2009 A3 3.2Q Review
09-12-2008, 01:44 AM
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2009 A3 3.2Q Review
For those interested, I've had the car for just under two weeks now and below are some of my thoughts. But, first the details:
2009 3.2Q in Ibis White, Titanium Wheel Package (18" Michelin Performance Tires), S-Line Package, Navigation Package with Bluetooth, OpenSky with Bose Stereo. But as per my previous thread, I did not bother waiting until winter to get the Mag Ride option. It wasn't available at the time I placed my order in late June.
Anyhow, my thoughts after also having driven a 2006 A4 2.0TQ for previously.
Fuel consumption is as expected running about 11L/100KM (sorry you need to convert to gallons) since I do mostly highway driving. I've also been driving carefully since I'm still within the break in period.
The side mirrors are huge compared to the previously models or any other 2008 or earlier Audi models. It has the same side mirrors as the new TT. However, even though it has auto-dimming rearview mirror as a standard the side mirrors do not dim (same as the TT). The larger size really accentuates this issue. Although, I have to say the large mirrors look very cool and it does give you a large point of view.
At first the Bluetooth (another standard equipment on the 3.2) kept disconnecting from my Palm Treo 700. I'm sure it's my point. After resetting my phone, the connection has been perfect. The hands free operation is phenomenal through the Navigation System.
I've had a lot of experience with different portable NAV system since I travel a lot on business and rent a lot of cars. There are two things I disliked about Audi's NAV System. I did not like the fact that it's not a touch screen and that it does not tell you the street names. Then the more I used it the more I realized the following. Having a touch screen is good but also bad since the NAV screen is expensive and scratches or damage to it will cause more money to fix. I have a Palm Treo and in as much as I love its touch feature, the screen is easily scratched so I got over this problem really fast since I like having a nice clean scratch free screen. Although, it does not tell you the street names it does tell you the highway names, exit names, exit nos., etc. which makes sense since you're travelling faster in the highway. In addition and depending on the mode or view you select, it tells you the next 3 exits that are coming up or turns....very cool. So, I got over these two points in a hurry as well. But, I would've like it to tell me the street names in some respect.
I know everyone in this forum love the 2.0T engine because it's supposed to better in fuel and can easily be moded, etc. so it would perform like a 3.2. I've driven a 2.0TQ A4 and let me tell you, the 3.2 engine is so much quieter like you are actually driving an expensive car and the A3 is not cheap. It also has a smoother kick from a stop. The engine roar and while it is running is sweet sounding. There's a huge difference regardless of what anyone says including a heftier price tag. But again, after my experience with a 2.0T engine I'm not going back. I also used to driv a BMW X5 3.0 and I always felt the A4 2.0T to be underpowered. How does the A3 3.2 stack up power wise to the X5 3.0. Very well of course since it's a 3.2 and it's much lighter. Audi's are also better cars and have better customer service.
The front seat heaters do not get hot enough or as hot as the A4. Not sure if it's because it's still warm outside and the air condition is on or it's the first time I tried to use it to test so the verdict may still be out on this one.
I have no problems with the OpenSky sunshade. Wanna know why? I just don't touch it. Why bother getting a sunroof or in this case a dual sunroof open sky if you're going to constantly fiddle with the sunshade....crazy. I had a sunroof on my previous A4 and not once did I pull the sunshade to close the sunroof regardless of whether it's freezing or it's desert hot outside.
The DSG/S-Tronic and paddle shifters are awesome. I do not drive standard nor do I care to drive one. I also don't care what others think of the DSG as a wanna be standard gear but it works beautifully. It's so much easier than the regular S-Tronic via the Gear ****. Plus, it corrects itself back to auto if you don't switch gears after 30 seconds. How cool is that? The transition as it goes up or down gear is very very smooth unlike the pre DSG days.
The Bose sound system according to my wife is amazing. I have to believe her because I'm tone deaf
The Titanium wheels look fantastic along Ibis White. The Michelin tires have a nice grip on the road and is quiet. Keep in mind though that it's only been just under two weeks since I've had the car. The piano black trim and black headliner that came with the TI Package is very cool. The standard headliner is grey and this color does not do the car any justice with a black interior.
I don't like the fact that it does not have HomeLink or an integrated garage door opener. For a car this expensive it's no excuse not to have one.
It also does not have drawers underneath both front seats. I guess I maybe asking too much since I had these in my A4.
It also does not have a manual cubby hole or holder just underneath the steering wheel. Again, I had this little storage area to store the car manual in my A4.
It also does not have memory functions for the power driver seat. Again my A4 had it.
It also does not have power passenger front seat. For pete's sake, this is an over 40K (CAD) base car, is it asking for too much that the front passenger side is not manual.
I have two kids who are both on booster seats and there are plenty of leg room or space in the back for them. No complains from my boys.
The trunk space is smaller than my A4 but because it's a hatch it feels bigger and more practical. I will never drive a sedan with a trunk ever again. Actually, my A4 was the only sedan I had ever driven and it was a huge mistake from a trunk/cargo standpoint. I've always driven hatches or SUVs in the past.
I love that the A3 is a sports car but it functions very nicely as a family car as well. I love that it's small but big enough to carry the family with ample trunk space.
Overall, the car is sweet. This is even more so now that I've seen what the 2009 A4 looks like. It looks like a boat compared to the 2008 and earlier. It's longer and it looks like an old guy's car now. It's actually the same length as the A5. In my opinion, it looks like an A6 length wise.
2009 3.2Q in Ibis White, Titanium Wheel Package (18" Michelin Performance Tires), S-Line Package, Navigation Package with Bluetooth, OpenSky with Bose Stereo. But as per my previous thread, I did not bother waiting until winter to get the Mag Ride option. It wasn't available at the time I placed my order in late June.
Anyhow, my thoughts after also having driven a 2006 A4 2.0TQ for previously.
Fuel consumption is as expected running about 11L/100KM (sorry you need to convert to gallons) since I do mostly highway driving. I've also been driving carefully since I'm still within the break in period.
The side mirrors are huge compared to the previously models or any other 2008 or earlier Audi models. It has the same side mirrors as the new TT. However, even though it has auto-dimming rearview mirror as a standard the side mirrors do not dim (same as the TT). The larger size really accentuates this issue. Although, I have to say the large mirrors look very cool and it does give you a large point of view.
At first the Bluetooth (another standard equipment on the 3.2) kept disconnecting from my Palm Treo 700. I'm sure it's my point. After resetting my phone, the connection has been perfect. The hands free operation is phenomenal through the Navigation System.
I've had a lot of experience with different portable NAV system since I travel a lot on business and rent a lot of cars. There are two things I disliked about Audi's NAV System. I did not like the fact that it's not a touch screen and that it does not tell you the street names. Then the more I used it the more I realized the following. Having a touch screen is good but also bad since the NAV screen is expensive and scratches or damage to it will cause more money to fix. I have a Palm Treo and in as much as I love its touch feature, the screen is easily scratched so I got over this problem really fast since I like having a nice clean scratch free screen. Although, it does not tell you the street names it does tell you the highway names, exit names, exit nos., etc. which makes sense since you're travelling faster in the highway. In addition and depending on the mode or view you select, it tells you the next 3 exits that are coming up or turns....very cool. So, I got over these two points in a hurry as well. But, I would've like it to tell me the street names in some respect.
I know everyone in this forum love the 2.0T engine because it's supposed to better in fuel and can easily be moded, etc. so it would perform like a 3.2. I've driven a 2.0TQ A4 and let me tell you, the 3.2 engine is so much quieter like you are actually driving an expensive car and the A3 is not cheap. It also has a smoother kick from a stop. The engine roar and while it is running is sweet sounding. There's a huge difference regardless of what anyone says including a heftier price tag. But again, after my experience with a 2.0T engine I'm not going back. I also used to driv a BMW X5 3.0 and I always felt the A4 2.0T to be underpowered. How does the A3 3.2 stack up power wise to the X5 3.0. Very well of course since it's a 3.2 and it's much lighter. Audi's are also better cars and have better customer service.
The front seat heaters do not get hot enough or as hot as the A4. Not sure if it's because it's still warm outside and the air condition is on or it's the first time I tried to use it to test so the verdict may still be out on this one.
I have no problems with the OpenSky sunshade. Wanna know why? I just don't touch it. Why bother getting a sunroof or in this case a dual sunroof open sky if you're going to constantly fiddle with the sunshade....crazy. I had a sunroof on my previous A4 and not once did I pull the sunshade to close the sunroof regardless of whether it's freezing or it's desert hot outside.
The DSG/S-Tronic and paddle shifters are awesome. I do not drive standard nor do I care to drive one. I also don't care what others think of the DSG as a wanna be standard gear but it works beautifully. It's so much easier than the regular S-Tronic via the Gear ****. Plus, it corrects itself back to auto if you don't switch gears after 30 seconds. How cool is that? The transition as it goes up or down gear is very very smooth unlike the pre DSG days.
The Bose sound system according to my wife is amazing. I have to believe her because I'm tone deaf
The Titanium wheels look fantastic along Ibis White. The Michelin tires have a nice grip on the road and is quiet. Keep in mind though that it's only been just under two weeks since I've had the car. The piano black trim and black headliner that came with the TI Package is very cool. The standard headliner is grey and this color does not do the car any justice with a black interior.
I don't like the fact that it does not have HomeLink or an integrated garage door opener. For a car this expensive it's no excuse not to have one.
It also does not have drawers underneath both front seats. I guess I maybe asking too much since I had these in my A4.
It also does not have a manual cubby hole or holder just underneath the steering wheel. Again, I had this little storage area to store the car manual in my A4.
It also does not have memory functions for the power driver seat. Again my A4 had it.
It also does not have power passenger front seat. For pete's sake, this is an over 40K (CAD) base car, is it asking for too much that the front passenger side is not manual.
I have two kids who are both on booster seats and there are plenty of leg room or space in the back for them. No complains from my boys.
The trunk space is smaller than my A4 but because it's a hatch it feels bigger and more practical. I will never drive a sedan with a trunk ever again. Actually, my A4 was the only sedan I had ever driven and it was a huge mistake from a trunk/cargo standpoint. I've always driven hatches or SUVs in the past.
I love that the A3 is a sports car but it functions very nicely as a family car as well. I love that it's small but big enough to carry the family with ample trunk space.
Overall, the car is sweet. This is even more so now that I've seen what the 2009 A4 looks like. It looks like a boat compared to the 2008 and earlier. It's longer and it looks like an old guy's car now. It's actually the same length as the A5. In my opinion, it looks like an A6 length wise.
09-12-2008, 08:11 AM
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Great write-up. I share some of your disappointments with some of the equipment....
like no homelink, no seat memory (very annoying when you share a car with your wife), no power passenger seat. I have the Concert radio and it drives me nuts that you can't scroll through the radio station presets with the multi function steering wheel.
Aside from that, I love the S-tronic, the self leveling bi-xenons, the steering wheel, and bluetooth has to be the greatest invention since cruise control! I'll be installing the Nav+ very soon as I think a car of this status should have it, even though it's not even offered as an option on the 2.0.
Aside from that, I love the S-tronic, the self leveling bi-xenons, the steering wheel, and bluetooth has to be the greatest invention since cruise control! I'll be installing the Nav+ very soon as I think a car of this status should have it, even though it's not even offered as an option on the 2.0.
09-12-2008, 01:55 PM
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Nice review
Nothing on the new version of the Haldex, especially in relation to the torsen on the A4?
Too bad you didn't have the pre-updated A3, you could compare the supposedly different Haldex setup.
Too bad you didn't have the pre-updated A3, you could compare the supposedly different Haldex setup.
09-13-2008, 09:20 AM
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Nice review....FYI underseat drawer can be had for $80 USD
Not sure if this is for the 2009 though.
FWIW: Those wondering about the MPG conversion, it comes to about 21.4 MPG for the new 3.2.
<IMG SRC="http://oempl.us/images/A3_Seat_Drawer.jpg">
10% off through end of September:
<IMG SRC="http://oempl.us/images/gift_certificates/0809_Sale_EURO10.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=60_61_1 01&products_id=500">http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=60_61_1 01&products_id=500</a</li></ul>
FWIW: Those wondering about the MPG conversion, it comes to about 21.4 MPG for the new 3.2.
<IMG SRC="http://oempl.us/images/A3_Seat_Drawer.jpg">
10% off through end of September:
<IMG SRC="http://oempl.us/images/gift_certificates/0809_Sale_EURO10.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=60_61_1 01&products_id=500">http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=60_61_1 01&products_id=500</a</li></ul>
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