Definitely a nice alternative to the Golf (even though it is essentially the same car). You can either go with the FWD 2.0T (6-speed or auto) or the AWD 3.2 V6 (auto only ). I just wish it was a little cheaper than $32k.

 

Ew. Ick.

To me, it's just a heavy, overpriced stationwagon for people who care about what brand of car people see them driving.

Andrew

 

While that may be true...

I'd say there is also quite a large demographic that wants a car with some utility but without sacrificing quality and creature comforts with a little pep to boot.

 

Audi makes some nice cars, I had a S4. Reliable, until I modded the thing. I really like the DSG VW/audi cars have. The interiors are clean and made from top notch plastics, however I hear the A3 skimps in this department. My only problem with Audi is the service department. I've been to two and they both did not impress me too much. They made me feel more like a number than a valued coustomer with dirty waiting rooms, cheap shuttle van, and questionalbe looking garage. Not good for a highend car brand.

Sam

 

Moving to Car Talk...

 

Did a "build your own" A3 on the Audi web.

With awd, V6, DSG, Nav etc...it's $40K.

Seems a bit much for a car the same size as a Golf. But I guess interior room is good for a small outside package. Just seems a worry about the price when a RL with the same goodies costs just another $10K.

 

doesn't $40K get you a IS350?

 

$40 does NOT get you into a 350. You have to consider that the $40k A3 comes with all options you would ever want plus Quatro - The 350 is rear wheel drive only.

If you haven't driven Audi's new 3.2 FSI engine, it's got a lot of torque. I was impressed with how quick the car felt.

Over the last couple months, I have driven all the Audi's the new IS250 and 350 plus a couple others in that group. Audi is on the top of my list.

 

I'm not against "premium small cars" but in the US, some will say 'you could get a 340 HP Hemi' or a TL for for similar price as the A3.

The Mini has broken a lot of ground for what people will pay for a sub-compact.

If you think about it, features like NAV or HIDs or premium stereo etc.. should cost about the same no matter if it's in a small car or a big car. Before these features were only available in larger luxury cars. But now they are finding their way into more different types of cars.

It makes you think (?) about a RL going for $50K vs a A3 for $40K with about the same features.

 

Nice car, but then again, I like hatchbacks.

My sister picked one up new with HID's, Navigation, and Sport Package for just about $30k even. I don't know how much more you "need" than that (sky-view roof? DSG?), but sitting in her $30k car definitely makes MY $30k car seem pretty cheap inside. The quality of plastics and trim is very good (IMO), but then again I'm not a huge luxury guy. The seats are nice looking and feeling, good support from what I could tell.

Haven't driven it yet, but I'm sure it drives well, it made C&D's 10 best afterall...