Been thinking about getting rubbermats however i've seen them in various websites and not sure if they are all the same? Can some tell me if they are? If not then can you recommend which brand? Also does interested in getting the cargo mat as well? Any guidance is appreciated.


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Depends on your model.

Underpowered is a very subjective thing. It's dependent on what you're used to driving and your expectations. I think the 2.0T engine is very good, and with a chip+ is quite powerful. I would rather have that engine over the 3.2L, but I would also like to have the Q.

Engine over Quattro in my opinion.

 

Avoid first-year models like the plague--you don't want to drive a beta-test. You have a much better chance for trouble-free driving with each successive model year.

If you're not really a car-guy, the A3 3.2 won't turn you into one. While most people will acknowledge that the A3 is a good car, it's my contention that the A3 stops well short of being a great one. Here's why:

Overpriced, overweight, and underpowered. The 3.2 A3 weighs more than a 5-series Bimmer. The extra weight of Quattro makes the 3.2 a slug off the line. Nothing much happens until the tach hits 4-grand. The motor feels like it has turbo lag, except that there's no turbo-like punch as the revs climb. It's probably quicker than your Acura, but many, many cars on the market are.

If you live in the snowbelt, your 3.2 will come shod with truly awful rubber: All-season Pirelli P6's. With a 60-40 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 3.2 will understeer resolutely. The brakes feel spongy, the steering is numb (and slow), the ride is fairly hard. DSG is the only transmission available for U.S.-bound 3.2's, which is a curse or blessing depending on your taste (I remain unconvinced that DSG will make good manual gearboxes obsolete--my next car will have 3 pedals). If you read recent posts on Audi World forums, you'll see that a number of people have had problems with this tranny--fortunately, mine is okay after 5500 miles). First gear engagement is abrupt, and you cannot peg the motor at redline (it upshifts automatically). The tranny will also kick-down, like an automatic.

For what I paid for my 3.2, I could have nearly afforded a 330i Bimmer, a far better car in my opinion. I could have also afforded other good cars, with some change left over( Honda S2000; Nissan 350Z; Infiniti G35 or G35 Coupe; Bmw 325i; Subaru WRX STI (my previous car); Mitsu EVO 9; etc, etc.

If you must drive an A3, the 2.0 motor is a far better value, but you must forego Quattro and be forced to live within the handling limits with FWD. Forunately, there's very little torque steer in the 2.0, and IMO, it's a better motor than the V6. You can also chip the car easily, which is a plus. Plan on getting a rear sway bar, too.

So, if I were you, here's what I'd suggest: get the A3 2.0 with a manual gearbox or visit your BMW dealer.

 

I agree with considering the standard A3 2.0 as its a gem of a car overall. I totally disagree with a visit to the BMW shop. One cannot really compare the 3 series with an A3, That the job of the A4...(The new RS4 leaves the Merc and Beemer in the dust). One then is left with the 1 series and I belive in all categories, the A3 wins hands down. Still, different strokes for different folks and I just prefere Audi.

 

Crusader,

You're right, it's unfair to compare an A3 3.2 to a three series Bimmer. It's also unfair to compare an A3 to Z-car, an Ifiniti G35 Coupe,
and a Honda S2000. I mention these cars only to illustrate how expensive the A3 3.2 is.

Just curious as to why you prefer A3 to the others?

 

I actually test drove the 3 series, G35, Mini S, Lexus 350, GTI, etc. prior to buying the A3 2.0T and I will still re-purchase the A3. With a chip the A3 is just awesome. The Mini was a lot of fun but not big enough for the family, same with the G35 coupe, since there is only 2 back seats and the sedan is ugly. I liked the rear wheel drive of the G35 but the interior isn't nearly as nice as the Audi. The Lexus is very fast, but the interior again isn't quite as nice and the cost is $10k more than the A3. I think for the value, build quality, and performance that the A3 can't be beat. The car totally fit me well and I enjoy driving it very much.

There's my plug.