First Drive 2015 A3 (yes, in the US)
03-19-2014, 12:04 AM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
First Drive 2015 A3 (yes, in the US)
So I was invited to an Audi event where I got tech demos, B&O demo and eventually got to drive a 2.0 Q.
(I'll start by saying that I've ordered one due to arrive in May.)
- The B&O is worth EVERY penny!
- I am amazed at the options available even at the base premium level
- The MMI is really cool (has a new video card (nvidia) and finally an upgradable MMI via a hardware swap of a single small daughter card.
Ok, finally driving:
- The expected Turbo lag (but I am super sensitive to it)
- The DSG was cool, very precise and appropriate shifting, in manual mode you did have total control and shifting was quick
- Cockpit feels very small given that the car seems as big as an A4
- Handling with the 17 inch wheels felt mildly sloppy in the hard turns, but super capable on the average turns and in acceleration it rockets out of turn.
- Launch control was pretty decent, I even got some chirps from the tires given it was a quattro
- At around 2300 rpm the thing TAKES OFF! It was shocking. (I had the previous A3 2.0)
- I really, really, really, really, really… really wanted this in a manual 6-speed. It would be the perfect A3 with it.
They told us that the TDI and S3 come out at the end of the year and the PHV will come out in 2015
(I'll start by saying that I've ordered one due to arrive in May.)
- The B&O is worth EVERY penny!
- I am amazed at the options available even at the base premium level
- The MMI is really cool (has a new video card (nvidia) and finally an upgradable MMI via a hardware swap of a single small daughter card.
Ok, finally driving:
- The expected Turbo lag (but I am super sensitive to it)
- The DSG was cool, very precise and appropriate shifting, in manual mode you did have total control and shifting was quick
- Cockpit feels very small given that the car seems as big as an A4
- Handling with the 17 inch wheels felt mildly sloppy in the hard turns, but super capable on the average turns and in acceleration it rockets out of turn.
- Launch control was pretty decent, I even got some chirps from the tires given it was a quattro
- At around 2300 rpm the thing TAKES OFF! It was shocking. (I had the previous A3 2.0)
- I really, really, really, really, really… really wanted this in a manual 6-speed. It would be the perfect A3 with it.
They told us that the TDI and S3 come out at the end of the year and the PHV will come out in 2015
03-19-2014, 02:58 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Pictures?
03-20-2014, 12:33 AM
#6
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03-23-2014, 01:34 AM
#9
Oddly, there was one with Michigan plates parked in front of my parent's house in Santa Clarita, CA today. Neighbor must work for VW/Audi in Thousand Oaks is my guess.
I have to say the new A3 looks even better in person than in pics. Not sure which particular model this was though. It had a 19" multi-spoke rim that isn't seen on their U.S. website. it looks like the thin, multi-spoke rim on the electric A3, but larger. Wish I had time to take a pic, but was running late to dinner.
I have to say the new A3 looks even better in person than in pics. Not sure which particular model this was though. It had a 19" multi-spoke rim that isn't seen on their U.S. website. it looks like the thin, multi-spoke rim on the electric A3, but larger. Wish I had time to take a pic, but was running late to dinner.
03-23-2014, 09:20 AM
#10
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Question about your note: Our A4 has "electronic throttle lag" meaning the throttle doesn't move at what your foot does - and I really dislike this and Audi says there is no fix other than put it in sport mode where it is less pronounced.
Do you know if that issue has been resolved on the A3? I am considering a new car - perhaps the 2 series or Golf R. I would be getting rid of the old 2002 A4, and may consider a look at the A3 again.