Comments on: Audi announces diesel A3 TDI for U.S. market

By: DarkOps

DarkOps — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:44:17 +0000

What most people in the U.S. don’t realize is that most of these models have been in production for years.
It is due to our own Cluster-Phuck government (EPA and DOT) as well as the BIg 3 lobbyists that keep these kinds of cars that we seek – out of our reach. Yes, the A3 TDI is a bit pricey with it’s base price. But I’d gladly pay more for an Audi before I waste my money on a Volt or a piece-of-$hit Toyota Prius.
There’s my 3 cent’s….

By: CarResearcher

CarResearcher — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:49:48 +0000

I would NEVER pay over $30,000 for a compact car with 140 hp. That’s how much a base model TDI A3 would cost with destination. This car in my opinion is the biggest rip-off in the world! There are too many options that will get almost the same fuel mileage, and is just as fun to drive for tens of thousands of dollars less. Good luck with Audi triyng to sell this model to McDonalds-loving American fat-asses! It will only motivate people to get the Jetta TDI instead. Less money + more room + same engine = no brainer.

By: jpruden

jpruden — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:44:59 +0000

All of you guys whining about diesel prices obviously don’t live in CA… Premium here costs at least 25 cents more per gallon than diesel.

And most of the eco-freaks out here want every option, drive 85 in the slow lane, and have an automatic… thus the configuration. Ugh.

By: leftwingagenda

leftwingagenda — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:30:02 +0000

no worries, jake, glad it’s all good

By: PonyPiggy

PonyPiggy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:47:02 +0000

Thanks Audi, for the new hatchback Jetta, but only 10k more. Can I just buy a $50 Audi badge and replace it on the Jetta?

By: JakeK66

JakeK66 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:42:59 +0000

Okay, okay. I see leftwing. I’m sorry. I was just confused on the whole you fighting back with the Neocon comment. Like you defending what you said, making it seem as you were saying it in a serious way.

By: ml350pc

ml350pc — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:14:51 +0000

Talk about one being an idiot, speding $30K on this econobox definitely qualifies!!!

By: Borat

Borat — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:43:51 +0000

Jake, to paraphrase Audi fuhrer A3 is for idiots. Here you go, that is why dash in cheaper VW looks better.

By: scratchy

scratchy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:12:25 +0000

volo , you are doing it wrong , this forum is for bashing and making fun of stuff

By: alsvw

alsvw — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:10:36 +0000

this may be my next car.
audi should have been selling this engine for years in the u.s.

By: gogogodzilla

gogogodzilla — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:04:22 +0000

Gundy –

The S-tronic automatic is the AUDI version of VW’s DSG transmission. So it will be either a 6 or 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

By: THellURider

THellURider — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:57:21 +0000

These diesels are all in Europe and are truly fantastic. I’ve spent a lot of time driving them. That said, the engines do suffer from our lower quality diesel here in the states.

What I don’t get is why these companies bringing the diesel to the US make them only available fully equipped. Trying to enter the market it doesn’t make sense. I wish you could buy cars spec’ed to the European standard instead. Give me the 2.0 Liter, Quattro, a manual transmission and Xenons and keep the rest. The people buying a diesel aren’t going to want a fully loaded car.

By: leftwingagenda

leftwingagenda — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:17:13 +0000

look what you did, jake, you made me go quote that text:

de Nysschen admits plug-in hybrids have an advantage over diesel in stop-and-go driving, but feels the majority of hybrid buyers are still trying to make a statement. “They’re for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are,” he added.

By: leftwingagenda

leftwingagenda — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:13:13 +0000

jake, i was making a reference to the other audi thread about the executive dude saying hybrid buyers are just trying to be “intellectual elitists” or w/e the exact phrasing was…i figured that was fair game on audi threads today…

By: JakeK66

JakeK66 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:37:55 +0000

How can the cheaper GTI get better looking guages that are obviously more expensive to make?

By: volo

volo — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:30:02 +0000

30,000$ = 21,051 Euros. The list price for the same car with same engine in Germany is: 26,700 Euros = 38,050$. And you are complaining ???

I think they don’t bring the 170hp version because the U.S. rules about diesel are stricter than in europe. Even in Europe, EURO 5 and EURO 6 are severely increasing development costs of diesels to meet these targets (btw VW is lacking in this field, Fiat and PSA are closer to meet EURO 5 and EURO 6 for diesel than VW). They need to add a plaethora of exhaust treatment devices like particule filters, 3 oxicat etc… But the point is that diesels are selling well in Europe, so they can pay back their R&D.
Why VW would trouble itself with developping the 170hp for the US regulations, so that only a few people would buy the more powerful engine (which would obviously cost way more).

By: Automotive_United_Nations

Automotive_United_Nations — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:33:05 +0000

How is someone else posting under my name on this post?

By: JakeK66

JakeK66 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:31:26 +0000

Leftwing – just don’t use the term “intellectual elite” – it sounds like you’re an a$$. I think that’s what he was getting at. I don’t care, I don’t think you’re an a$$, but that really sounds like something some Hollywood blowhard would say.

By: eff1Fifty

eff1Fifty — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:17:12 +0000

Lol Borat, yes I can fit in a car… not a TT tho, I feel like the incredible hulk with my knees in my face!

Hulk smash!

By: Stinky007

Stinky007 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:11:16 +0000

Anyone ever considered that the diesels have shorter service intervals (at least in EU)? Add that to the price extra, the fuel price difference and the lack of HP compared to the 2.0T and you get what? A really BAD deal!

By: leftwingagenda

leftwingagenda — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:33 +0000

a guy that goes by the name Smegley Wanxalot is a neocon advocate, and you wonder why i sit on this side of the fence

By: Borat

Borat — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:20 +0000

could you fit in a car?

By: Borat

Borat — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:59:48 +0000

^^^good you fit in a car?

By: atoms

atoms — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:59:06 +0000

Bimmer I think the engine in the 123d is a twin turbo application, thus the more power, but you are right this is underpowered compared to its competitors, I’ve seen this same engine in 170 hp form, now why can’t we get that one

By: eff1Fifty

eff1Fifty — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:40:08 +0000

P.s. I didn’t buy a truck because of its swiftness

By: eff1Fifty

eff1Fifty — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Did I hurt ur feelings? It sure sounds like it. Sheesh!

By: Bosley

Bosley — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:33:22 +0000

But A4 if you get one of these, you’d have to change your name, wouldn’t you?….

By: Lionwithoutpride

Lionwithoutpride — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:00:07 +0000

eff1Fifty-

How do you know when a lawyer is unsuccessful? He drives a BMW!!!

Don’t worry, I’m typing with one hand while I pound this sand. Very stimulating.

p.s. Did you read any other LLN articles today that might give you a hint as to why I made my comment? Dang yer swift . . . like yer screename.

p.p.s. No-no-no, I totally meant I LIKE your screename . . .

By: Borat

Borat — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:57:57 +0000

Lionwithoutpride, obviously you hurt feelings of Audi salesmen. They are used to me poking fun, but yours was salt on injury.

By: zoomerzoom

zoomerzoom — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:46:11 +0000

Nevermind my previous comment is not true

By: zoomerzoom

zoomerzoom — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:45:24 +0000

When you go to build the 2010 A3 TDI on AudiUSA.com it lists the starting price at $27,270 for a manual. Starting price for the automatic is $28,750.

By: HoosierHero

HoosierHero — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:44:57 +0000

Next you’ll see people clamoring for a 98hp version of it for $35K. No thanks, I can think of many other cars to spend $30K on that offer a better value.

By: eff1Fifty

eff1Fifty — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:44:52 +0000

@lionw/opride….. go pound sand

By: A4

A4 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:38:30 +0000

Well it is only $1,200 more than a comparably equipped petrol version. Its JUST as overpriced as the gasoline powered one is to the 2.0T Jetta. So obviously it will sell.

By: Lionwithoutpride

Lionwithoutpride — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:29:52 +0000

$30,000 for an Audi A3??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahahahahahaha . . . It’s an AUDI . . . COME ON!!!

There are Ox carts that are less embarrassing to drive. The only Audi I ever liked was my grandmother’s TT and that was for sentimental reasons (it tended to have a lot of problems with its computer). It’s like driving a BMW M anything or a 3 series Beemer. Folks will stare, but then they usually whisper something and giggling ensues.