[Marshall Placid]

Hey guys.

Came across this from Audi USA's official youtube page about the 2015 A3 and S3 Sedan which competes with the new 2014 CLA Benz model(s). News about the A3 just came out a day or two ago I believe.

Not bad looking IMO! I think that the interior is revamped and looks different from the current A4, A5, and A6 interiors.

ENJOY!

See the video here:

Audi S3: Exclusive - YouTube

And another here:

Audi A3 Introduction

[What_the?]

this seems like it would make the A4 very redundant...

[pb.kidz]

pretty ugly IMO

[asr]

I love the interior. Exterior needs some work done tho. Overall, it is a nice car.

[vcrbmw]

Is the S3 Sedan going to make it to Canada? The current A4 / BMW 3 series are getting to be too large.

[StylinRed]

meh

they should bring the A1 over


http://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_05.jpghttp://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_0d.jpg

[bing]

Is the S3 Sedan going to make it to Canada? The current A4 / BMW 3 series are getting to be too large.

I own both (e90 330 and b8 a4) and I disagree. Their not that big at all. In fact, if you pair them up next to the higher models of other luxury brands, they seem small (i.e. A6, 5 series, E class).

[Marshall Placid]

Is the S3 Sedan going to make it to Canada? The current A4 / BMW 3 series are getting to be too large.

Yes, I believe they are doing that... based on the video.

They might also bring the RS3 a year later too!

Can't wait for that.

meh

they should bring the A1 over


http://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_05.jpghttp://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_0d.jpg

Yes, the A1 looks very, very good.

They should bring it over to the NA market.

It could grab market share easily in the North American market.

this seems like it would make the A4 very redundant...

The A3 is suppose to be a little smaller than the A4 with less power, and slightly lower in price.

You are right though, if I had to pick between the A3 and the A4 current face-lifted model, I would choose the 2015 A3, based on styling alone.

Perhaps, the re-designed A4 in the future (2 to 3 years from now) will look better???

[TOPEC]

I own both (e90 330 and b8 a4) and I disagree. Their not that big at all. In fact, if you pair them up next to the higher models of other luxury brands, they seem small (i.e. A6, 5 series, E class).

ur comparing mid size sedans to full size sedans... they better be fking bigger

[UFO]

The current A4 / BMW 3 series are getting to be too large.

I agree the current 3 is too big/boaty. The A4 is right about perfect IMO.

This new A3 doesn't do much for me, its kind of bland. The CLA makes the entry level look much higher end

[maxx]

S3 is coming, RS3 is not. Looks way better in and out than the CLA

[jaemc]

Do want.

[too_slow]

I'm pretty disappointed with the outcome based on how promising and gorgeous the concept vehicle was.

http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2013/01/Audi-A3-Sedan-concept-right-front-1.jpg

The fender flares, and all the minute details are gone. It would have been the best looking compact Audi sedan since the B5 A4.

If anything, it just looks like a VW Polo with a trunk. http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-Volkswagen-Polo-Hatchback-3.jpg


BTW, the Audi A1 is a reskinned Polo hatch with the supercharged+turbocharged 1.4 engine with a $10,000 price premium.. I'd take a Cooper S over it having driven one in Melbourne

[StylinRed]

wow the concept does look nice

[Marshall Placid]

Update, just from a few days ago:

http://www.autonews.com/article/20131024/OEM04/131029936/audi-a3-matches-mercedes-cla-starting-price-29900#axzz2j00SUk69

Same price (in the US market, hence similar pricing in the CDN market).

Notice the Nav screen difference...


Keogh says the A3 has a technological lead with features such as push-button start -- not available in the CLA -- and will come standard with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats and bi-xenon headlights.

Audi claims an aesthetic advantage as well. "We have a screen that's as thin as an iPhone, fully retractable coming out of the dash, made of magnesium -- a stunning piece of engineering," Keogh said. "What they [MB, CLA] put on? You can debate it, but it's basically just a rubber piece screwed on a screen, and the screen's just sitting on the dash … People will see the difference."

[Lomac]

lol Even Audi doesn't like their neighbour's navi placement.

The CLA looks better, though.

[Akinari]

That interior cannot get any plainer.

[Marshall Placid]

That interior cannot get any plainer.

I agree, yes, quite plain.

lol Even Audi doesn't like their neighbour's navi placement.

The CLA looks better, though.

Yes, the CLA looks more aggressive and better.

I just wish the A3 had more aggressive styling.

[GS8]

this seems like it would make the A4 very redundant...

My guess is the next A4 will grow in size. It's always been nagged at for being on the small side.

The Cadillac CTS was the same way. Now that the ATS exists, the CTS was allowed to grow.

Still has a tiny backseat area though :okay:

[v_tec]

The 2014 Lexus CT200h actually has a nice look to it.

It would be able to compete against the A3 / CLA / A-Class / etc if it wasn't of it's engine.

[Geoc]

"What they [MB, CLA] put on? You can debate it, but it's basically just a rubber piece screwed on a screen, and the screen's just sitting on the dash- "


Shots fired.

[Akinari]

lol Even Audi doesn't like their neighbour's navi placement.

Shots fired.

I dunno, the A3's nav screen looks like it's just popping out from the dash, not much better than any other manufacturer's non-integrated screens, to me at least. I don't see what the big deal is about a car nav screen being as thin as an iPhone is either, it's not like I'm going to detach it and stick it in my pocket...

Seriously, how difficult is it to just

http://www.dvdgpsnav.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x500/7555df9a4044b2bdc63be941890c43b0/f/1/f10_2.jpg

[westopher]

I own both (e90 330 and b8 a4) and I disagree. Their not that big at all. In fact, if you pair them up next to the higher models of other luxury brands, they seem small (i.e. A6, 5 series, E class).
They obviously seem small compared to their larger counterparts.:rukidding:
The 3 series is now a midsize sedan, as opposed to a compact sedan that it started as. Thats why the 2 series is here, and the A3 sedan. The S3 as it gets closer to reality here seems like the best choice for a fun, fast car that can haul a small family without killing your bank account.

[Lomac]

I dunno, the A3's nav screen looks like it's just popping out from the dash, not much better than any other manufacturer's non-integrated screens, to me at least. I don't see what the big deal is about a car nav screen being as thin as an iPhone is either, it's not like I'm going to detach it and stick it in my pocket...

Oh I still think the A3's interior looks like ass, but at least you can presumably lower the screen at a touch of a button instead of having it sit there 24/7.

That whole centre stack puts me in mind of a sitting robot with a hard on.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CA/20131024/OEM04/131029936/V2/0/V2-131029936.jpg = robot chicken robot - redux - YouTube

Which is a shame because I usually love Audi's interiors.

[Eff-1]

I've always wanted this. Shame we get left out.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Mercedes-Benz_A_200_AMG_Line_%28W_176%29_%E2%80%93_Frontans icht%2C_25._Mai_2013%2C_Hilden.jpg/800px-Mercedes-Benz_A_200_AMG_Line_%28W_176%29_%E2%80%93_Frontans icht%2C_25._Mai_2013%2C_Hilden.jpg

[too_slow]

^Becareful what you wish for. A Mk7 GTI is more luxurious inside than the A180/200 you have posted. Guess which one costs more?

[AW607]

I probably missed something in the article, but are they still going to make a 5dr/hatchback body style as they always have with the past A3s? With the sedan, it just looks like more of a downsized A4..

[twitchyzero]

CLA looks awkward from all angles except for the rear which has cues from the CLS making it superiorly upscaled compared to its competitors

the interior esp with the AMG seats is infinitely better too

The S3/A3 sedan just looks like a fully loaded Jetta to me...but that doesn't matter much if really does drives like a dream

[Akinari]

BMW y u no :yuno:

http://betterparts.org/images/bmw-x1-m135i-01.jpg

[maxx]

Pricing was announced today of the Audi A3 sedan which will start at $31,100 and will come standard with leather, pano roof, bluetooth and pre-sense basic.

Same quality materials and build quality as A8, available Bang and Olufsen, LED headlights, active lane assist, MMI with touch, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and etc.

Will be at the dealers in April of 2014 with the A3 hatch e-tron and A3 cabrio arriving in August, along with the new Q3 and the all new Audi TT.

[StylinRed]

I've been waiting for word on a new TT been interested in picking one up but heard enough rumors to hold out on getting one


edit: ew they made the interior worse based on those spyshots of the TT interior... why can't they just stick with an in-dash screen instead of a pop-up or an attachment -_- hope that interior is just for the test mule and not the final

[Harvey Specter]

Tough choice for someone who's in the market for a small sedan in the $35-40k range, because you have this car, the 2 series and CLA.

[NNT]

Pricing was announced today of the Audi A3 sedan which will start at $31,100 and will come standard with leather, pano roof, bluetooth and pre-sense basic.

Same quality materials and build quality as A8, available Bang and Olufsen, LED headlights, active lane assist, MMI with touch, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and etc.

Will be at the dealers in April of 2014 with the A3 hatch e-tron and A3 cabrio arriving in August, along with the new Q3 and the all new Audi TT.

So no gasoline engine with the hatchback? I am in market for a new car within next 2 years. on top of my list is the VW MK7 golf wagon TDI 4-motion or the new A3 hatchback with 2.0T and quattro. but seems both may not available in Canada.

[HonestTea]

Pricing was announced today of the Audi A3 sedan which will start at $31,100 and will come standard with leather, pano roof, bluetooth and pre-sense basic.

Same quality materials and build quality as A8, available Bang and Olufsen, LED headlights, active lane assist, MMI with touch, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and etc.

Will be at the dealers in April of 2014 with the A3 hatch e-tron and A3 cabrio arriving in August, along with the new Q3 and the all new Audi TT.

What about the S3?

[maxx]

no gas for hatch, only plug in hybrid. this will be a performance hybrid, just like the q5, so 204hp 260tq, 0-60 in 4.9 secs and just shy of 1000 kms per tank on mixed usage. s3 will be available closer to august. they launch fwd first. no pricing yet but expect cheaper than cla and more equipment.

[Timpo]

meh

they should bring the A1 over


http://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_05.jpghttp://img.netcarshow.com/Audi-A1_quattro_2013_1600x1200_wallpaper_0d.jpg

better than Fiat I think

[maxx]

A1 is coming same time with Q1 in 2016, unofficially

[amusegt1]

I've been waiting for word on a new TT been interested in picking one up but heard enough rumors to hold out on getting one


edit: ew they made the interior worse based on those spyshots of the TT interior... why can't they just stick with an in-dash screen instead of a pop-up or an attachment -_- hope that interior is just for the test mule and not the final

Unfortunately, that will be what the production dash will look like. Might be a few changes here and there, but nothing major.
Basically, what you see inside the new A3 will end also end up on the new TT.

[Marshall Placid]

Official A3 pricing announced and available to configure, and the first A3s touches down in Canada in April 2014:

The Audi Configurator - Engine (http://configurator.audi.ca/entry?context=accx-ca:ca-en&vc=a3sb&&next=model-page)

I did a short test run and the "hyped-up/talked-about" low base price of $31k is just that... a base price.

The highest 2.0 TFSI version trim is $43k which is much more than the $31k, or about 30%+/- more which is a hefty difference.

That sucks.

But, it looks like the 1.8 version is FWD, not Quattro, so there are options available for non-AWD customers.

The Quattro system uses Haldex's AWD which is a lower-quality/ride than the Torsen AWD system used in the A4 and higher-end models.

It is a too much money for the A3.

The S3... reportedly starts at $44k and with options, another $6k (est.) and is available Fall 2014.

It looks like the S3 offers more bang for the buck than the A3 premium level 2.0 TFSI.

S3 review in Europe:
2014 Audi S3 review - YouTube

[v_tec]

:considered:

[68style]

Hmmm... okay Audi... so you want us to spend $31000+taxes/fees on your base model base sedan with a whopping (sic) 170hp?... Yahhhhh... NEXT :badpokerface:

[Z3guy]

does anyone know why all german manufacturers are doing the pop up nav screens? imo, it looks stupid. The nav screens looked better when they are integrated into the dash/gauge cluster. I think the new S class navi looks the best

I think Audi is losing it a bit, the A3 is too close in size to the A4, there will be allot of cannibalization for sure. Audi normally is cutting edge when it comes to design, and the A3 does not break any new ground like the A4 or A7.

[jaemc]

Indeed Audi's prices have been abit steep lately. If only they could lower the Canadian prices to be slightly more competitive.

I can't wait to test drive the new A3 Sedan tho. Been a fan of the A3 for long time! The handling and feel of the drive is :fullofwin:

[maxx]

it rides on the same platform and basic structure as the jetta and theres quite a bit of hints of jetta in the interior of the a3 sedan.

just like the CLA rides on the B class platform and its basically a copy of the b class just in a classier shape.

Unfortunately Audi doesnt have the brand cache of MB, yes you get more equipment as standard and that is why it will appeal to people who are interested specifically in audis or have loaded a jetta GLI and want to upgrade for a few hundred more to a luxury brand. the CLA will appeal to everyone. i simply cannot wait for the 2 series - that will be the best car ever.

[Manic!]

does anyone know why all german manufacturers are doing the pop up nav screens? imo, it looks stupid. T

It's to get the screen eye level so you don't take your eye off the road when driving.

[Marshall Placid]

Hot off the press:
Knowing Audi, the Clubsport Quattro concept is probably going to be the next RS3...

Same front honeycomb RS grille with same/similar honeycomb front-side vent/spoiler, large RS exhaust pipes, with new RS rear-diffuser.

IMHO, this car looks WUNDERBAR with a fast 0-60(62)mph speed of 3.6s.

What do you guys think?

http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Events%20and%20Shows/Enthusiast%20Shows/Worthersee/2014/Audi%20A3%20clubsport%20quattro%20concept/Audi-A3-clubsport-quattro-concept-1032.jpg

http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Events%20and%20Shows/Enthusiast%20Shows/Worthersee/2014/Audi%20A3%20clubsport%20quattro%20concept/Audi-A3-clubsport-quattro-concept-1036.jpg

http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Events%20and%20Shows/Enthusiast%20Shows/Worthersee/2014/Audi%20A3%20clubsport%20quattro%20concept/Audi-A3-clubsport-quattro-concept-1034.jpg


The team at Audi enthusiast blog ‘Audi4Ever’ have managed to grab some photographs of the A3 clubsport quattro concept ahead of its unveiling tomorrow at Worthersee. The 525hp concept boasts a widened track and bodywork, and looks to be even more aggressive in person.

Weighing in at 3366lbs, the A3 clubsport quattro concept has a power to weight ratio of 6.4lbs/hp, which translates in a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 192mph. Power is handled through a seven-speed S tronic twin clutch gearbox, with a tall seventh gear ratio to reduce fuel consumption.




Source:
Audi4Ever blog photographer captures Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept at Wörthersee - Fourtitude.com (http://fourtitude.com/news/Audi_News_1/audi4ever-blog-photographer-captures-audi-a3-clubsport-quattro-concept-at-worthersee/)

[Bender Unit]

That rendering is worst than cars in GT5/Forza 5...

[Gucci Mane]

That rendering is worth than cars in GT5/Forza 5...

internet lisp?

[yray]

A3 canadian pricing :fuckthatshit:

[flagella]

That rendering is worst than cars in GT5/Forza 5...

:concentrate:

[Marshall Placid]

2 videos:
Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept video trailer - YouTube

Read spoiler and exhaust notes:
Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept - YouTube

[yray]

that spoiler reminds me of

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/papa1266/papa12661108/papa1266110800034/10364825-goby-fish-with-its-mouth-open-after-being-caught.jpg

[Marshall Placid]

that spoiler reminds me of

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/papa1266/papa12661108/papa1266110800034/10364825-goby-fish-with-its-mouth-open-after-being-caught.jpg

It stays open like a normal spoiler until you hit a certain high speed and brake... at which time it yawns high/large to slow the car faster (very effectively I might add).

It's something that seems to be new (at least new to me) and functional.

[yray]

^ yea, think it'll look better sans led strip brake lights

[Marshall Placid]

Top Gear review/glance of the A3 Clubsport Quattro:

Just came across this on June 27th:


What is it?

It might look like a mildly enraged A3 saloon with big, kerbable, fancy alloy wheels and some deft detailing. But it's not. This is the A3 Clubsport Quattro, and it's Audi's Crystal Ball of RS. It's also bloody mad.

You mentioned RS. I'm interested.

Thought you might be. It's the A3 Clubsport Quattro concept, built for the enthusiastic crowd of the annual Worthersee tuning event, and packing so many horsepowers you wonder if Audi has any left to spare for its other cars.

How many horsepowers?

520bhp. In any sane universe, a small, Audi saloon with nearly as much power as a V10 R8 supercar surely signals the collapse of civilisation and the coming of the Four Horsemen. And yet in this application, it sort of works.

Before we get to that, some technical information. Under all the paint and bling, this is the new A3 saloon, which means the new MQB platform and all the weight-saving goodness that brings with it. Into this chassis is fitted Audi's venerable and now five-time International Engine of the Year winner (in the 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre class) 2.5-litre turbo. Then, it all goes a bit Looney Tunes.

Though at heart the same engine you'll find in the Audi RS Q3, here it gets a much larger turbocharger with the capacity to pump out 1.5 bar of boost, a better, modified intercooler, a modified camshaft, a new intake and exhaust system and remapped ECU. Mention is made of the firing sequence - 1-2-4-5-3 - which gives the engine that distinctive RS snarl, and it's been hooked up to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive. Obviously.

So is it fast?

You're better off asking what flavour you prefer your windows. The car has a specific output of 208bhp per litre, pushes out an impressive 443lb ft of torque, and because it weighs just 1527kg, boasts a power to weight ratio of 339bhp per tonne.

0-62mph? You're looking at 3.6 seconds, which makes it faster than the RS6. Top speed? 192mph. One hundred and ninety two miles per hour in a car a whisker fatter than a VW Golf.

So what's it like?

Our time was limited to a few hot laps and some standing-start bursts of acceleration, so it all came in a blur. Plus we had the head of Quattro on board too - Heinz Hollerweger - so the impetus to not end up in a tree with a senior Audi director on board was paramount.

From a standstill, you bury your right foot on the Clubsport's throttle and wait for everything to spool up and hook together. There's nothing. Then nothing. Then a little more nothing. Then, around 2,300rpm, everything goes ballistic. That monster turbo wakes up and punts you down the road with such savagery, you need to keep a steady eye on your surroundings. Lest you become part of them.

It's a laggy thing, in a magnificently old-school way. And we kind of admire its honesty. Big turbo, big power, lots of lag, lots of speed. As expected, keep the revs in the cooking zone - between 2,300rpm and 6,000rpm - and you'll experience an addictive and impressive turn of pace.

It sounds magnificent too; a snarly, hard-edged metallic noise that evokes enough ancient RS memory to confirm its bloodline. Sounds better on the outside than in, mind. In fact, inside, it doesn't shake and vibrate and threaten to break free from the chassis, as a concept really should. There's some noise, and then lots of speed. It just feels incredibly well bolted together.

What about its handling?

A few laps aren't enough to exploit this A3's potential, but it's very much a point-and-squirt kind of car. As long as you're in the right rev range, this thing accelerates out of bends with spite. The steering feels commendably hefty (you'll still want to feel something more, though), and turns in sharply and cleanly enough.

It's even possible to get that back end moving, which makes the Clubsport actually a bit of fun to properly throw around. Weight distribution is 57:43 front to rear.

Obviously, on a buttery smooth test track, the ride's harshness was impossible to tell, but 21-inch wheels, a 10mm drop in ride height and racing coilover suspension would suggest the need to exercise caution over distressed tarmac.

The brakes, meanwhile - huge 370mm ceramics up front - are immense. Get them up to temp and you can absolutely stamp on them to your heart's content.

And it looks good, right?

Agreed. Those flared arches - a la RS4 - and bolstered CFRP side sills give it a bruiser's touch. Then there are the silver mirrors, front and rear diffusers (for better airflow), that rear spoiler that doubles as a functioning air-brake (when travelling at speeds over 50mph), single-frame front grille, and round fuel cover. Inside it's pure A3, which is to say, wonderfully finished with a bulletproof dash and instruments.

Can I buy one?

Well, as we told you yesterday, this could be more than fantasy concept fluff. Depending on how the US and China respond, we could see an RS3 saloon by early 2016.

Audi's Quattro boss told TG.com that the Clubsport Quattro was an experiment to see how those markets took the small, RS saloon. Obviously it will never hit production with 520bhp - that was just a test of the engine's absolute limit - but over 360bhp? Much more manageable. And if it can retain that snarl, make more of a racket inside and ensure the ride isn't bone-breaking, we're interested...


Top Gear drives the 520bhp Audi A3 - BBC Top Gear (http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-a3-clubsport-quattro-first-drive-2014-06-27?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ongoing)

At this point, I am wondering what the 2016 RS3's hp will be.

[geeknerd]

what would be the price range for such a car? would it still be the cheapest model in the audi line?

[Marshall Placid]

what would be the price range for such a car? would it still be the cheapest model in the audi line?

The RS model of the A3 should be about $20k more than the regular A3 Quattro, so about $55k base price CDN.

[Fro7en]

2015 Audi A3 - Can it Knock the CLA Down a Peg or Two? - YouTube

[multicartual]

Cars starting sucking in the mid 00's

The glory days for modern auto was like 1992-2004, the GT-R basically "won" the modern car and that was that