It's my understanding that 1.4, and 1.6 for that matter, are aimed at a younger demograph. I mean not many 30 year olds are gonna go for A 1.4. Why then, have they made it so pricey? Surely it should cater for younger people and take that into account when deciding the price listing.
I was looking yesterday at other hatchbacks, and although they don't compare, they are still lower in price - Ford Fiesta Zitec, Fiat Grande Punto..they are aimed at a younger demograph..shouldn't the 1.4 be the same?
I would imagine that Audi pricing structure reflects what they can sell their product at, within the particular market place they are operating in. Simply if it is pricey it is because people will pay that price. Some people will be luckier / more savvy in being able to get discounts.
I'm guessing you're frustrated with the cost of an Audi A3 (1.4turbo or 1.6). But I'm not sure of the logic of what you have said.
Can't agree that smaller engines are aimed at a younger demographic at all - it might be one element of the market but not that significant. You say 'surely it should cater for younger people' - they do - younger people with the appropriate funds that they can sell the car for in the marketplace!
Then you refer to other non comparable products; products that will (generally) depreciate more than the A3 and so the relative cost of owning an A3 against these non comparable products is not excessively more.
The VAG group does cater for people (younger and older) who doesn't want to spend as much initial money on a car - there is Skoda, SEAT & VW.
Relatively speaking, given the market place the A3 is in, with the residuals, the discounts you can get if you are lucky & savvy enough that the 1.4T is not overly pricey. I'm sure there are many, perhaps yourself, who would disagree but there's very little you can do about it, apart from shop elsewhere.
If you have the money to spend on a new car as you've mentioned in the thread & clearly the costs of getting a A3 frustrate, then I'd recommend an alternative of a Seat Leon.