RE: Geneva 2012: Audi RS4, new A3 and TT Plus

[ktm301p]

Thus far, I've got to say I'm a bit disappointed by the cars we've seen so far . . .

[b14]

TonyHetherington said:

Interseting that Audi have used the "plus" again. That was last used on the RS6, wasn't it?! (the older version)

It was also used on the latest RS6 but was only a trim level rather than a power hike (which the C5 RS6 Plus got).

Surely the new weight of the A3 is a typo - can't be that light.

[TonyHetherington]

I didn't know that - thanks, that's my "thing learned for today"

[va1o]

Really like the look of the new A3

[va1o]

Kong said:

Does anyone know why Audi have kept selling the current (old) A3 for so long? It's exactly 9 years old and you can still buy one, it will be nearer 10 by the time stocks dry up. For the record I really like the current A3, I think it's aged very well and is a handsome car, particularly in facelift S3 guise. But it's still ancient!

New one sounds good too, as others have said sub 1200kg for a medium sized hatchback is good news. Hate to say it but i'll probably have the SKODA version when it comes out instead.

This is true, and its a really good car even after 9 years, leads the class in many areas.

[Deerfoot]

va1o said:

Kong said:

Does anyone know why Audi have kept selling the current (old) A3 for so long? It's exactly 9 years old and you can still buy one, it will be nearer 10 by the time stocks dry up. For the record I really like the current A3, I think it's aged very well and is a handsome car, particularly in facelift S3 guise. But it's still ancient!

New one sounds good too, as others have said sub 1200kg for a medium sized hatchback is good news. Hate to say it but i'll probably have the SKODA version when it comes out instead.

This is true, and its a really good car even after 9 years, leads the class in many areas.

Leads for interior build perhaps, dynamically it`s way behind.

[anonymous-user]

Deerfoot said:

Leads for interior build perhaps, dynamically it`s way behind.

This new one, with the new platform, should hopefully put that right.

[va1o]

Deerfoot said:

Leads for interior build perhaps, dynamically it`s way behind.

Its not though, the platform it uses is still the same as the MK6 Golf etc and it drives well. Still popular and has strong resale values so not too hard to see why they haven't needed to replace until now

[Itsallicanafford]

alock said:

Wow. Things are finally heading in the right direction.

After being underwhelmed by almost all new cars in the last 5 years, I'm actually looking forward to the next 5 years.

+1, even with small power this thing will fly, is that weight figure correct?

[TobesH]

I like it x3!

[RichTBiscuit]

Dr G said:

Why has the dimwitted Audi bashing extended to the PH editorial team now?

By your logic any medium sized hatchback that isn't a Hyundai is snobbish.

Dimwitted? I dont think so.

Can you actually name any key areas where a std A3 diesel is better than a golf? (other than touchy feely trim)

The only reason I can see you would buy one is for the badge, thus snobbish. But that's just me

[RichTBiscuit]

Impressed with the 1173kg weight for the New A3 - Good job!

[FamilyDub]

b14 said:

Surely the new weight of the A3 is a typo - can't be that light.

Dunno if it's a typo, but manufacturers need to call time on the 'add-more-power-since-it's-heavier' and start shedding weight.

If that weight is correct, it's impressive.

[j_s14a]

MonkeyMatt said:

Deerfoot said:

It just had too many issues. It needed two new steering racks (replaced under warranty) and a rebuilt rear suspension prior to it being 12 months old and covering less than 30,000 miles.

The car was well built inside but mechanically it was poor.

Sounds like you had a bad un'

I've driven a few A3s and they've all been "bad un's"

Good looking car with a lovely interior, and some great engines, but the chassis feels like it was designed by a group of people who had never spoken to each other. Quite how you make something ride so hard, yet be so terrible/wallowy in the bends is a mystery to me. Yet the MK6 Golf is a delightful drive. Go figure.

[F1GTRUeno]

j_s14a said:

Yet the MK6 Golf is a delightful drive. Go figure.

Well technically the A3 shares with the Mk.5 not the Mk.6.

Though the Mk.6 is a revised Mk.5 so who knows...

[Pumpsmynads]

For more detail on the A3 MMI system in particular (plus some good photos) there's an excellent article on engadget

[mwstewart]

The RS4 looks incredibly bland. What a shame.

[soad]

mwstewart said:

The RS4 looks incredibly bland. What a shame.

True enough, but perhaps becomes more of a Q-car?

[Mermaid]

soad said:

mwstewart said:

The RS4 looks incredibly bland. What a shame.

True enough, but perhaps becomes more of a Q-car?

[va1o]

F1GTRUeno said:

j_s14a said:

Yet the MK6 Golf is a delightful drive. Go figure.

Well technically the A3 shares with the Mk.5 not the Mk.6.

Though the Mk.6 is a revised Mk.5 so who knows...

They all use the same PQ35 platform.

The new A3 moves the game forward as its the first to sit on the MQB instead.