Why all the bickering? We won't be getting this in the states nor will we get anything else that's on my wish list like something with a TDI, Quattro, DSG & 2 Doors. VW and Audi have had their heads up so far inside of their asses.
Actually, Clarkson loved the S-Tronic box when he tried it in the old shape TT (the 3.2 V6 edition). And he's right to love it, I've got one in a GTi and it's superb. I never thought I'd buy anything other than a manual, now I don't think I'd buy anything other than a DSG/S-Tronic. It really doesn't miss a trick and even in manual mode it provides practically seamless power. I can't recommend this box enough.
From what I hear, that VW flappy paddle box is among the best. I'm not too sure, for me, that the A3 offers that much more than a GTi, and it sure costs a hooker and a pizza more.
Speaking of A3s, how come we don't get the A3 Cabriolet? That one looks like a winnah'
@graverobber- My Yugo Nova!: They look a little odd in real life,& all the ones i've seen have been white & driven by ropey middle aged women with badly bleeched hair.
@layabout: We used to have something like this here too; the Rabbit Cabriolet.
They were mostly driven by young women with sun-kissed blond hair, cute, freckled, turned-up noses and killer smiles. They single-handedly kept the tank-top and flip-flop industries in business for most of the '80s and '90s. How I miss seeing them on the road.
As a by the by, went to local VW main dealer yesterday for a nose at the 2nd hand stock. They were telling me that the VW Golf R32 is the best value they have at the moment, apparently because there are no R32 plans for the new shape, the 3 they had in stock were all brand new never been registered and were GBP8k off list price (22k instead of 30k). Not my thing but I always think it's good to share. (Come to think of it I think at least one had DSG - could be wrong but it kinds gets in on topic).
@Bob1967: Bob, not sure if it's the same worldwide, but over here, EVERY single MkV R32 was DSG...that's part of why the sales were so slow. The purists and tuners didn't really cozy up to the paddles initially, and the DSG in that model can't take much torque, from what I understand (300 lb-ft, give or take).
In turn, the 2004 models are worth almost as much (used) as the newer ones are at the dealer.
@The Name's Ash78, Housewares: Didn't know they were all DSG's, live and learn. Seemed to me it was a lot more money for a GTI with a little +. I just thought 8k off a brand new car was a bit of a find and it would be good to share.
These cars are pretty much tailored to my personal tastes. Just seeing the two-door hatchback makes me need a smoke and a towel.
I'm with Ash on this one. I'm waiting for them to depreciate enough, then there may actually be a Corrado for sale on the market. Unless they come out with an RS3... in which case I'll need to wait for THAT to depreciate instead.
I really like the A3 a lot...I just keep waiting for the right configuration. They FINALLY added 2.0t and Quattro together this year. If they gave us the 2.0tdi with DSG or 6MT, I'd be very happy.
Now I have to sit back for three years as the depreciation curve accelerates to match that of the GTI :D
call me a hermit, but I have never seen a 2 dr hatchback Audi....I must have one! Are they in the US? I have a Audi/Porsche dlrship right down the street and I've never seen this car,lol
@Ze_Ben: The majority of the Europe models have been 2-door for the last 6 or 8 years since they came out. But the US only gets the 4-door (initially, this was to prevent GTI cannibalization...and then we got the 4-door GTI. Go figure.)
I've heard rumors of a 2-door coming to the states, though.
I have a flappy paddle gearbox made by Audi and it's fecking ace! Gear change in 0.2 seconds with ciggy in hand! So haters, save your pocket money and have a go before you slag one off.
Wanna know another thing I hate about DSG (takes another sip of Haterade)?
Why is it that every manufacturer--when removing the third pedal--feels obligated to make the brake pedal three times as wide? It makes me feel like I'm driving a Buick!1
Bah. If I wanted something I could just tickle with my fingertips to make it exciting, do you think I'd be wasting my time with a damned car? No! I want something robust and rigid to grab and thrust about to make it exciting! A firm, stout lever with a big knob on the end.
Hmm, still doesn't sound like I'm talking about a car.
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
But, that first sentence is like chewing poorly prepared Irish Oats!!
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
Pretty sure that's the top of the USC parking structure, here.
11/17/08
Speaking of A3s, how come we don't get the A3 Cabriolet? That one looks like a winnah'
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
They were mostly driven by young women with sun-kissed blond hair, cute, freckled, turned-up noses and killer smiles. They single-handedly kept the tank-top and flip-flop industries in business for most of the '80s and '90s. How I miss seeing them on the road.
11/17/08
11/17/08
In turn, the 2004 models are worth almost as much (used) as the newer ones are at the dealer.
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
I'm with Ash on this one. I'm waiting for them to depreciate enough, then there may actually be a Corrado for sale on the market. Unless they come out with an RS3... in which case I'll need to wait for THAT to depreciate instead.
11/17/08
11/17/08
Now I have to sit back for three years as the depreciation curve accelerates to match that of the GTI :D
11/17/08
11/17/08
I've heard rumors of a 2-door coming to the states, though.
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
11/17/08
Why is it that every manufacturer--when removing the third pedal--feels obligated to make the brake pedal three times as wide? It makes me feel like I'm driving a Buick!1
(sip)
11/17/08
Hmm, still doesn't sound like I'm talking about a car.