When are Audi stopping production of current A3 shape?

[phil1987]

Hi guys and girls,

First time posting for me so sorry if I miss out any expected etiquette from my post...

Does anyone know when Audi are planning to stop production of the current A3, and, are they just releasing a new body shape or are they stopping the range completely? (I heard this last bit as a dirty rumour but I can hardly believe it at all - I don't think they can really rely on the A1 to satisfy all their customers' hatchback needs!)

Thanks,
Phil

[peeves]

I'd imagine very soon as the RS3 has been released. They'll do a few limited editions and then the new A3 will be released. I doubt they'd stop A3 production as it's too big a piece in the hatch market.

[Toffer]

Because there is a new Astra and Focus to compete with...
VW share platforms between all their brands, sometimes stretching them to fill every conceivable market segment.

[Gunk]

According to Autocar it is going to be replaced end of this year with an all new model.

[phil1987]

Cheers for the input guys I only asked this question as I'm saving for a current shape facelift S3 atm - not sure if it will have any noticeable affect on the price of used S3 models of the current shape, hence I'm not sure whether to wait and buy an S3 after release of the new A3 shape, or buy in the next 3 months as planned :/

[Redlake27]

I think there are still a few hundred people that Audi have targeted never read car magazine tests and are happy to buy a car that is now eclipsed by Kias, let alone Focus, Astra and its more modern Golf sister.

Therefore, I guess they will make it until everyone who cares little about cars has one

(I exclude the S3/Rs3 from my rant, but I have had my most dreary, uncomfortable and unreliable driving experiences in various A3s and reckon the only reason they sell is that the 1 series is a bit cramped for some, and Merc misjudged the A/B Class audience, meaning it has no posh German competition for many drivers)

[barky]

new one coming for 2012 model year = september/october 2011
so last batch of current ones manufactured may/june?

[phil1987]

Redlake27 said:

I exclude the S3/Rs3 from my rant, but I have had my most dreary, uncomfortable and unreliable driving experiences in various A3s and reckon the only reason they sell is that the 1 series is a bit cramped for some, and Merc misjudged the A/B Class audience, meaning it has no posh German competition for many drivers)

I pretty much idolised the A3 since during uni and bought one as soon as I could after I finished, but, since I bought it back in 2008 I've had 3/4 reliability issues relating to different parts which I just didn't expect from a premium German brand, so I have to agree with you on the reliability point you made! Even my Peugeot 106 during uni was almost as reliable, and that took at least 2 years of punishment, giving lifts for friends etc! Maybe I've just been a bit unlucky...

[Dr G]

barky said:

new one coming for 2012 model year = september/october 2011
so last batch of current ones manufactured may/june?

I'd heard 2012 on the grapevine but nothing concrete.