The new Audi A3 has just arrived (in Mexico). Went this weekend to see the car and I was impressed. This second generation is a true Audi, not just a disguised VW Golf. The 1.8T that´s very popular at my high altitude city (Mexico City 700 ft above sea level) has been dropped in favor of a new FSI 2.0 liter 150 HP (FSI is VWs new engine technology, I don´t know exactly what it is). Optional engine is a 3.2 liter V6 with 250 HP and a very high price tag (38K USD)

Compared to the MINI, the audi looks more upscale and luxurious, bigger than a current Golf, and a more mature design. Given the new engine I would expect it to be just slightly faster than my Cooper and not a match for a Cooper S. I´ll test drive it later.

I read somewhere that the new A3 will be sold in the US, to compete with our Coopers. Let´s see what happens. The Mercedes C Sportcoupe is not a popular car in the US

Here´s a pic:



http://www.audi.com.mx/Audi/CWE/img/...l/adm/a31g.jpg

 

The A3 will be on sale in the U.S.

If anyone wants a preview of what the A3 will be like, check out the VW Golf R32. It shares the same 3.2L V6 and awd system. The Golf R32 is on the Golf IV platform though (last harrah for the Golg IV) and the A3 is on the new VW Mark V platform.

 

I actually saw an A3 in Boston last week; it had some sort of diplomat plates on it. Very nice-looking car! I'm really looking forward to seeing the A3, the Polo, and the smart4 on US roads! Even that new Chevy Aveo is a vast improvement aesthetically over the old Metro. It's about time small cars started getting some respect.