Now that VW have released the limited edition GTi @ 230 PS - is there going to be an Audi equivalent? Not a limited edition but the A3 @230 PS?
VW GTi 230 PS - is there going to be an Audi equivalent?
- Thread starter Speedo
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Doubt it. It's a special edition and an A3 230 would be in competition with the 3.2, the S3, the R32, Seat Leon Cupra and indeed the golf 230!
Plus, I don't think Audi is speaking the same language as VW on this one. The A3 2.0T isn't, and isn't marketed as a hot hatch. It's never been compared to the traditional hatches either.
Audi put in the 2.0T for it's great performance, refinement and economy. For that, I'd assume 200bhp does the job very well.
I doubt they're too bothered by the GTI, or even consider it to rival the A3.
And mind, they DO have the S3
Audi put in the 2.0T for it's great performance, refinement and economy. For that, I'd assume 200bhp does the job very well.
I doubt they're too bothered by the GTI, or even consider it to rival the A3.
And mind, they DO have the S3
I was thinking along the lines of the previous A3 were the BHP was bumped up from 150 to 200 in line with VW. I am looking for a 4 door car and literally it is either the GTi 30 edition or the A3 Sportback (both DSG) - i am yet to test drive the A3 but i have already driven the GTi - and the power is amazing although the interior looks a bit cheap (plastic). I dont want to be in a situation where i puchase the A3 and a few months later they release a new model with 230 bhp... perhaps i should get in touch with the guys in MK.
has anyone driven both? I have got a feeling that the GTi would be much more fun to drive, whereas the Audi built better...well lets see how the test drive goes... apparently there are only 1500 GTi 30's going to be made... i am also thinking is it going to be worth spending close to 30k on that car with all the options that i want...
If comparing A3 and GTI, the GTI is just in another league. It's just so much more fun to drive. Anyway, depends what you want, good drive or nice interior etc.. GTI is actually quite comfortable also, more than my A3..
This is going to be a family car, S3 is not an option due to 3 doors... R32 is not as economical for town driving... still unsure of the GTi though....
rodenal said:
No chance, i have sat in a Mk5 Golf and the build quality is no where near the standard of the A3, the plastics in the Golf felt much more 'milk tray' than the A3.
I am booked into Audi on Saturday for a test drive... but first thoughts is that the interiors look very similar....i am sure the Audi would be of a higher standard....
RobinA3 said:
While the inside of the mk5 Golf (in GTI and Match versions which Ive done quite a few miles in) isnt up to the same quality as an A3's its still very good when compared to Vauxhall or Ford. I find the seats are a lot more comfortable in mine than in my previous A3 sport, the driving position is a lot nicer and the handling is a dream, so nimble and easy, Ive found the suspension to be a lot better than in the A3 sport too when going down rough roads, guess it just comes down to your actual preferences.
Both are excellent cars but in different ways...
That is an interesting factor, however i had a look on the which site and its just slightly better than the A3
To be honest i wouldnt go by that. The fact there will only be 1500 will mak the car alot more desirable and hence keep the value up the old mk4 anni is still pretty expensive and that is 5 years old. Personnally i would of gone for the gti edition 30 but i didnt want to wait for it
I had a GTi 30 on an extended test drive a couple of weeks ago. Even though I drive a TDi I was still amazed at the ride and performance of the GTi.
Ok the interior dash isn't the same quality, but at least you get standard leather on the GTi30.
The ride was softer than my A3 but it held the road like glue ... and I did take it to the limit.
Am very very tempted as my daily comute is about to be cut to 5 miles a day from 68 miles.
I thought it was outstanding.
Ok the interior dash isn't the same quality, but at least you get standard leather on the GTi30.
The ride was softer than my A3 but it held the road like glue ... and I did take it to the limit.
Am very very tempted as my daily comute is about to be cut to 5 miles a day from 68 miles.
I thought it was outstanding.
S3Didge
Registered User
I test drove the Golf GTI (standard) before i bought the S3, i thought it was a cracking car! Too much wind noise in the cabin at speed was the first thing i noticed. Itwas a damp day pulling out into traffic it wheelspan considerably coming from a quattro TT i found this most disconcerting
But the handling and steering was first class.
Then i test drove the S3 after the new TT (which i originally intended to buy)
Game over - no comparison
Bang for buck and quality wise as an over all package i think the S3 is the best car on the market for the money
But the handling and steering was first class.
Then i test drove the S3 after the new TT (which i originally intended to buy)
Game over - no comparison
Bang for buck and quality wise as an over all package i think the S3 is the best car on the market for the money
JamS3
Registered User
oldlaw
Registered User
Speedo said:
Ignore Which magazine in this instance, Ive owned three 8P A3's from new (all Sport models, different engines) and none handled as well as the new Golfs that I have driven, Audi beat VW on so many levels but not in the handling stakes, the TFSI engine is very good in the GTI so it would be interesting to see what a 230PS engine in the A3 chasis would be like...
S3Didge
Registered User
you have clearly not driven an S3 
oldlaw said:
Sloppy gear change and suspension in comparison, not as good quattro set-up, slower, less standard kit, greater depreciation by a mile, cheaper leather, no xenons, quite common....and only £4,500less....the depreciation alone makes the S3 a good buy
All of the reasons why I went for the S3 when I had originally wanted a 2.0TFSI
synthdood
Registered User
unkle said:
I know you are probably right, but I don't really understand why the GTI and the A3 handle so differently. The Golf and the A3 are built on the same platform (same suspension, same electromechnical steering setup). Is it just the programming in the golf that makes it different? In that case it should be possible to make the A3 handle identically to the GTI, just a question VAG-COMming the steering and maybe a change of shocks/spings.
The handling and suspension of the GTi was outstanding, much inproved on from the Mk V I originally test drove when they first came out, the ride was significantly smoother than my A3.
I was suitably impressed.
I was suitably impressed.
Is that not because the GTI comes with 17" wheels as standard which means they dont ride as harsh as on 18"s same as most sporty A3 have?
Nope it comes with 18inch wheels as standard. I couldn't believe the difference.
The only reasons I went to look at a Golf GTi was the fact that a friend went to change their MK IV tried an A3 and the GTi and opted for the GTi on ride alone so I had to give it a go to see the difference.... ands it's a wide difference!
The only reasons I went to look at a Golf GTi was the fact that a friend went to change their MK IV tried an A3 and the GTi and opted for the GTi on ride alone so I had to give it a go to see the difference.... ands it's a wide difference!
I had another ride in the GTi 30 edition and unfortunately i have decided not to pursue the car. There are 2 main reasons:
1. Ride was quite harsh at the back - especially as i would be having a new born in the car
2. Paying up to 30k, another 15k and i can get the RS4.
I am holding out until a later date now... personally the GTi was a good car in its own right but not right for me in terms of price and ride quality. I would rather save up a little more and get a RS4 for around 45k - it makes more sense another 15k and you get a much better car - thats my opinion anyway!
1. Ride was quite harsh at the back - especially as i would be having a new born in the car
2. Paying up to 30k, another 15k and i can get the RS4.
I am holding out until a later date now... personally the GTi was a good car in its own right but not right for me in terms of price and ride quality. I would rather save up a little more and get a RS4 for around 45k - it makes more sense another 15k and you get a much better car - thats my opinion anyway!
Oh yeah I also checked out the A3 sportback S-Line (not a test drive) but the build quality was a lot better internally, but then I saw the RS4's and I thought i may as well wait and get one of those!
