Audi A3 and S3 Launch at LA Auto Show

WPS member · Automotive forum

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Patrick_y's report from the LA Auto Show introduces the Audi A3 and S3, highlighting their role as new 'small' cars in a market where models are continuously growing in size. This post offers a detailed look at Audi's design philosophy, competitive pricing, and the features that make these models stand out.

A lot of BMW purists will say the latest 3-series is too big. In fact, the latest 3-series sedan is almost equivalent in size to the BMW 5-series sedan from two generations ago (the E39 series made from 1995 to 2003). With each generation, cars are getting larger and larger; and that often leads to be the case that the smaller cars offered by some brands are no longer as small as they once were.

Enter the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the soon to be BMW 1-series. All of these are new small cars designed to be what their bigger brothers used to be.

Audi has done an especially attractive job with their new A3. Featuring a very restrained but handsome styling, the new A3 is poised, professional, and yet young and hip. The car certainly has a playful look with a business-like demeanor.

The Audi A3 will represent a great value in the market. In the US, it will come equipped with standard leather, xenon headlamps, and other high-end hardware at an extremely competitive price of around a Patek Philippe gold Calatrava automatic with date model. Furthermore, it will also be available in a high performance S3 variant, along with AWD Quattro technology. The S3 variant looks impressive, as you can see in the photos below.

White A3

Red S3

Awesome seat design with honeycomb stitching!

I'm not a fan of these thin displays.

Flat bottomed steering wheel.

Nice wheels with big fixed caliper brakes!

What are your thoughts about the latest downsizing trends? Would you downsize? Do you live in a extra-urban or urban environment?

How do you like the new A3? What are your thoughts?

Key Points from the Discussion

Audi's interiors are praised for their astounding quality, often surpassing BMW and Mercedes in construction and materials, with the new A-class's interior also noted for its improvement.
The trend of cars growing larger with each generation is questioned, with a suggestion that safety regulations or engineering egos might be contributing factors.
The author, patrick_y, shares a preference for Mercedes-Benz due to ownership practicality, easier servicing, and higher reliability compared to BMW, despite acknowledging Porsche's more interesting driving experience.
A user ranks Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz in terms of sportiness and driving pleasure, placing Audi third and Mercedes-Benz last, reflecting a personal preference for a more 'sportive' feel.
The Audi A3 is considered a beautiful second car for a family, especially with the upcoming four-wheel-drive version.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Nov 24, 2013

my wife's Mini to that. Right after a four wheel drive version will be available. A beautiful 2nd car for a family! Best, Kari

bimbeano

Nov 24, 2013

... of the new A/S3 has an astounding quality ... i found that out myself a couple of weeks ago ... . If i was in for a new carb within my budget i think i'd opt for an A3 ... maybe the 2 litre TDI with 150 hp .... . Bim

patrick_y

Nov 25, 2013

The ones that I saw at the car show all were AWD versions. Don't know if they'll roll them out with AWD versions right away, but definitely in the pipeline. Why do you like the A3 more than the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

patrick_y

Nov 25, 2013

Audi always has a nice way of making the interior very comfortable. Do you find that Mercedes-Benz interiors and BMW interiors lack the same quality? Is the quality more due to the craftsmanship and construction or the design? Or both?

dr.kol

Nov 25, 2013

but 18 new BMW. My attitude has always been that MB is grandfather's car. I have been driving Mercedes several times and once a rented a brand new one in South Africa. I drove some 4,000 km and that E-Type was terrible. Audi is in my opinion much more "sportive" and pleasant to drive. So from the "good" German cars my ranking is: 1. Porsche 2. BMW 3. Audi 4. MB Best, Kari

patrick_y

Nov 25, 2013

I've generally liked most of the cars I've driven from MB, BMW, and Porsche. Audi, I have many different things I like and dislike about them; usually slow steering ratios, overly firm suspensions, and while they have nice interiors, the interior materials don't hold up over time as the car ages. But when you factor in ownership practicality, then I think I prefer Mercedes-Benz, it's easier to service (more dealers), more reliable (In my experience) than BMW, and I'm partial because I'm confiden

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