Is the rear cargo area big enough for a smallish dog to ride in???
 

We have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and we are thinking of picking up an 06 or 07 A3 2.0T DSG, but are concerned if the rear cargo area would be big enough for him to lay and be comfortable. He's about 22-23lbs, so he's on the smaller side for a dog.
And has anyone installed a dog barrier other than the expensive OEM one? Any pics of it installed?

Reason I ask is he sheds like there's no tomorrow and both my cars have to be cleaned frequently to get rid of all that hair in the back seats!

yes, more than enough. not even a tight fit, lots of room.

Our 29 KG Samoyed is fine
 

And we have a 3 dr (UK) which is smaller trunk by about 1 in I believe

Re: I'll go one better (pic)
 

<center><img src="http://gallery.mac.com/chrisfuria/100076/IMG_2109/web.jpg"></center><p>
2 very happy labs: one 78lbs; one 50lbs. We take them everywhere in the A3. It was one of the main reasons for our purchase as we needed a dog friendly car. Only problem I have is drool on the seat backs.

We don't use a barrier but I have seen them installed without issue.

If you want more room, I'd also highly recommend the Subaru Forester XT. It was our 2nd choice. Much bigger cargo area; much lower MPG.

Great Dogs! Reminds me to say...
 

The A3 head rests are good at holding on to a blanket or similar to protect your trim a bit. As in ChrisEVO photo. All other cars I have had recently don't seem to manage this! I know it sounds a bizarre point to make but it is oh so practical on the living with the car level...

Re: Great Dogs! Reminds me to say...
 

Yeah, it really helps keep things neater. It's a combo wet dog barrier / drool napkin! :)

Similar situation here: 2 golden retrievers (~60 lbs. each), no problems.

Nice!! Kyoshi is a lowrider corgi, so I don't think I'll need a dog barrier
 

He can probably get his front legs up on the headrest but don't think he can jump over. I'd rather go for the A3 since it gets great gas mileage(2.0T DSG) and big enough for the fam(just 3 of us + the dog).
Thanks for the pic! Any of them with the rear hatch open and them sitting inside?