VAG-Fan1

I agree with the pricing being too close to not go Q3, but the issue in making comparisons via the VW.com site is that it is no longer a pricing configurator. It is truly an awful way to present information to buyers and caters to the low information crowd. That Tig you saw at $39k was indeed with 4 Motion (same Haldex setup as Q3), though the VW site does not show it that way. If you go to any of the consumer directed car research sites, you can spec one out more properly- not this "find a match" garbage VWofA is doing.

What a Tiguan sells for OTD vs. a Q3 at similar MSRP will be interesting to compare. Audi really doesn't throw much at factory incentives like VW does despite being in the same conglomerate, even when you consider conquest or loyalty allowance promos that Audi sometimes runs.

And yes, the Tig has leather seats- well just the part that contacts your back and your butt. Everything else is leatherette where it isn't explicitly stated as leather, much like how most VWs and Audis are done (unless they have a full or extended leather option available).

Again, I agree you'd have to have a compelling reason to go top trim Tiguan over a Q3 Prestige at essentially the same money, particularly with the better Audi warranty.

VAG-Fan1

The A3/S3 do share drivetrain and AWD systems with other VW/Audi MQB based vehicles in many global markets. The AWD system is the same type as the previous gen A3 and the TT mk1 and mk2, as well as the R32/36, Golf R, CC 4Motion, and Tiguan. Some get the S-Tronic/DSG tranny, some get the torque converted Tiptronic.

I think we are getting the dressed up Tiguan in the US because it's what is ready to go sooner rather than later- the basic chassis/engine/drivetrain has been federalized already and the way Audi is going about it, the Q3 seems to be offered here as a "me too" product to compete with the X1 and upcoming GLA.

ssteigss

Spoke to my dealer today. He confirmed that this Q3 will only be for this year and an all new one based on new A3 is coming next yr. Audi just wanted to have an offering to compete with X1 and GLA as already mentioned above. It should be in showroom within 2 weeks. He also said new Q5 is most likely coming 2017 depending on mexico factory completion.

ND40oz

The Q3 was just facelifted for the 2015 model year, I can't see them doing a 1 and done on the facelift model. It's not like it's been around for that long with the first ones going on sale in mid 2011 as 2012 models. I imagine they'd keep the facelift version for 3 years before a replacement.

One thing the Tiguan has over the Q3 is it's still assembled in Germany. The Q3 comes out of the Seat plant in Spain. A Q3 w/ the Prestige package is the same price as what we paid for our Tiguan when you factor in the ACNA discount. Too bad they pulled a BMW and waited for the facelift to send it over, just like the X1.

MPBQ3

I would agree that my days of needing the fastest whatever are over. Where the hell is everyone going these days that we need to go 0-60 in 5 secords?

You want to talk slow. My 1975 Datsun B210 with 88hp was 0-60 in 17 secords. Now that was scary slow.

dsackman

My motorcycle has 110hp and does 60 in about 4s. It is good

The Q5 3.0T is fast enough at around 6s, and the BMW328 has similar numbers. All goodness, but I agree much more than that may be too much.



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iamthewalrus

For what it's worth, I have a friend who works at VW North America, and he acknowledges they screwed up by removing the configurator. It's crazy really. I go and price an X1 and want to see how a Tiguan stacks up -- can't! Go to a dealer. That's just not a great way to do business. People are simply too busy. They need to be able to shop online and then go to a dealer.
Ideally, I'd love to do away with dealerships altogether and simply buy off the website the way you do with Apple, Dell, Room&Board, DWR, and other civilized retailers. "Dealerships" are outdated.

-James
Seattle, WA

jec

I test drove a Q3 today. I liked the feel of the car. Suspension was tight without being harsh. The base steering was okay, but I need to check out one with Drive Select. I think I'd prefer it a little heavier. My big question was how the engine felt vs. an X1, as well as my A4 2.0t. On the one hand, it felt like it had a decent amount of punch -- at least for me, but then I'm 63. On the other hand, I didn't love it the way I loved the X1 2.8 engine or the engine in my A4. The long list of standard features in the Q3 makes it very tempting, but I don't want to end up with buyer's remorse pining for more power the way I did after I bought a 2002 1.8T A4 rather than the 3.0. It's a classic dilemma -- luxury vs. performance.

almeladze

Mine has homelink as standard on the base model (US spec)

almeladze

Nope, it's regular 6 speed automatic with manual shifting option (tiptronic).