Paul
06-26-2005, 01:42 PM
First off I want to say that I went to the dealership only because I was bored (just finished an errand) and wanted to see what the new B7 S4's were going for. Btw the B7 S4's are frigging nice. Mid 50's were how they seemed to be priced here. Thanks to Frank @ miramar audi/vw for his time and assistance as always!
The car:
05 Audi A3
2.0 FSI Turbo w/DSG
Silver with black leather interior
Sports Package (suspension, wheels, seats, etc)
Open Sky
Bose(sound)
Power:
200hp 207lbft torque out of the 2.0 FSI Turbo. The car definitely feels faster off the line, like a neuspeed or giac chipped B5 a4. Power delivery through the DSG is smooth and continuous, the shifts are very crisp and tight. Much better than the old Tiptronic. You don't lift to shift just stay on throttle and up or down and the engine is quickly matched to the gear. No studdering in downshifts that I noticed. Two big thumbs up to Audi for replacing the 1.8t 20v i4. The only complaint i have is the burble you get when up-shifting under mild throttle. Nothing horrendous but it is noticeable.
Suspension/steering/braking:
The sport suspension on the A3 is considerable more supportive than that of the B5 1.8t. The car rides quite comfortably but provides adequate input from the road. I didn't push the car too hard in the turns seeing that it's a FWD and I'd wait for the quattro if I were to get an A3. The steering is electronically assisted providing resistance free turning at low speeds to assist in parking but at higher speeds the steering tightens and requires more input. Common amoung luxury vehicles today. Overall the suspension/steering is very capable on this car off the lot. The brakes well they're brakes. I didn't punish them on the test drive so I can't say much.
Interior/Overall the car is a big step in the right direction for Audi. Firm (for stock) yet comfortable suspension and ample power for those who don't wish to chip their cars and void their warranties. The interior is well designed with a clean HVAC layout. The only complaint is the lack of an OFF button like that of the B5. Both B6/B7 A4's also have no off button for the hvac system, something that is a bit lame imo. The sport seats are incredibly supportive. Much more so than the B5 sport seats. The upper bolsters are tighter to the body and help keep you well planted. The dash is well thought out and the gauges are easy to read. White/red numbering with satin metal trim rings. All throughout the cabin is brushed/satin aluminum. Tastefully applied and in limited use. I really appreciate audi finally putting in a larger cup holder as well, the car comes standard with dual front cup holders, one being able to take larger drinks. My one complaint about the interior is the use of a metal and fairly gaudy and out of place vent dial (open/close). The non-sport premium uses a black ring. Other than that Audi did a great job with the A3, I can't wait to test drive a Quattro equipped version in the coming months.
The car:
05 Audi A3
2.0 FSI Turbo w/DSG
Silver with black leather interior
Sports Package (suspension, wheels, seats, etc)
Open Sky
Bose(sound)
Power:
200hp 207lbft torque out of the 2.0 FSI Turbo. The car definitely feels faster off the line, like a neuspeed or giac chipped B5 a4. Power delivery through the DSG is smooth and continuous, the shifts are very crisp and tight. Much better than the old Tiptronic. You don't lift to shift just stay on throttle and up or down and the engine is quickly matched to the gear. No studdering in downshifts that I noticed. Two big thumbs up to Audi for replacing the 1.8t 20v i4. The only complaint i have is the burble you get when up-shifting under mild throttle. Nothing horrendous but it is noticeable.
Suspension/steering/braking:
The sport suspension on the A3 is considerable more supportive than that of the B5 1.8t. The car rides quite comfortably but provides adequate input from the road. I didn't push the car too hard in the turns seeing that it's a FWD and I'd wait for the quattro if I were to get an A3. The steering is electronically assisted providing resistance free turning at low speeds to assist in parking but at higher speeds the steering tightens and requires more input. Common amoung luxury vehicles today. Overall the suspension/steering is very capable on this car off the lot. The brakes well they're brakes. I didn't punish them on the test drive so I can't say much.
Interior/Overall the car is a big step in the right direction for Audi. Firm (for stock) yet comfortable suspension and ample power for those who don't wish to chip their cars and void their warranties. The interior is well designed with a clean HVAC layout. The only complaint is the lack of an OFF button like that of the B5. Both B6/B7 A4's also have no off button for the hvac system, something that is a bit lame imo. The sport seats are incredibly supportive. Much more so than the B5 sport seats. The upper bolsters are tighter to the body and help keep you well planted. The dash is well thought out and the gauges are easy to read. White/red numbering with satin metal trim rings. All throughout the cabin is brushed/satin aluminum. Tastefully applied and in limited use. I really appreciate audi finally putting in a larger cup holder as well, the car comes standard with dual front cup holders, one being able to take larger drinks. My one complaint about the interior is the use of a metal and fairly gaudy and out of place vent dial (open/close). The non-sport premium uses a black ring. Other than that Audi did a great job with the A3, I can't wait to test drive a Quattro equipped version in the coming months.