Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Trust me, if RWD was my ONLY criterion upon which I'm basing my next car buying decision, I would be looking exclusively at things like the 3-Series, the Miata or even the S2000. The fact is that Audi has dumped lots of goodness into the A3 and currently it is at the top of my list in spite of the fact that the 2.0T model (the one that fits my current needs the best) is only FWD. So, what's number two? Probably the MX-5 Miata.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Give me a list, if you will please, of new compact RWD 5-doors or subcompact RWD 5-doors readily available here in the States, and I will pursue them with vigor and vim!
I added the G35 coupe to my personal mix just to have a RWD option to play. I don't even want a coupe! I spent years in FWD vehicles only to rediscover the elevated fun factor via a return to RWD. I'm not alone, obviously, as RWD offerings in general have been on the rise in almost all classifications.
The acceptance of Audi as a prospect for me, is based in very large part on the compromise of considering AWD, in which I think they have no equal. The fact that they can put the whole package together so nicely helps a great deal, but it is still a compromise. I don't even like the look of the 1-series, but I would take it in a heartbeat over an A3 were it here.
Given the chpice, a true RWD option would take my check without question.
FWD need not apply ever again...
Then again, a recent canadian snow traction test had the RWD's mostly going all over the place. FWD did a little better, AWD did the best of all.
Can anyone who has driven the A3 in snow relate how the car did?
If I had smooth, uncongested roads, and S.Calif summer style weather all year round, RWD would be my choice as well.
Best Regards,
Shipo
By the way, online, the A4 clearly has more of an advantage than that if the cars have comparable options.
Also, if you're pitting the A4 against a rear wheel drive BMW, make it a front wheel drive A4. That's like comparing a 330xi to an A4 FronTrak. It makes no difference in what drivetrain it is as long as it's two wheel, because this is purely about pricing, not driving.
Sorry, that argument doesn't wash. In anything other than accelerating up a steep hill in the snow, the RWD BMW is every bit the match for an AWD Audi, not so the other way around. For many folks who want a sporty sedan they'll either consider a RWD BMW or an AWD Audi, front drivers need not apply.
Best Regards,
Shipo
It's better than my S4 Cabriolet (with quattro?) in the snow.
Also, it has incredible gas mileage for a luxury hatch, and they're somewhat rare here, so many Audi drivers give me the thumbs-up .
I have absolutely no problem believing that, over the years I've had two Audis and two VWs, and all four FWD cars were great in the snow. That having been said, the best car that I've ever driven in the white stuff was my snow tire shod RWD 530i. Go figure. ;-)
Of course all five cars in question had three pedals under the dash. For my tastes, needs, wants and desires, no Automatic transmission regardless of how advanced, is even remotely on my radar screen. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
DL
Now, for well over a decade Ive driven 10 hours daily my work vehicle which is low Gov bid, RWD. And have attended a annual driving school. As Blue pointed out there will never be a FWD vehicle that's appropriate for Pursuit driving
I do conclude that Audi/VW does the best job in the industry of masking the torque steer. Perhaps enough for us to own one as a second vehicle.
DL
I think we are all here because VW/Audi are great in putting together an excellent package - if it were not for the sparsity of the AWD availability...
- lack of AWD
don't even get me started on that one. I would buy a 2.0TFSI quattro A4 over the FWD A3. I also find the 3.2 engine as is outdated, too heavy, and it is a gas guzzler. I am hoping that either VW or Audi will bring over an FSI 3.2 AWD, or, even better, an 2.0TFSI AWD. The S3 may come with a beefed up turbo engine, but will likely exceed $40k - which is more than I want to spend on this toy.
They really make it hard for us to get 5-door hatchback/small wagons with AWD that remain true to the virtues of their lower-end FWD brothers (leightweight, good fuel consumption, reasonable price).
I will wait until summer, when the 5-door GTI comes out, and then see what the rumor mill has to offer as alternative.
Perhaps I'll end up with the A4 (TorSen) quattro, after all. With sports suspension and an ECU upgrade, it can't be all that bad...
As for mileage, the gas mileage of the 3.2 is disappointing. I'm surprised they didn't try to improve gas mileage with FSI or something else. The S3 and RS3 are so performance oriented that gas mileage is secondary, but not so with the 3.2, at least IMHO.
The 2.0 T drivfetrain is very impressive wrt overall performance for its class.
DL
Nope, not even close. The A3 engine is the VW VR6 narrow angle "Inline Vee" engine while the V6 in the Audi A4 is a true Audi engine and a true V6 as well. FWIW, I've driven both (in 2.8 liter guise) and I much preferred the VR6 over the Audi V6. I'm thinking another back-to-back test drive is in order. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Apparently Audi is reducing number of models and options for next year, to make it easier for dealers to manage their inventory and reduce customer confusion. They may also eliminate low -selling models such as the A3 with cloth seats.
I'm in the market of buying the A3 and is considering the V6
Wikipedia also notes the engine's currently used in the A3 Mark II (I guess that is what is being sold now?) as well as many other VW models.
The 3.2VR6 in the current TT, A3, and R32 are not FSI.
Although I think I would have to stick with the 3.2 V6 they are offering right now if I want the Quattro
Is that important for a car designed mainly for sport driving? If the current A3 Quattro does what you want, it isn't.
I was going to wait for the 2007 lineup and order my A3...as opposed to ordering a 2006 now.
How are the options going to be reduced/simplified for next year (I plan to order a 3.2 DSG with just about every option)?
Any opinions on NOT waiting until 2007 (am patient so time is not a factor, just want to make sure that everything I want to order now can be ordered in 2007 (or equivalent options).
Best Regards,
Shipo
I configured a 2.0T as like for like as possible next to a 3.2 and found that Audi is getting a whopping $6,765 premium for the addition of the VR6 engine, the Haldex AWD system and some bits of trim. Admittedly the difference would shrink to $5,285 if I had optioned the DSG on the 2.0T, however, given that I have an intense dislike for Automatic trannys, the nearly $7,000 difference stands.
A couple of other things I noticed:
1) The 3.2 has a "Premium Leather Seats" option for $800. What's the difference between those and the standard leather seating?
2) The Bi-Xenon headlights cost $650 on the 2.0T and $800 on the 3.2. The caption says just "Bi-Xenon" for the 2.0T but "Bi-Xenon Adaptive" for the 3.2. Are the "Adaptive" headlights like the ones found on the new 3-Series that kind of turn in the direction of the front wheels?
Best Regards,
Shipo
Therefore you start with a 2.0 with DSG because the 3.2 is only available with DSG. While the comparison is not perfect because you cannot exactly duplicate the options on the 3.2 in the 2.0, the difference is approximately $4835. Your figures are off by over $2k!
The standard leather seats are leather surfaces which means that the entire seat is not leather. And you are correct, the adaptive xenon lights turn in the direction of the front wheels. Probably a worthwhile feature for twisting roads and worthless for most highways.
Personally, I'm going to wait and see how many 3.2s are sitting on lots comes late Summer and Fall. I'm betting there will be a few with options close to what I want and dealers willing to discount. All the dealers in my area seem to order the same car: 3.2 in dark grey or silver, sky system, sat radio, bluetooth xenon lights and CWP. The only things they don't commonly order is the performance package (bigger wheels and perf tires)and navigation system.
Forgetting for a moment the argument that I have about not paying for something that I do not want (something that I have an intense dislike for actually), I did post the following:
"Admittedly the difference would shrink to $5,285 if I had optioned the DSG on the 2.0T..."
The two cars that I configured that showed that difference were both like for like, ... Errr, wait a minute... Does the 3.2 come with the Premium Audio with the Bose and CD Changer? If it does then there is at least part of the difference because I didn't configure the 2.0T that way (don't want/need the changer and am not impressed with the Bose speakers).
Best Regards,
Shipo
$2K over what it should be. I'm sticking with my story here...
Best Regards,
Shipo
Audi certainly is an odd duck. Way cool, but odd.
BTW, I believe the Mrs. is now firmly on track to pursue the A8 at the end of her "mini"van lease. Way the heck too big for my tastes, but I won't object to being chauffered in such a conveyance. A two Audi family? Perhaps.
Is that sorta like me commiserating with a fellow enthusiast who would love to drive an S2000 only to be denied because it cannot be had with an automatic transmission? ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
DL
The strange thing is that I don't actually mind the Automatic in the DGC, then again, it's a minivan which would kind of defeat the whole purpose of a manual gearbox anyway. :-/
The problem is "Once a stick driver, always a stick driver." My 530i will have been gone a full year as of a week from tomorrow, and yet I'm still accidentally slamming on the brakes every now and again by hitting the brake pedal with my left foot whilst it's in search of a clutch pedal. The sad (well, not really) fact is that my body wants to shift, and if I was to even so much as step inside of a DSG equipped A3 I'm afraid that my left leg and right arm might could well leave me. ;-) Seriously though, I am not opposed to taking a test drive with the DSG just to get a feel for how far Automatic transmission technology has come, that having been said, ain't no way I'll order one built that way. :shades:
Best Regards,
Shipo
Just using AutoTrader thru this site, dealers appear to have a very good inventory of 2.0s and there is no problem locating 3.2s either. One local dealer has put a 3.2 on sale over a week ago and it still has not moved.
I don't see any aggressive pricing in my area yet, but I'm beginning to wonder if that is on the horizon or whether it is still too soon to tell.
If so, which regions?
BTW, to stay on topic do you know if the A3 has that annoying delay valve on their manual's like the 3er has ?
DL
Best Regards,
Shipo
Dl
Thanks!
Take care of your car, and your car will take care of you!
This is from a today's Edmunds article about a german Afterparts specialist, Oettinger, who has developed a bunch of performance, tuner add ons for A3's. The article did not say when those parts will be available in the USA.
As Audi builds race cars, they should have no trouble getting a High HP motor working in a FWD'er.
But agreed an AWD platform would be better for the ever increasing HP many american Drivers and all auto journalists crave.
Fantasy time; Would 500+ Hp be too much for an A3 Quattro? If Audi built it, would drivers buy it?