2014 Audi A3

[BlackAudiS4]

Hello All,

I was wondering when the 2014 Audi A3 will be available for purchase in the states? I'm looking to upgrade my fiancé, will be wife by then, to an A3 with AWD from her Scion Tc.

Is there a comparison or anything that shows what the differences are between the 2013 and 2014 A3s?

Thanks!

[tpliquid]

2013 = 8p classis
2014 = MQB chassis

looks like no quattro until late 2013

[BlackAudiS4]

Thanks for the quick reply. Dang, definitely want quattro. Maybe she'll have to wait.

Thanks!

[HeelSide]

2013 = 8p classis
2014 = MQB chassis

looks like no quattro until late 2013

Hello,

What is the difference between the 8p and the MQB?

I just read about it online MQB - "Modularer Querbaukasten" aka "Modular Transverse Matrix" but what will that mean to the driver?


My big question is are we getting a sports back at the end of this year or is it fully sedan this year? Any idea?

[GunKata]

signs point to sedan intro, and possibly sedan only - no more hatchback.

[tpliquid]

8p = old chassis
mqb = new chassis

[tgrundke]

Hello,

What is the difference between the 8p and the MQB?

I just read about it online MQB - "Modularer Querbaukasten" aka "Modular Transverse Matrix" but what will that mean to the driver?


My big question is are we getting a sports back at the end of this year or is it fully sedan this year? Any idea?

MQB is a completely new, modular architecture utilized by Volkswagen and Audi. MQB is for transverse mounted engines and was engineered by VW. MLB is a similar architecture that was pioneered by Audi for its latitudinally mounted vehicles and has been in use by the A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7 and A8 starting in 2008.

The major changes are significant weight reduction and a much more modular approach to everything, including assembly. MQB is not a traditional platform like in the past where the chassis was fixed and the only changes were to the 'top hat' and the interior. MQB allows everything to be flexible and customized to the vehicle in question with the exception of the the engine mount and the distance between the front axle and the pedal box in the cabin. Otherwise wheelbase, width, front and rear overhangs, height, etc. are malleable, along with the ability to better mix and match materials (ie: Audi will use more aluminum components to save weight).

The A3 sedan is the only A3 model that Audi has so far confirmed for the US. Audi of America has stated as recently as December that they are investigating the A3 Sportback for US sale, but no decision has been made. They are specifically interested in the A3 Sportback for "alternative drivetrain options".

What this means for the timing of US introduction is pure speculation at this point. What we do know for certain is that the A3 Sedan will be shown in production guise sometime between Geneva, two weeks from now, and the IAAS in Frankfurt in September. The rumor, however, is that the sedan will likely bow at Shanghai in April since the car is specifically targeted at China and the US. The timing is about right because the Gyor, Hungary factory is where the A3 will be built initially and volume manufacture is slated to start there in May. There are different reports for actual on-sale dates. Some say that the A3 will be on lots by late summer (August), others are arguing end of 2013 into 2014. Nobody really knows at this point, it's pure speculation.

Audi of America stated last year their intent to bring the Q3 to the US. If they do this the business case for the Sportback becomes very difficult to support. My guess is that much like with the A4 Avant/Allroad/Q5 we will see the Q3 introduced along with an alt-powertrain Sportback (think Audi e-gas project, hybrid, e-tron, etc.).

[Cyncris]

Sportback has been confirmed by Audi here:
The standard A3 sedan is designed to grab the customers the original A4s caught. "The B8 A4 has gotten bigger, more conservative, maybe more luxurious, and we think there's room to bring a smaller, sporty car," Audi of America president Scott Keogh says. The A3 sedan has "tremendous potential" among non-luxury buyers, adds product planner Filip Brabec. Audi of America will continue to sell the new A3 Sportback in at least limited versions, Keogh adds. That's certain to include a TDI.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz2LGYpwrnz

That is just an A3 sportback and there are no dates listed.

[BlackAudiS4]

Thanks for the info everyone. When is the new A3 due to be out? Do you think it will be similar in price as the current sport back?

[Cyncris]

I expect them to be similar in price and expect them to start hitting dealerships about October. That is purly a guess though.

[Jasso86]

Thanks for the info everyone. When is the new A3 due to be out? Do you think it will be similar in price as the current sport back?

Hi all,

We already have it in Mexico, with interesting pricing.

[Moose201]

Hi all,

We already have it in Mexico, with interesting pricing.

Looks nice in that color. What do you mean by "interesting" pricing?

[Jasso86]

Looks nice in that color. What do you mean by "interesting" pricing?

It is a little more expensive than the past platform, yes, but still way cheaper than a 1 Series BMW.

Anyways, in Mexico, where cars continue to increase their prices each year, the A3 offers gret value/price rate.

An A3 Sline with the new 1.8TSI engine is 35K USD. at today's exchange rate.

Regards,

[chrislg]

Here in the UK the 3 door has been on sale for a number of months.
It looks really great, I think better than the photos. Pricing , here at least, is virtually the same as the outgoin model.
Sportback are about to appear ( March/April.
Didn't know about the A3 saloon ( rumours rumours that's all! ) We would be interested as we have a B5 QTS and a B6 QTS -- the latesest A4s are just tooo big for a family of two adults! Was thinking of Sportback but nice to have an option.

Try looking at www.audi.co.uk for build specs & configuator.... beware options may differ and prices here are expensive!

[Gryphon001]

I expect them to be similar in price and expect them to start hitting dealerships about October. That is purly a guess though.

I suspect you may be pleasantly surprised by the pricing... I was told that the Q3 when it comes out in NA will have a base price about 2-3K lower than the current A3... mine was 32K base up here when I bought it in 2008 and the Q3 is supposed to start at 29K.

I also heard 'unofficially' from a Audi Canada rep that the S3 sedan is confirmed for NA, not getting the SB though in S3... still up in the air for the regular SB. I may be in the market for the S3 when it comes out... depending on the price point. But if the S4 here starts at 52K I don't see the S3 being more than say 42ish base.

This is Canada prices though which are usually a fair bit higher than the US

[Gryphon001]

It is a little more expensive than the past platform, yes, but still way cheaper than a 1 Series BMW.

Anyways, in Mexico, where cars continue to increase their prices each year, the A3 offers gret value/price rate.

An A3 Sline with the new 1.8TSI engine is 35K USD. at today's exchange rate.

Regards,

Holy crap you guys are getting hosed... the 2.0T here in Canada is around 32K CAD... its cheaper base in the US from what I understand. You may get the selection we don't but you sure pay for it.

[tgrundke]

I suspect you may be pleasantly surprised by the pricing... I was told that the Q3 when it comes out in NA will have a base price about 2-3K lower than the current A3... mine was 32K base up here when I bought it in 2008 and the Q3 is supposed to start at 29K.

I also heard 'unofficially' from a Audi Canada rep that the S3 sedan is confirmed for NA, not getting the SB though in S3... still up in the air for the regular SB. I may be in the market for the S3 when it comes out... depending on the price point. But if the S4 here starts at 52K I don't see the S3 being more than say 42ish base.

This is Canada prices though which are usually a fair bit higher than the US

The S3 is indeed a lock for North America. The only question is whether it is a simultaneous launch or staggered.

Sportback discussions are still "very fluid", which can mean just about anything.

Recall that the A3 was a big experiment for Audi of America, that's why the packaging changed so much over the 8P's tenure. The MQB sedan will likely pack more functionality at similar price points to the current A3 due to the much improved economies of production inherent to the platform and its assembly plant location.

[Jasso86]

Holy crap you guys are getting hosed... the 2.0T here in Canada is around 32K CAD... its cheaper base in the US from what I understand. You may get the selection we don't but you sure pay for it.

Yeah, cars in Mexico are more expensive than in US, and Canada I now see...

But, we always do get all the versions such as de S3.. =)

Btw, I tested the car yesterday... wow, I was VEEEERY IMPRESSED, great acceleration, control, dinamism, stability, etc. etc.

This is the unit i drove...



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

It's a great car!

[0396]

2013 = 8p classis
2014 = MQB chassis

looks like no quattro until late 2013

Fantastic....by years end, I will be ready for a A3 TDI Sportback with Q.

[Anton]

Finally got an official confirmation on the 2014 Audi A3.

The 2014 Audi A3 sedan will make its global debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, with U.S. sales set for the second quarter of 2014.

The A3 sedan will be informally revealed at a private event just ahead of the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Engine options to be revealed in the next couple weeks for U.S.

http://www.edmunds.com/auto-shows/ne...auto-show.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...92B0X520130312

[NKQ5]

sedan will be available to order late july. should come in around late august or september. hatchback wont be out until winter. no s line though the europeans are saving that for themselves!

[tgrundke]

sedan will be available to order late july. should come in around late august or september. hatchback wont be out until winter. no s line though the europeans are saving that for themselves!

NKQ5 -

Can you elaborate on this intel at all? The Reuters story that has been picked up and replayed by most of the major outlets states Audi of America's Scott Keogh as putting the cars on US lots starting in Q2, 2014.

[Anton]

sedan will be available to order late july. should come in around late august or september. hatchback wont be out until winter. no s line though the europeans are saving that for themselves!

Not correct, sales start in 2014 Q2, Confirmed by Audi and will be released at NY auto show and Shanghai Auto show in April

[davis449]

Not correct, sales start in 2014 Q2, Confirmed by Audi and will be released at NY auto show and Shanghai Auto show in April

I wonder if the 8P will be sold as a 2014 and the MQB based one as a 2014.5 per the usual M.O. of Audi?

[Jasso86]

It's weird how you are talking about 2014 models in early 2013... strange moves from Audi of America =S

[tgrundke]

I'm really starting to wonder if Reuters correctly quoted Keogh and other Audi executives during the conference call: According to the WSJ, the A3 sedan will arrive on US shores "later this year" (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...078068922.html) and today, Brand Channel references the arrival "later this year" of the A3 sedan (http://www.brandchannel.com/home/pos...ok-031313.aspx).

[vividracing]

What do you think the main reasoning is for different MSRP prices in different countries? I understand the basics and think they would differ slightly but why do they sometimes differ so drastically?

[tgrundke]

What do you think the main reasoning is for different MSRP prices in different countries? I understand the basics and think they would differ slightly but why do they sometimes differ so drastically?

Several factors:

1. Market acceptability. You cannot sell a Golf for $40,000 in the United States, but you can in Europe.
2. Tax calculations. Germany applies 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) to all cars. Subtract that and the playing field levels substantially.
3. Market demands. Packaging differs for each country. Case in point, heated seats are rarely a packaged option in Southern Europe while in the North, sometimes standard.
4. Currency fluctuations. This is actually a big one, especially as the value of the Euro continues to climb it makes it more difficult for German car makers to sell profitably overseas. This is the driving factor, along with favorable trade agreements, behind Audi's decision to build a new factory in Mexico to build the Q5.

[vividracing]

GREAT ANSWER!!! :) Right on.

[RubberDubber]

That 2 door looks amazing. Nice color too!