- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"Is it for you? Maybe..."
Pros: Great engine/transmission combo, interior quality, styling, practicality, handling, fuel economy, safety.
Cons: Limited rear legroom, so-so stereos, pricey to buy vs. GTI.
Summary: The A3 is not for everyone. Paying $30,000+ for a compact car may seem absurd to some. You will pay upwards of $30k or more for one well equiped. For me it was the right choice. I wanted a smaller car, but one that had quality components and a was great to drive. The 2.0T and DSG combo are amazing, I thought I would miss a manual transmission, Not at All! Handling with the S-Line suspension is tight and responsive. The Pirelli P6 tires could be better, however. The ride can get a little choppy on rough roads, but nothing unbearable or uncomfortable. If you want a smoother ride, go with the Premium package or base model. I am surprised by how much my A3 fits with the seats down. It easily swallows my manic monthly Costco runs. I average about 26 MPG with a mix of city (Chicago) and highway driving. The A3 was also rated "Silver" in 2006 by the Insurance Institute for crash safety. Insurance is reasonable, actually on par with the GTI for me. It is listed as a wagon.
Negatives? Rear leg-room (IMHO), merely adequate sound from the Bose unit (particularly bass response), poor winter performance from the Pirelli P6 tires, no quattro with the 4 cylinder engine, no lumbar adjustment on the 2.0T S-Line seats.
The CNET review was right on in one aspect, VW needs to play catch-up with ICE technology. FYI- You can get I-Pod integration/aux input easily aftermarket with a DICE unit. I do not have the NAV unit, so I cannot speak to that. I use a Garmin dash mount when I venture out of my normal domain.
I considered the Subaru WRX, Saabaru 9-2X Aero, Acura TSX, VW GTI, and VW EOS. The Subie & Saabie were quicker, but major letdowns inside, the TSX was a close call- but felt soulless, the GTI and EOS were close considerations- but I did not want the VW dealer "expierence" nor did I feel the interior components were as high quality.
True, the Audi A3 vs. the VW GTI may be seen as a snobby choice. Consider the total cost of ownership. The A3 has higher quality interior components, better dealer service, and a maintenance plan for a reasonable cost. The choice is yours, drive each possible selection several times. Remember, this is a big purchase, make sure it is what you really want... That said, I do not think you will be disappointed with the A3 if you want a premium compact car!
