A3/S3/RS3 Next-generation (Mk.III) Audi A3 (Spy pics & info)

[Zafiro]

@Just_me, you seem to rate the Golf GTI quite high as do I but I don't see that great a difference between it and the A3S/Line2.0T, what do you see different?

I see a car with a better design and better driving dynamics. In my eyes Golf is more modern and solid looking than the A3. A3 looks dated and not fresh anymore. Also the price is better and resale value is also better for the GTI than a A3 where I live.

 

[EnI]

What are the numbers of current generation A3 sales vs E87 over the last 3 years? Point is, for many, many people the A3 is just the right combo of affordability and prestige and on the whole the product is so much better than people on this forum give it credit for.

A3 out sales the 1er.

As said many time mainly due to practicality reasons which are much more important in this segment than in any other. A3 Sportback is the winner here: offering greater cabin room, cargo room, FWD or AWD, and also better ride (for many 1er ride is way too stiff for city streets drive) - while still providing premium & sporty image (compared to eg. van-like current A-class). The perceived cabin quality in A3 definitely add extra point.

Btw, RWD isn't exactly a selling point for 1er: perhaps in coupe case, but not much in the hatch case. Also: people still have prejudices over RWD (difficult to drive) - especially the female drivers. So, it's not a surprise about 80% owners of 1er think the car is FWD.
But due RWD layout (central tunnel, rear axle) the cabin & boot space are compromised compared to the FWD rivals.

But overall 1er is selling exceptionally well. and this time around the ride has been smoothened, the cabin & boot space are a bit larger & more practical, the perceived quality of the cabin is better, greater scale of customization is now possible etc. Not to mention better low-end engines etc. Yet as we can see: the new A3 & A-class are coming with a punch. so, we'll see if 1er issues have been address properly & sufficiently. Compared to Mk1 1er, and current A3 & A-class they were - but the new ones are coming next year, so ...

 

[martinbo]

People seem to forget that the A3 has been around for ages already and we're actually comparing the A3 8P platform against the E87 and not the F20. F20 vs next-gen is another discussion and so far we only know a bit about the new 1.8T engine that will do duty in the new car. We also don't know what the finished A3 product will look like barring the obvious silhouette seen here. What we do know is that the F20 styling has gone off at a tangeant compared to the rest of the range's styling. As much as I want it to, the F20 just can't seem to un-ugly itself even with weeks of familiarity.

I expect the A3 to echo its maker's crisp, edgy and contemporary (read fresh) styling theme at the front and whilst it won't set the car styling critics' keyboards alight, it will certainly find favour with a broad spectrum of buyers in the premium hatch segment.

The outgoing A3 ought to be recognised for the excellent product offering that it was. Stylish in 3 door form, handsome and practical as a Sportback with the best interior in the class - the A3 is great example of what a good all-rounder should be.

Edit: I didn't see EnI's post before submitting mine and he spells it out exactly as I see it.

 

[EnI]

A3 successfully uses VW Golf formula. It incorporates all the good qualities of Golf that made Golf such a popular product. Plus adding some cherries. All-round character counts in this segment: therefore 5dr hatches are much more popular than 3dr hatches in this segment!

A3 indeed established itself as a great product! The image of A3 is excellent.

And this new round won't change anything: A3 will still sell better than 1er. More interesting will be the next battle: when 1er will go FWD, offering much better cabin & boot space!

What I'm eager to see in this segment is the performance of the new A-class. Mind the customers for it were mostly elderly & female customers. Which love a bit raised sitting position & practicality of van-like shape. Since that was the selling point of A-class. Will MB be able to retain these customers? But with the more conventional new A-class hatch (with dynamic styling) it will attract new customers - mostly from BMW & Audi! Especially younger male clientèle. I really wonder how the new A-class will be received. Since MB still isn't the brand young people are in particular interested in. BMW & Audi have much more dynamic image - especially in this segment. So, I doubt young male people will initially go for new A-class - unless the product is heavily marketed as superior to 1er & A3. And it looks it will be the most unconventional hatch among all 3 - and will have the "brand new" factor, since new A3 & 1er are mere evolutions of current cars. While new A-class is radically different form current one.

Anyway ... be sure all 3 will sell like hot cakes.

 

[NarutoRamen]

A3 successfully uses VW Golf formula. It incorporates all the good qualities of Golf that made Golf such a popular product. Plus adding some cherries. All-round character counts in this segment: therefore 5dr hatches are much more popular than 3dr hatches in this segment!

My problem with the A3 is that it doesn't come in quattro, at least here in american anyway, because I don't have info on other markets.

 

[martinbo]

My problem with the A3 is that it doesn't come in quattro, at least here in american anyway, because I don't have info on other markets.

Barring someone like yourself who's an ex-M3 and a current 3er owner, why would Joe Public need an AWD A3 in models other than S and RS guises?

 

[Hein]

If I'm honest with you I'd rather they drop the quattro on their entry level S and RS models and use a more throttle adjustable FWD system like a clio RS or a focus RS. I for one would love to see an RS3 that could do big skids like a focus RS, or they need to work on that rear diff they have on the S4, to make the cars more fun.

 

[SKY]

More interesting will be the next battle: when 1er will go FWD, offering much better cabin & boot space!

Excuse me, but as I´ve read you this particular comment a few times, I´m curious. Why you say this?. I remember a BMW officer saying the 1er wouldn´t FWD.

 

[donkeykong]

My problem with the A3 is that it doesn't come in quattro, at least here in american anyway, because I don't have info on other markets.

Who told you this?

Audi of America > 2012 Audi A3 > Explore the Audi A3 > Performance

You do realise it's an option for the non TDI packages?

 

[EnI]

Excuse me, but as I´ve read you this particular comment a few times, I´m curious. Why you say this?. I remember a BMW officer saying the 1er wouldn´t FWD.

Not the F20, but definitely its successor. The plan is to put next (post-F20) 1er family (incl the both 3dr & 5dr hatch variants) on FWD platform - shared with MINI.
While future 2er coupe, cabrio, gran coupe etc will stay on BMW RWD platform - like 3er, 4er, 5er etc.

 

[SKY]

Not the F20, but definitely its successor. The plan is to put next (post-F20) 1er family (incl the both 3dr & 5dr hatch variants) on FWD platform - shared with MINI.
While future 2er coupe, cabrio, gran coupe etc will stay on BMW RWD platform - like 3er, 4er, 5er etc.

Hmmm, interesting.

 

[donkeykong]

2013 Audi S3 Hatchback Spy Shots

 

[braaf]

Blown up A1 anyone?

 

[donkeykong]

Blown up A1 anyone?

Don't you grow tired of regurgitating the same non sense.

 

[braaf]

Last time I checked, I was entitled to an opinion. And in my eyes it looks like a blown up A1, so tough luck to you if you don't like it.

 

[donkeykong]

Last time I checked, I was entitled to an opinion. And in my eyes it looks like a blown up A1, so tough luck to you if you don't like it.

How old are you? Reapting the same thing every other couple pages does nothing to add to the discussion.

 

[KIII3R 7]

I think they need to fine tune the suspension a bit

Also, I don't think it looks like the A1 to much (atm), an as the only distinguishable part of the A1 from the rest of the Audi range is he rear, in my opinion looks only vaguely similar

I hope it takes strongly from the A3 concept saloon Both inside and out

 

[donkeykong]

Bilder: Vorschau Audi A3 Sportback - Bilder - autobild.de

Not a bad rendering.

 

[braaf]

How old are you? Reapting the same thing every other couple pages does nothing to add to the discussion.

Normally I refuse to argue with idiots, but this time I'll make an exception. My age has absolutely nothing to do with my taste in cars. I should ask you, how old are you not being able to handle criticism. I have every right to repeat my comments as many times as I wish and there is nothing you can do about it. It's called freedom of expression. If you don't like it then shut up dude. Really, you need to grow up. I wil say it again, it looks like a freaking blown up A1, there I said it.

 

[donkeykong]

So you've resorted to name calling,and personal attacks. Though guy bravado from behind a keyboard,I won't edulge in you're pettiness,it's wasted energy. You're frustration stems from so many calling the 1 series design a disaster,and you express that frustration by trolling on the Audi threads. Posting the same 1 liner probably for comedic effect,but failing in doing so since it doesn't resonate with anybody,but yourself. Looking at the front a3/s3 mules it bares more of a resemeblance to the a4/a5 range. While the overall shape is similar to the current generation.