Anybody here checked out the Audi A3? The 3.2 quattro is supposed to go 0-60 in 5.9 secs with DSG transmission. It puts up 250hp and 236 lb-ft. It prices about the same as a new MCS JCW. Plus it has tuning capabilities (can you say Milltek?) if you can't wait for the rumored S3 -- end of year as a 2007. :impatient

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/spy-pho...-s3-150938.php

So for everyone who is not sure about the '07 MCS, thinks about a GTI, likes the R32, or is waiting for an R36... well, here's something else to think about if you don't mind driving a car that weighs a half ton more than a MINI.

 

And there lies the rub. All 1000 of them.

 

I looked at the A3's & the new GTI and here are my thoughts:

A3 2.0T -

The 2.0T is a great car and the DSG tranny is the fastest shifting auto available. It can shift faster than I ever could as it has 2 clutches (it is actually in the new $1 million Bugatti Veyron). The pickup is very quick with no noticable turbo lag and the sport package handles very well. You can chip it and get close to 270 hp, if you go to Audiworld some members have posted their dynos. 270 hp and ~270 lbs of torque, pretty impressive and an EXCELLENT fit and finish Audi is know for, comparable to any Lexus. This was the one I was considering on getting. Configured as I would get: DSG, Open Sky, Bi-xeons, Nav, leather, sport package and heated seats ~ $35K

A3 3.2 Q-

This has the VR6 engine with 250 hp and ~ 250 lbs of torque. The Quattro is a Haldex system and is great for getting power to all 4 wheels when needed to handle the HP. No mods availabe as yet as it is naturally aspirated, and almost 300 lbs heavier than the 2.0T, but handles very well. Priced as comparable with the 2.0T (with the 3.2Q, you get some goodies that you cannot or have to pay for on the 2.0) ~$41K - OUCH!

GTI

This uses the same 2.0T engine and DSG trans. The interior looks like a VW though, very spartan. The fit and finish is not even close to the Audi (but that is why Audi's cost more). Driving wise, it is quick, but IMHO the Audi is head and shoulder the better car. Inexpensive though (and it shows). Plus that "Quick" thingy is kind of creepy, but peeps are selling it on ebay for ~$300. Go figure that one out.

I decided on the MCS (I was originally going to get one in 2002 when they 1st came out and went looking at Boxster S's instead, talk about comparing apples and very expensive oranges). Configured like the 2.0T, the MCS is ~4-5K less and is much more fun to drive.

The other thing about getting upwards to 270 hp in the Audi is that it is close to getting too much power for the FWD to handle, which is why the Quattro helps. The S3 from everything I have read will never make it to the US as the A3 is not that big of a seller, so AOA may never make it availabe here. If it ever does, as with all Audi "S", it will be very pricey.

As for the '07 MCS, if BMW/Mini were a turbo engine company like Audi, then I would probably not hesitate in waiting for an '07 (I am on the waiting list to order my MCS from LB Mini), but a first year turbo...

Sorry for the long post! I just spent the last couple of months driving these cars and making my final decision. Hope that helps!

 

The A3 3.2 is basically the Audi version of the Euro R32 w/ slightly more backseat/trunk. As such I would give it a big thumbs up if you aren't completely averse to driving a car that weighs 3500+ lbs and don't mind routinely finding yourself at 100+ mph on your daily commute. I enjoy lighter cars and would definitely put any current Audi or VW on a huge diet before I contemplated pressing one into serious autocross or track duty, but IMHO they can be alot of fun despite the high mass once you're used to it.

Haven't driven the 3.2 A3, but the 2.0T A3 seemed like a ton of fun even w/o the AWD and a very practical and comfortable family / daily driver car as well. The S3 (and the RS3 to an even greater extent), would be completely insane if it winds up making its way stateside.

 

Not even. You can get a basic JCW MCS for about $30K. The A3 3.2 starts around $36K, and quickly heads over $40K when you add a few options (nearly everything is in a package, VW-Audi style, unlike the a la carte menu for the MINI).

My wife drives an A3 2.0T Sport 6-speed, which is a great car. The DSG tranny is impressive, but ultimately boring. I don't care how fast it shifts, it's more fun to row your own. And, BTW, the DSG in "manual" mode *will* upshift when you hit redline. Maddening.

In the end, the weight of the A3, particularly the 3.2, is the wet-blanket. However, it's a great car if you need more room than the MCS and the extra set of doors. We decided it's best to have one of each.

 

Rather lengthy thread about the A3 on the bottom of this page:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=51937

Like bobdobbs (Church of the Subgenius?), I have both a MCS and a 2.0 A3. I picked up my 6 speed manual/sportpack/opensky/sound package A3 for around $28K, it's an excellent complement to the MINI when more room/more luxury is needed. I considered the 3.2 also but it's way too pricey for its merits. I've owned a quattro TT before and at least in my dry climate, don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

Piling on...my wife also drives a 6-speed 2.0T A3 and I have to agree with my two previous brethren...the A3 compliments the MCS nicely.