BMW Alert! New D3 coming 2008/9

[Ess_Three]

Look at S3izzo's signature, and say it looks bland.

*Warning* If you do that in a public place, you may get laughed at.

It's a pretty car...and as A3/S3s go, it looks great.
But the design - or lack thereof - is bland to me.
Very Euro bland...like so many others.

This isn't just a criticism of the A3...due to many reasons, cars are all turning out alike nowadays...the A3 is bland to me.

 

[h5djr]

Have to agree they are boring & understated to look at.....

Personally this 'understated look' is exactly why I like the A3.

I know some people like to add bigger wheels and lowered suspension etc but I much prefer my A3 to be just as Audi intended and just as it left the factory.

 

[TFSI]

...the A3 is bland to me.

Don't you mean silently stylish without the need for bolt on goodies like spoilers and gear like that

I can feel another fight gonna break out

 

[h5djr]

I can feel another fight gonna break out

Not unless their are some people just looking for something to 'fight' about.

If they like adding 'bits' to their cars that's their choice. Personally I think they look better as they are. But each to his own.

Also have you got your new Alpina yet Bowfer. At this rate it will out-of-date before you get it!

 

[Ess_Three]

Don't you mean silently stylish without the need for bolt on goodies like spoilers and gear like that

Nope...I mean bland.

It wouldn't stop me buying a TDI quattro though...but as a workhorse not an obect of desire.
They are good cars...just a bit plain, to my eyes.
Not ugly...like the Megane or it's like...just too silently unsytlish!

Alfa Romeo make some properly stylish cars (not that I'd necessarily buy one of them either) but they do look great!

 

[Wes G]

Hows the weather now Bowfer...do you still have snow??? You must be itching to get in the D3 now!!!:icon_thumright:

 

[treblesykes]

How is the A3 euro design? its one of the few hatches left that hasn't gone all 'tall roof huge windscreen' which is why I chose one over a golf.
The grill although a matter of personal taste looks good to me and the front of the A3 is the least euro bland of all the hatches, The general lines of the car are understated because that is what looks best.

 

[marriedblonde]

Oh dear he's back...

 

[GeoffT]

Just to add my twopenneth to the Audi v BMW styling argument. I love the clean, understated styling of Audi (which is one of the reasons I bought one).

I like the look of a lot of the older BMWs, but IMO every BMW since Bangle got involved looks like a failed experiment in an origami factory. All those "flame surfaces" look ridiculous, with the pinnacle of this being the 1 series, which has got to be about the worst looking car on the road.

 

[treblesykes]

Exactly why should a car be called bland just because it is understated?

 

[Amchlolor]

Alfa Romeo make some properly stylish cars (not that I'd necessarily buy one of them either) but they do look great!

Amen
The 159ti...my god...stunning (for a 4 door saloon).

 

[Wes G]

Exactly why should a car be called bland just because it is understated?

Dont think its ment in a bad way ...maybe `plain` is a more polite word for it-I like it anyway lol.

 

[Ess_Three]

How is the A3 euro design?

To me, it's clearly a European car...no chance of it being seen as Japanese, Korean or American...but just a shade too plain/dull/boring/restained.

If you like it..fine.
I don't dislike the shape..and have already said I'd still buy one...but it doesn't exactly set the pulse racing, does it?
Not mine anyway.

its one of the few hatches left that hasn't gone all 'tall roof huge windscreen' which is why I chose one over a golf.

I don't believe a Golf is all 'tall roof huge windscreen' either...but I get your point. Isn't that what the pointless Golf+ is for?

The grill although a matter of personal taste looks good to me and the front of the A3 is the least euro bland of all the hatches, The general lines of the car are understated because that is what looks best.

And that's your personal view...mine is that it's a tad 'safe' or 'dull'.
Best is too hard to define...it looks good, don't get me wrong...just a bit 'plain Jane'.

 

[Ess_Three]

Exactly why should a car be called bland just because it is understated?

For Christ's sake...it a personal viewpoint...don't go getting all bent out of shape over it!
I think the shape is bland...the interior is superb, just the outside is...bland.
That's my viewpoint, so I can call it what I like, or am I not allowed to?

 

[marriedblonde]

Amen
The 159ti...my god...stunning (for a 4 door saloon).

Hell yes! It makes the brera(sp) look positively ugly IMHO

J.

 

[tinka]

ive never seen anything on here that said no discussions about bmw's,it is after all just an opinion.
i traded in my a3 s line for an e90 320d m sport and ive not looked back,im not going to slate audi's as thats not fair on an audi forum,but i think the majority of you if your honest will agree that the bmw is the better drivers car of the two,across the board,and that is a big part of it.
i always felt the a3 to be a bit numb in the handling dep and unrefined,the bmw is the opposite.
although we are loyal to our brand we must accept peoples opinions of it good or bad and visa versa.

 

[h5djr]

although we are loyal to our brand we must accept peoples opinions of it good or bad and visa versa.

As you say we must accept other people's opinions, and in my personal opinion you should learn to type properly. This forum is NOT a mobile phone!!! and your way of typing is just lazy.

 

[L60N]

As you say we must accept other people's opinions, and in my personal opinion you should learn to type properly. This forum is NOT a mobile phone!!! and your way of typing is just lazy.

Wot R U on About?

 

[treblesykes]

For Christ's sake...it a personal viewpoint...don't go getting all bent out of shape over it!
I think the shape is bland...the interior is superb, just the outside is...bland.
That's my viewpoint, so I can call it what I like, or am I not allowed to?

Not bent out of shape! I think you overestimate the affect of your opinions, say what suits you its fine by me, Its just a shame your wrong!

We are all car fans at heart and I dont really care anymore if the A3 is gorgeous or ugly as I have sold mine, Just sticking up for a car that I enjoyed for 3.5 years.

As for Bowfer and his D3 , best of luck to him I'm sure it will be a fine motor, just no need to drag A3's down as much as he does, it only winds folks here up the wrong way and causes silly long threads like this one

Most people come here to enjoy their cars no be constantly told how bad/unreliable they may or may not be. So while not even nearly pretending that Audis are perfect it would be nice to keep a positive spin on things not drag everything down to the lowest level all the time.
As the old saying goes "If you cant think of something nice to say then don't say anything at all"

By the way I just bought a Freelander 2 (due to approaching fatherhood) whats the spin on that? Only had it a week and its managed not to break yet.

 

[Ess_Three]

Not bent out of shape! I think you overestimate the affect of your opinions, say what suits you its fine by me, Its just a shame your wrong!

Overestimate the affect?
Are there cotton-wool people in the 8P Forum as well as the 8L?
****-the-bed...do one persons opinions or criticism really upset others?

I have a 911...therefore I'm a fat middleaged man having a mid life crisis..according to popular belief (not far off the truth some would say)...and I have a Skoda ***!
Do I get all hurt because people wouldn't have bought the same cars as I have?
No...
Because that's what being individuals is all about.
...and I don't need a collective ego-massage my cyber friends to make me happy.

As for Bowfer and his D3 , best of luck to him I'm sure it will be a fine motor, just no need to drag A3's down as much as he does, it only winds folks here up the wrong way and causes silly long threads like this one

I have an issue with this...
We are all users of the same forum...good or bad experiences welcomed.
Why should one persons lack or satisfaction or disapointment be less valid/welcome than someone who lives life through Audi coloured sunglasses?

Most people come here to enjoy their cars no be constantly told how bad/unreliable they may or may not be. So while not even nearly pretending that Audis are perfect it would be nice to keep a positive spin on things not drag everything down to the lowest level all the time.
As the old saying goes "If you cant think of something nice to say then don't say anything at all"

On the whole...there are far more 'fanboy' posts than people not happy.
A balance is good...hell, this would be a sad place to be if everyone kissed Audi's corporate ****.

By the way I just bought a Freelander 2 (due to approaching fatherhood) whats the spin on that? Only had it a week and its managed not to break yet.

Good luck.
Buy a LandRover..buy a hobby.
Please don't get all upset...only joking!

 

[treblesykes]

I think you overestimate the affect of your opinions

 

[h5djr]

Wot R U on About?

The use of the shift key and the spacebar, together with the correct use of capital letters and the apostrophe would make the post so much easier to read and understand. That's their purpose.

If anyone needs lessons I'm sure it could be arranged.

 

[L60N]

The use of the shift key and the spacebar, together with the correct use of capital letters and the apostrophe would make the post so much easier to read and understand. That's their purpose.

If anyone needs lessons I'm sure it could be arranged.

Have you recently undergone a humour lobotomy?

 

[h5djr]

Have you recently undergone a humour lobotomy?

No not recently. Just not sure if your post was serious or not. I'll assume it was meant as a joke and in that case my answer was aimed at the person who wrote the original post in less than good English, rather than you.

 

[PNH80]

The use of the shift key and the spacebar, together with the correct use of capital letters and the apostrophe would make the post so much easier to read and understand. That's their purpose.

If anyone needs lessons I'm sure it could be arranged.

Hahaha!! Oh my good god, this thread has become pure comedy! Superb. I don't even remember what the original point was...Something about a beamer with a good engine and bad stick on bits? Only joking... Keep the toys in the pram!

Seriously though fellas. I don't give a monkeys what car anyone chooses or what they do and don't like. I love Audi's, they suit me and my lifestyle perfectly. I just connect with image and sporting heritage more so than BMW. I've had a beamer and i'll have another. Maybe a 335 M-sport coupe in a couple of years, who knows... My A3 2.0T Quattro S-line in my opinion is a superb all rounder. Practical, classy, understated, sporty yet professional, relatively economical...at a 'decent' price. So quite frankly i don't care if anyone has had a ****** one...mine's great. Happy days.

Yes, a rear wheel drive beamer with a good lump under the bonnet is going to be a more involving drive. No sh!t sherlock. However, an A3 quattro with the Haldex upgrade is a different animal altogether and definitely the more sure-footed. TOTALLY personal opinion what you want to feel from the car. Both are great at what they do.

On another note... Can i just say isn't it funny how we only ever compare the A3 to the 3-series even though it should technically be in competition with the 1-series? Is that a reflection on the quality of the A3 or the 1-series being so pig ugly it doesn't even come into the reconing?....Interesting.

 

[h5djr]

Yes it seems to has lost it's thread somewhere. A lot of threads on this forum seem recently. Perhaps that's why it seems to be the most frequented forum on Audi-Sport.net or should be Audi v BMW-Sport.net.

I agree that the comparison for the A3 should be with the BMW 1-series. The A4 is the closest to the 3-series not the A3. As you say the A3 must be good if it's being compared to a car one 'group' above !!!

 

[Ess_Three]

I think you overestimate the affect of your opinions

Not at all..
I expect others to take my comments the same way as I take theirs...
Ie, to have no affect whatsoever.

 

[PNH80]

It is true though, outside of car magazines i have NEVER heard the A3 compared to the 1-series. When i was looking for a new motor everyone automatically compared the A3 to the 3-series in terms of which to go for. So some people can knock the A3 all they want but BMW have totally failed to match it. Yes, the BMW engine range available in the 1-series is by far better than the A3, no doubt there but as a total package who in their right mind would choose a 1-series over an A3? Only people who get one for free as a company car... Speaking of which...My girlfriend's mum recently got her BMW 3-series company motor replaced with an s-line sportback. The company classes them in the same quality bracket. Says it all don't you think?

 

[Ess_Three]

On another note... Can i just say isn't it funny how we only ever compare the A3 to the 3-series even though it should technically be in competition with the 1-series? Is that a reflection on the quality of the A3 or the 1-series being so pig ugly it doesn't even come into the reconing?....Interesting.

Different strokes for different folks...
But although the Hatchback 1 Series is Fugly, I think the Coupe looks good...
Not sure I would spend the cash on a 135 or similar...but I think it's one of the better designs in the post Bangle era.

 

[h5djr]

Perhaps people will start comparing the 1-series with the Audi A1 when it's launched.

 

[Ess_Three]

Yes, the BMW engine range available in the 1-series is by far better than the A3, no doubt there but as a total package who in their right mind would choose a 1-series over an A3? Only people who get one for free as a company car...

If I wanted a 3 litre + quick well built German car...I'd consider a 135 against a 3.2 A3, certainly.
No company car...my own money.

Much as I don't like the image of BMWs, I'd still compare the two.
Actually...the image of BMW drivers isn't that different to some Audi drivers of late.

 

[PNH80]

If I wanted a 3 litre + quick well built German car...I'd consider a 135 against a 3.2 A3, certainly.
No company car...my own money.

Much as I don't like the image of BMWs, I'd still compare the two.
Actually...the image of BMW drivers isn't that different to some Audi drivers of late.

In all seriousness there really isn't much daylight between the image of BMW and Audi drivers but thats another story!
BMW had a great product in the 1-series, fantastic range of engines. So why oh why did they put them into dog dirt ugly cars? I just can't see anything good about ANY 1-series models: coupe, hatch or cabriolet. Shame really.

 

[Ess_Three]

I agree about the hatch and cab..but the Coupe just seems to work...
I like it.

 

[L60N]

I had a bacon butty today, it was lovely

 

[Ess_Three]

Good for you.
I had a good ****.

 

[tinka]

As you say we must accept other people's opinions, and in my personal opinion you should learn to type properly. This forum is NOT a mobile phone!!! and your way of typing is just lazy.

jesus christ,is that your conrtibution,i take it you still got the point though,even though it was poor grammer,its a forum for god sake,and they say bmw owners are snobs,im sorry,i did'nt realise i was being assessed,get a life man,realy,its not a class room either.

correct my spelluing if you feel the need,****** hell.

 

[Nutkins]

I'm currently torn between an S3 and the 135i, so I think they're a vaild comparison. I'd actually be interested in everyones opinions on the two if folks could be objective!

Performance and driver involvement I think the 135 is the clear winner. But I like the idea of quattro for the winter and I'd also love to drive to the alps next year, not sure that would be too clever in the Bimmer.

Looks, I think the S3 edges it, and can also be had for a fair chunk of change less (and there are used ones availible). Although the 135 is a grower and I think will age well as it looks very distinctive and a little retro.

I currently drive a Golf GTI and think maybe the S3 wouldn't be much of a change, just nicer and faster, but ultimately similar to drive...

I'd also like to use this smiley too as it's rather cool!

 

[A3]

I can only assume you've read the post wrong.
I wasn't suggesting the A3 is a 'lesser' car.
I was suggesting the driver of an A3 isn't best placed to say another car's styling is unimaginative and dull.
I think that's fair comment.
I'll take the driver of a 159 telling me my 3-series looks dull, but I'll openly laugh at an A3 driver telling me the same.
They're both pretty dull mate, it's like arguing your BHS slacks are nicer than M&S ones.

soz my misunderstanding

highhh five!

 

[klauster]

I'm currently torn between an S3 and the 135i, so I think they're a vaild comparison. I'd actually be interested in everyones opinions on the two if folks could be objective!

Performance and driver involvement I think the 135 is the clear winner. But I like the idea of quattro for the winter and I'd also love to drive to the alps next year, not sure that would be too clever in the Bimmer.

Looks, I think the S3 edges it, and can also be had for a fair chunk of change less (and there are used ones availible). Although the 135 is a grower and I think will age well as it looks very distinctive and a little retro.

I currently drive a Golf GTI and think maybe the S3 wouldn't be much of a change, just nicer and faster, but ultimately similar to drive...

I'd also like to use this smiley too as it's rather cool!

On paper the 135i is very tempting... but then when you see one the attraction disappears sharpish. The 1 coupé is horrific looking. Looks like its been squeezed between 2 lorries at some point. Then there is the cabin space... there isnt any. It goes like stink and handles well im sure, but you will look like a dooley and forget having anyone in the back. It really would be more practical to get a 2 seater.

Just doesnt do it for me

 

[klauster]

jesus christ,is that your conrtibution,i take it you still got the point though,even though it was poor grammer,its a forum for god sake,and they say bmw owners are snobs,im sorry,i did'nt realise i was being assessed,get a life man,realy,its not a class room either.

correct my spelluing if you feel the need,****** hell.

hehe.... drum roll pls

where is teacher?