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Delicron @ Jul 3rd 2006 7:35PM
I disagree on several points.
For one, I believe the paddle shifters are placed in a perfect area, and are what they are, glorified buttons (every paddle shifter is indeed an electronic button, not a mechanical lever). As well, I even like their engagement and feel. If you are quickly shuffle steering, then you can use the tiptronic shifter on the console, since you can use both intermittently if you have to (I own a DSG GTI pretty much exactly equipped as the tester here, with the only difference being that mine happens to be white). I have done this on several occasions, since turning sharply precludes the paddles use. The Tiptronic lever is just as useful and intuitive to use. However, in straightline and light steering use, they are excellent ways to keep track of your shifting and gear selection.
As for the GTI itself as compared to the Audi, I feel there is a large descrepancy in Canada (where I am located) in the prices between the two vehicles. The base A3 is atleast $3000 more expensive than my fully loaded GTI (sans NAV system). This seems like alot of money and lost options just to get an Audi badge and two more doors (don't get me wrong, I love Audi as much as the next person). And as for the doors, the four-door GTI will be available in August, so that doesn't seem like much of an excuse anymore...