Test drive: New Audi A3

Naks

Naks

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Hi all,

Just test-drove the new A3. Although it was only the entry-level 1.4 TFSi, I was impressed by the refinement and standard levels of equipment.

However I can't help the feeling that Audi South Africa has played it safe with the new A3. That car could definitely do with a bit more 'spice'

The nice thing is, old A3 owners will definitely feel right at home in the new A3.
 
There's a new A3?
Almost like the new new iPAD
 
Cool E said:
Performance wise?
Prices?
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The one I drove was the 1.4 TFSi manual. Compared to my current 2.0 TDi DSG, performance is actually quite good, obviously it doesn't have the sheer grunt of the TDi.

Prices:

1.2T FSI S - 77kW manual - R267 000

1.4T FSI S - 90kW manual - R274 500
1.4T FSI S - 90kW S tronic - R291 500

1.6 TDI S - 77kW S tronic - R302 500

1.8T FSI SE - 132kW manual - R305 000
1.8T FSI SE - 132kW S tronic - R322 000
1.8T FSI SE quattro - 132kW S tronic - R351 500
 
Wow that's expensive for what you're getting!
 
Vegeta said:
Wow that's expensive for what you're getting!
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Show me a non-Korean car that isn't these days, much to my dismay. Seriously, we're getting reamed with car prices in SA currently. I even got the go-ahead from the wife to "get yourself something nice" but I feel too guilty to spend R10 000pm (Includes 2k for fuel and insurance at also around R2k) on a daily drive. Hell, I'd feel guilty spending that on a toy kept for the weekends, especially considering how cars depreciate lately. I'd rather pick up another house with that sort of money and that's from someone who loves cars.
 
Messugga said:
Show me a non-Korean car that isn't these days, much to my dismay. Seriously, we're getting reamed with car prices in SA currently. I even got the go-ahead from the wife to "get yourself something nice" but I feel too guilty to spend R10 000pm (Includes 2k for fuel and insurance at also around R2k) on a daily drive. Hell, I'd feel guilty spending that on a toy kept for the weekends, especially considering how cars depreciate lately. I'd rather pick up another house with that sort of money and that's from someone who loves cars.
Click to expand...
They're all expensive(even korean) but Audi's really taking the piss!
Anyone who pays these prices sends the message that the market will accept these clown numbers!
 
Have to say the 1.8 is a pretty sweet engine: 0-100 in 7.1, that's a few ms slower than a new gti..
 
Vegeta said:
They're all expensive(even korean) but Audi's really taking the piss!
Anyone who pays these prices sends the message that the market will accept these clown numbers!
Click to expand...

They'll simply use the excuse that they're "a premium" brand and so you should expect to pay more for what you get. Every time I get a nice bump in salary it seems that cars get a similar bump in price. You really don't have terribly many options for R200k these days and even R300k seems to be too little. If you want a 3-series, be prepared to fork out R400k. If you want a GTI? Same. Merc? Yup. Audi? Not quite yet but you get close if you start adding some options from their extensive extra list. And these cars aren't what I would call special in any way. They're nice, sure, but you see loads of them on the road (makes me wonder how people can afford them...) and there's precious little that makes them stand out of the crowd.
 
Joker said:
Have to say the 1.8 is a pretty sweet engine: 0-100 in 7.1, that's a few ms slower than a new gti..
Click to expand...

it is, but the price you see there doesnt include the extra's.
Its getting way to expensive to get a decent car now days.

I still feel the Focus ST is one of the best value cars at the moment (ST1 or the ST3)
 
Joker said:
Have to say the 1.8 is a pretty sweet engine: 0-100 in 7.1, that's a few ms slower than a new gti..
Click to expand...
Fast sure but a compact hatch at the price point of a full sized family sedan or SUV?
 
Just got back from Audi, when asked if they have any deals the cocky salesman says no, in fact, they're increasing prices. **** Audi, BMW is offering 40K!
 
syntax said:
it is, but the price you see there doesnt include the extra's.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I worked out to get a new A3 the way I'd want it would be an extra 30k in extras. And that's still taking it easy, just leather seats and xenon lights alone are 20k. Madness.
 
lol. At those prices they can happily go and get f***ed.
 
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