Re: A3 1.8T Sport

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

On Sun, 19 Jan 1997 22:04:38 GMT, quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne) wrote:

>I find the whole A3 project a little odd, given that VAG is bringing on both
>SEAT and Skoda in the European market from "below" the VW brand.  I would have
>expected a consistent approach to have been allowing SEAT and Skoda to
>displace
>VW at the bottom end of the market, exerting upward pressure on the VW brand
>and thus allowing VW to put pressure in its turn on Audi - moving Audi up to
>the Daimler-Benz position.

>Horizontally speaking, Audi's "unique" is the quattro system, and again it's
>hard to see how the A3 fits in.  It's not what I was expecting Audi to produce
>next.

IMO this competes on a direct level with BMWs 3-series Compact (and on a
number of occasions, has beaten it in tests).
The quattro system is indeed Audis USP, but it's also a contender as a
BMW/Mercedes competitior in many markets. Those not looking for an AWD car
but for a more upmarket alternative to a VW Golf or its competitors.
At lest over here, small and high-spec is 'in'; the A3 seems to be a hit.
And, after driving one, I can comment that it's nice, quick, luxurious and
well-built. And everybody looked at me with envious expressions... Audi
must be doing something right! (no, there was no large 'this is the new A3'
sticker on the car. It was bright red...)

Just my Dfl. 0.02

Tom


 _______________________________________________________________________
   Tom W. Nas, graphic design                        tnas@dtpdirect.nl
   DTP Direct bv                              Voice +31 (55) 5 790 799
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