I read in Autoweek the base price for the 180 HP frontwheel drive has been set at 30,500. Lower than I expected!

I read this too and believe that "leather" is standard. The only option packages listed were: Sports(Xenon headlights, wheels), Audio, Convenience(heated seats, trip computer) and cellular phone packages, no price was mentioned for the optional packages but they should be similar to A4 pricing.

Leather is not standard. However, the cloth seats do have real leather side bolsters. I figure the Sports package will probably be in the $1200-$1500 range and the Convenience Package in the $400-500 range based on the price of similar options on other Audi models.

Sorry, but the AOA press release clearly states leather is no charge. At no additional charge you can select leather/cloth.

I read the AoA release as well, and it does sound like leather is a standard feature. However, the Audi USA site still states the following: <p>Separate options <br>Leather seat upholstery <br>Motorola® hands-free cellular telephone <br>"Motorola" is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.<p>We shall see soon enough! <br>

In Sweden, at least, you can choose leather/alcantara or just leather interior. Leather comes with no extra charge

Just for comparison: The 170 HP BMW Z3 2.3L I6 (They replaced the 4cyl with this engine for '99 models, this is the entry level Z3) has a msrp of $29,950.<p>I want to know who will by this Z3, when they have the option to get a TT w/ Quattro at a similiar price. Audi's market share in this area is sure to increase!

Just for comparison: The 170 HP BMW Z3 2.3L I6 (They replaced the 4cyl with this engine for '99 models, this is the entry level Z3) has a msrp of $29,950.<p>I want to know who will by this Z3, when they have the option to get a TT w/ Quattro at a similiar price. Audi's market share in this area is sure to increase!<ul><li><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/cars/BMW/951.99.html">Edmund's 1999 Z3 Pricing</a></li></ul>