up as packages! The whole Open Sky roof thing intrigues me, and I'm not usually insistent on moonroofs and such.
1. Kind of fuel needed (I expect premium),
2. MPG (aprox. is fine)
2.0 turbo FSI
multitronic (CVT): 24/32
manual, FrontTrak: 22/34
manual, quattro: 22/31
Tiptronic: 22/30
3.2
Tiptronic, quattro: 19/26 mpg
I'd imagine the A3 carries a tad less weight, so those numbers should be better for it.
Andy: does DSG offer any fuel economy advantage over Tip?
Hope this site is accessible to everyone:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_11/b3924003.htm
I love the idea of an A3--But does not suit my family needs or Home Depot/Costco shopping cargo space requirements. There is nothing worse than having grumpy kids in the backseat with milk bags and orange juice cartons over their knees.
Despite the fact that I would prefer to drive a A3 versus a A4 Avant, I would pick an A4---space for me is a priority.
New Passat Wagon looks fairly large as well.
True, for the long jaunts and the really big loads I use the Town & Country, but a compact wagon can handle a remarkable payload!
Ivan: For real on the DSG? I really think it's the future of transmissions. CVT be damned.
It's interesting, though, that when shopping the S4 Avant, I learned that the 6-spd Tiptronic and the 4.2 actually rates better mileage than the 6spd manual and the 4.2! Pretty neat.
The comparison specs between a DSG and 6 speed manual transmissions I’ve seen are only for the 3.2 Quattro. The 2.0T specs compare a Quattro to a front-wheel drive (so not useful for tranny comparisons)
These specs are for the European estimates and in l/100km but still useful for comparison purposes.
For an A3 Sportback with a 3.2L engine and Quattro
6 Speed/DSG
Urban 14.8 / 13.9
Extra Urban 8.2 / 7.6
Overall 10.6 / 9.9
Also 0-100km/h 6.4 / 6.3
The room looks good in there.
M
My car:
My potential future car:
Hmmmmm...
;-)
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Guess we all know why then... ;-)
As I said ideally I like smaller cars more than larger cars but.....
I am being very cautious about cargo space because my 99 BMW323 trunk is useless and there is no Minivan in our family. My wife refuses to give up her 83 MB300d. The trunk of my BMW is shared with a CD unit that gets in the way of anything that is bigger than a few grocery bags.
I will have to go to some website to compare the interior dimensions of the A3/A4 Avants. Rear seat space is critical since I would like it to accomodate more than two child seats. This is something my BMW cannot do---unless I have a very uncomfortable Aneroxic passenger behind.
That does not mean I am going to write off BMW. I definitely would consider a new and wider BMW 330xi Touring if it will exist in N. America(unlikely).
When testing the current 325, I felt it just wasn't up to pushing the extra heft of the wagon.
On the IS, one of the things that makes it palatable for daily use and mid-range trips (1-2 hours) with my two young'uns (9 and 11) is that it's the only car I've ever owned in which I don't push my seat all the way back. Even in my '65 Olds 98 I pushed the seat all the way back. Hopefully, driving position in the A3 will be somewhat similar! I makes quite a difference.