Audi A3 1.4TSI Sport

Well people may think that Audi has lost its way in terms of styling and product, but it's sales and profits are soaring. I think the new A4 is an absolute 'dogs dinner' - it's fussy and overstyled, quite unlike previos Audi designs. At least BMW, whatever you may think of it, went in a pioneering direction with their 'Banglesque' styling, where Audi seem to be copying, are trying too hard and the end result is not cihesive, consistent and is fussy, bordering on tacky. The A3 is actually a handsome looking car (until the upadte?)and exudes quality, but it's horribly expensive, poorly equipped and the sports pack comes with jarringly hard suspension and seats as standard.

Would everyone stop whinging about the A3! Sure a Golf makes more sense for most people, but for the wealther chunk of society, it is the perfect vehicle. I'm not from that market, as I'm too young to drive and not particularly rich, but for those who need a small car with comfort, quality, practicality and enough power for the daily commute. It's an upmarket Golf without the sportiness and space but with other valuable attributes.

I have one of these A3's at the moment; albeit in the even more boring form of a 2.0TDi. I had the previous model too. I have to agree that A3 is starting to look and feel a bit dull and common now. I wont be buying the replacement model. Its getting a facelift in a couple of months but i believe al this will consist of is new bumpers and those tacky LED's. Great. It is true that alot of current AUDI's are in a word - bland. I think this has only become obvious now because whereas their USP used to be unrivalled quality & sleek styling they have taken a backward step lately. Just check out new a4, new tt interior for drop in quality. Also AUDI's styling is now too aggressive with the HUGE grille and LED's on everything. It has pitched them right up against BMW and although ive been an avid AUDI fan for years i think they are getting a bit out of their depth. People bought AUDI's for quality and style. They have forgotten this in their relentless BMW chasing. I agree with ASP that once they are no longer considered 'cool' they will fall from a massive height as they have nothing to back up their high prices. Only the TT and R8 are unique quality products. Even the new A5 is bland. Maybe they could swicth to aluminum construction for all their cars - with quattro as standard. At least they would have some distinction then.