How great is the Audi A3?

[TW]Fox

[TW]Fox

[TW]Fox

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I've often thought this and a little article in this months TG reminded me of it again.

As far as hatchbacks go, isn't the current shape Audi A3 an absolutely excellent example of the class?

2007audis3front.jpg


Just look at it. No strange styling. No odd door handles. No slab sided doors without bump strips. No weird, challenging looks. Just... classy, understated elegance in a three door hatch. Seriously, when you think of the competition - BMW 1 Series - why wouldnt you prefer the A3, at least to look at?

Ok so its not the last word in handling and driver involvement but is any hatch of this type today? The 1 Series handles better but then every time you drive it past a shop window you want a bag on your head. And the interior in the A3 is, whilst not as well built as bigger Audi's, simple unfussy and uncluttered. Somewhat unlike the BMW 1 Series.

And the engine range. Something for everyone. 3.2 especially fast. S3 makes Golf R32 look like a ripoff. Lots of diesels. It's not that much more expensive than a Golf, even in lower end form.

You can even get early 2.0 TDI's for less than £10k.

So, 2004-2007 Audi A3. The best all round hatchback?

Discuss.
 
"Fox in pro-Audi shockfest"


I agree, absolutely beautiful car and appears to have the performance to boot. The S3 is pure sex. Which is why I hate Dolph. Lynch mob anyone?
 
I spent last night hooning around in a friend's new S3; in that medium blue colour.

He chopped in his S4 cab and his wife's TT cab for it.

I couldn't fault it at all from the passenger seat.

Decent stereo too...Spent a few hours going fast, listening to hiphop and eating beef jerky...

*n
 
I'd actually have to agree with Foxy here - the Audi's are really nice. Unfortunatley they were just out of my price range last time I went looking at cars :mad:
 
[TW]Fox;10236421 said:
Just look at it. No strange styling..
Click to expand...

what about the grill :eek:

having said that I would much rather have one than a 1 series, though I would be careful about the engine I chose, my mate has the 2.0TDi and the engine is rough as hell and sounds awful
 
They're certainly nice cars. People complain that cars like this are designed for a particular demographic to fill a gap in the market but that's just business. I'd put it in the same bracket as a Denon hi-fi or a Sony TV - not the best available, not hugely exciting and perhaps slightly overpriced for what it is but affordable and you're guaranteed a degree of quality from the brand.

I think I'll stick with my boring old grown-up A6 though ;).
 
Absolutely love it

most definitely out of my price range but its a gorgeous looking car and im guessing it has amazing german build quality

is definitely on my list but would need to save for a long while!!
 
The new S3 is nice, nearly bought the wife one to replace the GTi, but she wanted another A4. I gave in, and regret it!
 
A friend of mine had a bog standard A3 1.6 for four years, and at the end of that only lost £1500/year on depreciation, which if I understand correctly, is pretty awesome within it's class. In addition, they do have ace interiors.

Having said all of that, the 1 series really is growing on me, and I'd still chose on a 1 on the grounds of driving pleasure.
 
I am actually considering an A3 just been looking and I can get a 1.9 TDI fairly cheap. Would be a nice step up from my Focus. Only issue is that direct line can't insure me till November as I will of had to have had my license for one year so I'd have to wait till then. But at the same time Im 18 and will have two years NCB by November (One from car, one from moped which they class as a car NCB at direct line :D) so this could be the one providing Insurance isn't out of this world which I can't imagine it will be.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/259208.htm
 
but what does it do better than, for example the Leon?

the leon may not look as good, but will generally have similar package, same engines, similar spec, cost a lot less?

surely the leon would be the best "all round" hatchback?
 
Nickg said:
but what does it do better than, for example the Leon?

the leon may not look as good, but will generally have similar package, same engines, similar spec, cost a lot less?

surely the leon would be the best "all round" hatchback?
Click to expand...

The Leon is not as well built, is cheap inside, looks weird and wacky outside as well. No, no and then some more no.

Get that old shape S3 out of this thread as well, previous shape A3 was very meh. It was that shape A3 that was no better than the Leon. New one is miles better.

And no, I'm not thinking of buying one, it's not the type of car I'd own. I just felt it was great, and what better than starting a discussion :)
 
I originally wanted the A3 in TDI format, but this forum moved me into the BMW E46 group! God now everyone is going to be recommending A3's! Make your damn mind up please :D
 
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