New A3 test drive

[David]

Anybody heard the latest new on when the A3 is coming to the USA, which versions we are getting and pricing?

Dave
1987.5 CGT Special Build 2.3
SE Virginia

>
> From: Tom Nas <tnas at euronet.nl>
> Date: 2003/06/09 Mon AM 10:17:17 EDT
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: New A3 test drive
>
> Hi all,
>
> Drove the new A3 today, in 102 hp 1.6 FWD and 2.0 TDI 140 hp FWD guise. The
> 1.6 is incredibly smooth at idle (as in 'is it running?') but really
> lacking in power once you get moving. Might be that at 200 km it's not
> exactly run in, but it felt incredibly flat-spotted to me and even pretty
> slow at full throttle. Which makes it really clear that the suspension is
> incredible and capable of handling MUCH more power.
> The 2.0 TDI is a wonderful engine, not peaky like the VW 130 hp PD TDI but
> incredibly smooth and quiet with oodles of power all the way along the rev
> band. This suits the suspension much better and makes you feel what it's
> capable of. The six-speed gearbox is much improved also, very slick and
> easy. In sixth you can hardly hear the engine run (doing 100 km/h and about
> 1500 rpm) and when you floor it without changing down it picks up
> immediately and goes like stink.
> Audi have really done an incredible job, the A3 is easily as competent as
> the A4. The previous model was excellent but not as smooth, certainly a lot
> firmer. This one isn't that much less sporting but overall much better.
>
> Nothing much to comment on interior-wise... it's incredibly well put
> together and very solid. A4 Cabriolet and TT influences abound, and it's
> very well thought out. No creaks or rattles anywhere and full of little
> thoughtful details (like a shopping bag holder underneath the rear parcel
> shelf).
>
> I like it! The only thing I don't like is the pricing, with the base 1.6
> with steel wheels and no A/C coming in at EUR 23,790 here in Holland.
> Thanks to our new-car tax, because the before tax pricing is 15,798...
>
> Tom
>
>