[00o00]

Production 2014 A3 sedan teaser posted by Audi.

http://www.a3forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132563

It looks E46 3 series in size to me. Wondering if this will compete with the F30 or with a 2 Series Gran Coupe if it ever comes out.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by 00o00

Production 2014 A3 sedan teaser posted by Audi.

http://www.a3forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132563

It looks E46 3 series in size to me. Wondering if this will compete with the F30 or with a 2 Series Gran Coupe if it ever comes out.

haha - the jokers at audi probably wish they'd left a number gap between the 3 and 4 now!

I think BMW is in danger of similar dilution really. there are far too many shapes available for the actual functionality required. e.g. there's no real world reason why someone would want a 3 GT rather than a Touring. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder etc, but i can't figure out why someone would think any of the GTs look as good as the saloon/sedans or the tourings... Add to that the whole modern/luxury additions to the trims and it's getting a little silly.

I used to watch the audi channel in the UK while it was on our satellite receivers. That's when I fell for their cars. But owning one has thoroughly shaken that out of me...

[finaloption]

bring the hatchback to the US!
i've always liked the A3...

[metrickid]

The A3 sedan concept is one of the best looking sedans I've seen!

[drob23]

Originally Posted by 00o00

Production 2014 A3 sedan teaser posted by Audi.

http://www.a3forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132563

It looks E46 3 series in size to me. Wondering if this will compete with the F30 or with a 2 Series Gran Coupe if it ever comes out.

A3 will be based on VAG's MQB platform, which is transverse mounted FWD. So IMO, it will not be a very serious competitor with BMW in terms of driving dynamics, since even the AWD variant will use Haldex type center diff - not very sporty.

On the other hand, the interior looks really nice and the new MMI is supposed to be really good. If going for purely luxury, it will definitely steal some sales from BMW since the interior is likely to be much nicer than an equivalently priced BMW.

[ZigmundUK]

Well my experience of having a 1 series then an A3, where the A3 was of a higher spec - the BMW wins easily on the 'premium' look and feel. A3 was poor by comparison. very noticably.

I just wonder what an A3 sedan offers that an A4 one doesn't. It's hardly that much larger...

[drob23]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Well my experience of having a 1 series then an A3, where the A3 was of a higher spec - the BMW wins easily on the 'premium' look and feel. A3 was poor by comparison. very noticably.

I just wonder what an A3 sedan offers that an A4 one doesn't. It's hardly that much larger...

I think the new A3 will have a *much* nicer interior than the current one as seen here, but this is a subjective topic, so I can't really argue with your experience.

Aside from being smaller (same chassis as a golf) than the A4, the biggest difference is the engine/drivetrain layout. You can get an A4 with real quattro, while you can't with the A3. The A3 is really a FWD only vehicle. This will probably have more of an affect on the sporty model variants such as the S3 vs S4, RS3 vs RS4 etc.

[ToyotaBMW]

Originally Posted by drob23

I think the new A3 will have a *much* nicer interior than the current one as seen here, but this is a subjective topic, so I can't really argue with your experience.

Aside from being smaller (same chassis as a golf) than the A4, the biggest difference is the engine/drivetrain layout. You can get an A4 with real quattro, while you can't with the A3. The A3 is really a FWD only vehicle. This will probably have more of an affect on the sporty model variants such as the S3 vs S4, RS3 vs RS4 etc.

In my opinion the S3 and RS3 won't have any affect on the S4 and RS4 sales. The price difference it too great. IMO if I am in the market for the M3 I won't consider the M1 even though the M1 is a great car. Just two different classes IMO and doesn't really drive and ride he same.

[drob23]

Originally Posted by ToyotaBMW

In my opinion the S3 and RS3 won't have any affect on the S4 and RS4 sales. The price difference it too great. IMO if I am in the market for the M3 I won't consider the M1 even though the M1 is a great car. Just two different classes IMO and doesn't really drive and ride he same.

Sorry, I didn't explain my point that well. I was just saying that the difference in chassis/drivetrain layout (MQB vs MLB) will have a far more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics when considering sportier variants.

You'll be able to notice the difference between the dynamics of the A3 vs A4 on even a simple test drive, but it won't be a deal breaker IMO...

[danmeyers99]

Not a bad looking car at all. All depends on the one's needs.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/cm/roada...sedan-2-lg.jpg