New A3

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Thu 19 Jun 2003 08:54
New A3 - number67
I owned an A3 1.8T Sport for a couple of years - (bought it at a year old with 40k on the clock!).

I noticed the new model in a showroom near here, so went for a look - It was a 2.0 FSi Sport (in yellow?!) and despite the colour I thought it looked quite drab. It had a few bells and whistles - but standard cloth interior and it was up at more than £22k. I can't help thinking that's a bit steep - in fact I reckon you'd get a same spec A4 for equal money.

But really wht struck me was that it didn't strike me - if you see what I mean - dull. Makes a Leon Cupra at about £14200 with some haggling look cheap - despite the badge.
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Thu 19 Jun 2003 09:40
New A3 - daveyjp
I saw my first one on Sunday at a car show. This one was the new 2.0 TDi and priced at £21,500 exc all the extras fitted, which included leather, DIS, top range audio system etc, so probably about £25k worth.

My main observation was how much bigger it appeared than the old model. Could it be seen as a hatchback version of the A4? There didn't seem to be much difference in cabin space between the new A3 and A4.
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Thu 19 Jun 2003 10:06
New A3 - Burnout2
That's a ferocious price for the FSI. The 3.2 V6 quattro is going to be about £23.5k basic list, which given the power advantage over an equivalent 325ti Compact (or 330i coupe/saloon for that matter) looks almost like value. Until you spec it up and end up with a £26k three-door hatchback...!

Still, the obvious rivals (Alfa 147 GTA, forthcoming R32 version of the new Golf) won't be much cheaper, and I know which of the three I'd expect to be better built.

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Thu 19 Jun 2003 10:20
New A3 - Nsar
Who is this car aimed at? When it was launched it was positioned as a car for Golf GTI drivers who didn't need to prove anything now they've grown up a bit. Now the posters show it with "flaming eyes" - "if you want a car to fit your agressive nature then we've got just the thing" seems to be the message. After that ludricous ad with the bull for the RS whatever it was, it seems that someone in the Audi marketing department needs to go and a have quiet word with themselves and calm down a bit.

Audi - the car for people who'd really like an Mitsubishi EVO, but might feel a bit embarassed in one at the golf club...
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Thu 19 Jun 2003 12:51
New A3 - Wally Zebon
Audi - the car for people who'd really like an Mitsubishi EVO, but might feel a bit embarassed in one at the golf club...

That would be me then!

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