Finally, Audi Listens.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Finally, Audi Listens.
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/n...s/Audi_A3.html
One of my favorite non-BMW European cars has been the Audi A3. I reviewed a FWD 2.0T DSG model some time ago, and, except for the annoying MMI control (too much like BMW's I-Drive) was generally quite pleased with it. It had, of course, the versatility of a hatchback, without stepping up to the much bigger (and much more expensive) Audi Q7. Its turbo 2.0 liter was (and still is) a real gem of a small engine (though with premium gas), and the VW/Audi DSG gearbox is a wonderful piece of engineering, combining smoothness, manual transmission effiency, and automatic transmission convienence (with manual sport-shift) all in one nifty package. But there was one BIG marketing goof.................one that Audi stubbornly refused to address. For unknown reasons (I talked to some Audi people myself about this), They would not offer the highly respected Quattro AWD system with the 2.0T and DSG combo on the U.S-market A3 (you HAD to get the 3.2 V6 to get Quattro....a ridiculous restriction). No real reason given why not.........."It's just our marketing decision" was the reply. Never mind that that combo WAS offered on some other VW-Audi products, especially non-U.S. market.
I often strongly criticize auto marketers. Much of it, IMO, is deserved; as I see it, a lot of them are morons. But, sometimes (not very often) they actually listen, and see the error of their ways. I got a pleasant surprise this evening as I was relaxing with my monthly paper copy of Road and Track (one of several auto publications I regularly read). There in the "Audi Changes for 2009 section" was what I suggested years ago.....when the A3 first came to American shores. Audi will offer a 2.0T DSG/Quattro version in the U.S. for 2009. (My guess is that Audi got a lot of complaints about that, not just me; I doubt if they did a major running change just for one person). But, for whatever rason, they are finally doing what they should have done at first.
So, now, as much as I liked this car before, I can recommend it even more now....it is one step closer to perfection (and, except for the annoying MMI, is now almost there) The 2.0T has PLENTY of reserve power for the drag and weight of AWD (trust me.....don't let it's small displacement fool you
), and what more could you ask for behind the engine than a drivetrain like this? The Audi Quattro and Acura SH-AWD are probably the best upmarket AWD systems, just like Subaru does the best ones under 35K. And, what is one of my favorite small Euro-cars, with the Quattro, is now ready for bad weather as well as even better dry cornering grip. (The Audi website, above, verifies the change)
One of my favorite non-BMW European cars has been the Audi A3. I reviewed a FWD 2.0T DSG model some time ago, and, except for the annoying MMI control (too much like BMW's I-Drive) was generally quite pleased with it. It had, of course, the versatility of a hatchback, without stepping up to the much bigger (and much more expensive) Audi Q7. Its turbo 2.0 liter was (and still is) a real gem of a small engine (though with premium gas), and the VW/Audi DSG gearbox is a wonderful piece of engineering, combining smoothness, manual transmission effiency, and automatic transmission convienence (with manual sport-shift) all in one nifty package. But there was one BIG marketing goof.................one that Audi stubbornly refused to address. For unknown reasons (I talked to some Audi people myself about this), They would not offer the highly respected Quattro AWD system with the 2.0T and DSG combo on the U.S-market A3 (you HAD to get the 3.2 V6 to get Quattro....a ridiculous restriction). No real reason given why not.........."It's just our marketing decision" was the reply. Never mind that that combo WAS offered on some other VW-Audi products, especially non-U.S. market.
I often strongly criticize auto marketers. Much of it, IMO, is deserved; as I see it, a lot of them are morons. But, sometimes (not very often) they actually listen, and see the error of their ways. I got a pleasant surprise this evening as I was relaxing with my monthly paper copy of Road and Track (one of several auto publications I regularly read). There in the "Audi Changes for 2009 section" was what I suggested years ago.....when the A3 first came to American shores. Audi will offer a 2.0T DSG/Quattro version in the U.S. for 2009. (My guess is that Audi got a lot of complaints about that, not just me; I doubt if they did a major running change just for one person). But, for whatever rason, they are finally doing what they should have done at first.
So, now, as much as I liked this car before, I can recommend it even more now....it is one step closer to perfection (and, except for the annoying MMI, is now almost there) The 2.0T has PLENTY of reserve power for the drag and weight of AWD (trust me.....don't let it's small displacement fool you
), and what more could you ask for behind the engine than a drivetrain like this? The Audi Quattro and Acura SH-AWD are probably the best upmarket AWD systems, just like Subaru does the best ones under 35K. And, what is one of my favorite small Euro-cars, with the Quattro, is now ready for bad weather as well as even better dry cornering grip. (The Audi website, above, verifies the change)
Last edited by mmarshall; Sep 6, 2008 at 07:02 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,543
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From: Illinois
I've always liked the A3 too. The only problem I have with it is that it gets quite pricey for a small wagon.
So, far U.S. buyers haven't warmed up to it with only 432 sold in Aug. and 3,447 year to date. It deserves better.
So, far U.S. buyers haven't warmed up to it with only 432 sold in Aug. and 3,447 year to date. It deserves better.
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Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 380
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From: Kentucky
The price is the only problem-it's too close to the A4 for one thing.
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