Detroit Auto Show: Audi A3
This is another time when seeing something in person totally changes your perspective. After hearing how small the Audi A3 Sportback was going to be and how Audi would have to really convince Americans to buy it I was floored at how big the sucker is. There is plenty of room in the back seat to fit two adults in comfort. The back hatch is also a lot bigger than I expected. The build quality isn't up there with the A6 I recently tested but it is higher than any American car at the same price or more. This car will be the new yuppie status symbol. I have to go run and see what the Jetta looks like in person to see if it will be able to compete with the shock of seeing the A3 in the flesh. More pictures at the link.
David Thomas filing via e-mail.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andrew 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
FOUR adults in comfort? No way... What's the width of the car? Can you get any pics with an adult sitting in the back seat?
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rwcmick 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
i think when dave tripped out of the smart roadster he bonked his head :-) i take it to mean four total: two in front and two in back.
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Walter J Keegan 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
It must have been from the Smart injury. Dave meant four in total, two in front and two in back.
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David Thomas 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Yes sorry four total. I'm tired and sporting a mild concussion.
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Alan Bedenko 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I'll take one of those Yuppiemobiles with Quattro in a black or dark blue, please.
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gary 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Any chance for more pictures of the A3 with people nearby or in the seats to get a reference for the size. I'm waiting for this car...
Also, can anyone provide a sense of Audi quality? I've stayed with Japanese for the longest time. I have only heard nightmares about Volkswagon and BMW quality.
Cheers.
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wongoz 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
For the life of me, I cannot fathom why Audi isn't bringing the 3-door coupe to North America. I rented one early last year, with a 2.0L diesel, and it can move. It's a sweet looking car and at least here in Europe, the build quality is great. Even though the A3 coupe doesn't have one, I wasn't a big fan of the huge "nostril" grill before, but i'm starting to come around.
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Seth L 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Any word on an S3?
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Carl N. 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
My wife has an '04 A4 1.8T and I would say the build quality is superb. It's a German car tho, so when things start to fail, they must be replaced, not like Japanese cars where you can drive them forever on 3 cylinders with blown shocks and no clutch. I'd love to get an A3 for her, as the lack of a hatch is irritating when moving anything.
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