hello folks,

i test drove an audi a3 today and was actually quite surprised. the turbo lag is small but i found it to kick pretty good. also, considering the car is FWD right now, the handling seemed ok. i was expecting to dislike the car, but ended up liking it a lot and am actually considering purchasing the "sport back" (we all know its a wagon)

so... i was wondering what everyone else thought of this fine vehicle. please express your opinions.

TIA!

 

DSG is a really neat transmission. Seems like a fun little car - go for it!

 

My family and I had rented one in Norway this last summer. Handled well. . . and funny, it reminded me of a well-mannered GTI.

Granted, we had the diesel. . . but nonetheless, a great car.

 

if you're gonna get the fwd, then just wait for the GTI and save some money. i'm sure the GTI will be more sporty tuned than the A3 fwd.

 

Jetta GLI (same engine as A3) is out now too I believe.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure why the Quattro version is talking so long. It's a bit pricey , coming very close to the A4, and the interior is identical to the VW. But I like the styling and it seems pretty functional for it's size. I don't see many on the road, is it turning into another failed attempt by the Germans to move down market?

 

Seems like a solid car. But I still can't shake the feeling that the price is just too high.

 

My wife and I liked the A3, and would seriously consider the FWD version.. the AWD V6 will be more powerful but less fuel efficient.

We felt the car was somewhat over priced and worry about Audi/VW reliability over the long run.

My wife actually liked the handling (and price) of a Mazda3 Sportwagon better.. fully loaded at $10K less than the A3.

In the end we decided to get another year or so out of the current family car and see what 2007 models look like.

 

a3 is solid car, i drive them on a somewhat regular basis. the 2.0t works really well with either transmission, i happen to be a fan of wagons so i like that too. the interior is really fresh (although i have to disagree with whoever said it is the same as vw's). as for the jetta gli, the gli is more fun to drive (imo), the seats, wheel, and all the other stuff involved in the interior aspect of driving the car are alot sportier however the gli is heavier and less practical. that said i woul still take the a3. the new gti is really neat too (havnt driven one but have experienced some euroo spec ones)...however if you wouldnt mind crossshoping into vw turf the ultimate in the price range i think would be the nerw golf r36 when it decides to show up. probobly will be the same price as an a3 . the 3.2 a3 will only be available with quattro and the dsg and will be pricey an according to dealership i part time at i believe only 500 are coming. and they arent selling too well. the lease is really crappy . anyway, they are nice but no awd = bad. all in all good car

 

I think the price is a little high. I think it will probably be fun to drive, have a sweet interior and be plagued with electrical gremlins like most
Audis and be backed by an arrogant yet ignorant service group. Probably make a better lease than a buy.