My 2012 tdi was in the shop & I got to drive the new A3. While the quartro 2.0 is powerful & fun to drive, why did Audi decrease in size both the rear view & side mirrors. Further, my on-board computer gave me at least 5-6 functions at one time. Now Audi wants me to scroll thru each individual segment one at a time. And they eliminated time travelled, or I couldn't find it. And finally, why did the designers move the cup holders to the front - I want to keep my stuff there, not in the arm rest!

 

I don't know why Audi had to redesign the A3 at all. I liked the hatchback version and that's one I got. I also hate the fact you can not get the MT6 anymore in the new version. Overall the new A3 has been a complete disappointment for me - but that's just my personal opinion. I'm sure there are a lot of people who like it now better than before

 

You can still get the hatchback/sportsback in some areas, but the main reason they added the new sedan was because the hatch was not doing so great in Asia/North America, I myself loves hatchs, but I actually like this new sedan.

Im guessing this is really subjective, I love the new interior, its has a feeling that is simple, minimalistic, and yet moderm, specially the LCD and how it opens up, BMW and M.Benz is just horrible, MB looks sooo clustered with 50buttons in the same place, and BMW feels really outdated now, is the same interior for the last 10-20 years? even the panel where you see the AC is kinda pixelated :/ thats so freaking weird.

Obviously Im 32 years and Im guessing my taste is different from you, Im guessing the cupholders going to the front had to do with having the MMI just below the stick so its easily reachable, Im pretty user that as usability we tend to use more the MMI rather than having and reaching to bottles/cups in the middle.

Its shame you dont like the interior, the care is awesome!

 

My friend just got an A3 for his girlfriend. He got it because he felt it was safe, which I agree Audi is very safe. If performance is what you seek; then you have the S3, S4, S5 etc. as other pricier options.

About the on board computer, I would agree it could be designed better.