To get the A3 without leather and some options, just check the GTI box on vw.com....

I am pretty sure the base A3 is the only Audi that does not come with leather and I read that the 09 A3 has leather standard..

 

Read my post again. I'm not complaining that I would have to pay for leather seats, I'm complaining because leather seats are forced on to you if you want any other options installed. And most of you guys are dumb for implying that you shouldn't want an Audi if you don't want leather seats. So what you are saying is that the only redeeming feature an Audi has is its leather seats? Go check out the stunning array of choices and configurations you can put on any model Audi in the UK. If you saw the brochure I saw your jaw would drop. Yes I know they pay more in Europe for an Audi, but sh*t our own domestic brands don't offer such customization. To me a luxury car should mean absolute customization, not forcing option "packages" onto you when its unrelated to other options. For instance why should I have leather seats if I want the convenience package (auto dimming mirror and rain/light sensor). By adding this $350 option Audi makes me get the S-line and Premium package! Thats $4000 worth of options just so I can get a lousy $250 option. The two have nothing to do with each other.

 

S-Line OR Premium... Max $2000...
Just deal with it... or sending an official complaint to AUDI USA...

 

I completly agree. Here in the states Audi is given luxury status so then given packages that fit that demographic. Were in europe, germany they have the A1 and A2 wich are basic compact comuter cars. The options are deffinatly way better. In 06 here you couldn't get the cold weather package in the sport only premium seats.
Now TPE is lucky being were he is because Audi isn't a BMW or Mercedes there were those are luxury vehicles. I'm actually thinking if Audi doesn't offer the TDI here in the states I will use my conections in Tawain and just order what I want and have it shipped to the states. Since the US doesn't have an import tax for indiveduals now. Just pay the extra $700 to crate it here. Like bring in mills and lathes.
I do agree even though my last post says you want cloth go GTI to get the options you may want. Unfortanatly, here in the US a cloth A3 is as basic as you can get with no options. Great if your going to modify for racing or you don't want an bells or wistles.
Bonus GTI there iPod integration is better. Go figure that out!

 

Hey 4Rings!

Do you have some connections here in Taiwan? Help me out if you do...next year I will be ordering an A5 3.0TDI...help help! Although for the price of an A5 here I could get an M5 stateside...NO JOKE at all! (but of course the A5 look soooooo much better than a 5 series of any kind!) Honestly, please let me know and also let me know if you need anything from someone 'on the ground.'

But as for the original post...I agree with the post. In this day of real time supply chain mgt, I think it's incumbent on manufacturers (especially of premium products) to incorporate that philosophy into their customer service experience. Don't drive margins by forcing people to buy what they want...drive margins by offering a superior buying experience that allows people to get what they want. Produce that product efficiently through superior supply chain management and then market that competitive advantage and reap the rewards of customer loyalty, word of mouth, and enhanced reputation. The way cars are sold in the US with all these 'packages' makes it seems as though car companies have not moved on from the Model T philosophy "you can have any colour as long as it is black" The fact that this post shows there are consumers who want A3s in leather and those who do not want leather gives a glimpse of the advantages a smarter car retailing/production interface could create.

 

Many cars in the US are only sold with option packages that don't necessarily make sense - check out Audi's competition from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. We "car people" that participate on web forums like this would prefer otherwise, but we are definitely in the minority of the car-buying public. Most US car buyers are probably OK with that method of option selection.

OTOH, I doubt that UK car buyers are significantly more knowledgeable as a group, so why they should get a much broader selection in engines and options likely has more to do with either economics and/or government regulations.

 

I would of preferred to get an S-line with OUT the sunroof, I don't think that car exists in the USA. Typical of European cars here to load them up with "mandotory options. Travel to Africa or the Middle East and check out Mercedes taxi cabs, cloth seats & rubber floor mats. Not in the USA where the image of luxury European models must be maintained to justify their profit margins.

 

Stop relying on the limited options sets they give you on the website. Go to the dealership and talk to them. There are worlds of options that aren't listed on websites.

 

TPE
My conections in Taiwan are alot more conected with machinery then cars. It's just I would pay the extra cash of the Audi in that area to get the TDI and ship it to the states since all versions to the world meet US safety standards. Oh and to get an A5 TDI for the price of an M5 thats scary. But probably worth it if your every coming back to N.A. area. Chip it and get close to M5 power while you get 30+MPG

Yeah they do have a point you can order your A3 with almost everything you want and not in a package but they will get you for every little thing, just because they want you to order by package.

 

I went out of my way to get cloth seats in my 2007 A3 as I too don't like leather. The cloth seats in the Audi are very nicely done and feel great. Almost every review of A3's says it is a great value but don't fall into the trap of sky rocketing the price with options. Looks like some didn't take the advice and Audi is happy make the first hurdle a big one. The original post is more than fair!