CD Article: 2008 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


The Audi A3 3.2 offers superb quality and a smooth V6 engine, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, and its combination of fun, efficiency and utility is "tough to fault." But the optional sunroof "cuts into headroom," he notes.  

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[Mitlov]

The 2.0T is torquier-feeling than numbers suggest, and very modification-friendly.  But it doesn't make music the way the VR6 does (particularly when the VR6 is mated to a performance exhaust).

Overall, the A3 is a great package IMO.  Though I do wish we got the S3 Sportback here in North America (260-hp 2.0T, 6MT, Haldex AWD, five doors).

The big mark against the A3 3.2 Quattro here in the states is the $32k Volkswagen R32.  Mechanically the same car, with slightly more aggressive chassis set up and two fewer doors.  Sure, it's not quite as luxurious as the A3 3.2, but it's no stripped EVO GSR either--it has the following standard equipment: leather, sunroof, supportive sport seats with heaters, power lumbar support, bixenon headlamps, 18" alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker sound system w/ 6CD changer.

http://www.vw.com/R32/en/us/

All of a sudden, the A3 3.2 Quattro starts looking like a great car at an absurd price.

[Demosthenes X]

Fantastic car, not so fantastic price.  :/  The base A3 at $32 000 is a decent deal, but $50 000 for a small hatchback is pushing it.  Still, were I a successful executive living in a big city who only needed one vehicle, a good case could be made for the A3: luxurious, practical, very fun to drive...  I just think the market that can and would buy the S-line is a bit of an odd one. 

[mmret]

And with the bumper regs now harmonized, the R32 is Canadian Drivable.

Now if we could only get a GLI R32 and a Passat R36. 

[Mitlov]

And with the bumper regs now harmonized, the R32 is Canadian Drivable.

Now if we could only get a GLI R32 and a Passat R36. 

Volkswagen of Medford, Oregon has had a white R32 sitting in their showroom for about a year now.  I'll bet you you could get it for US$30k or even a bit under.  That's what, like $18k Canadian? 

[JSCC]

And with the bumper regs now harmonized, the R32 is Canadian Drivable.

Now if we could only get a GLI R32 and a Passat R36. 

Keep dreaming!