Audi A3/A4

GolfBravo

poet123 wrote: »

Is the A3 vastly inferior to the A4 in terms of drive and comfort and performance on long journeys?

Although both cars share the same engines, seats, steering wheels, etc. they are based on two different platforms. The current A4 uses MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform), same as A5, Q5, A6, A7 and A8. The A3 uses the PQ35 platform shared with VW Golf, Seat Toledo, Skoda Octavia, etc. - there are over 20 VW-group cars sharing this platform.

So the A4 should be (at least on paper) more comfortable, and more roomy, and the A3 zippier and lighter.

The current A4 is 5 years old (recently facelifted) where the ancient A3 is already 9 years old and is to be replaced by a newer A3 shortly. The A3 is currently not selling very well with the production line running at just over 40% capacity (according to Automobile News Europe) due to very low demand, so expect good discounts.

poet123

Thanks it would be the newest models of both cars that were purchased. New A3 due in April and new A4 facelift due in March.

The honestjohn site is very informative and useful, so thanks for pointing me in that direction I will pass it on to my friend.

GolfBravo

poet123 wrote: »

Thanks it would be the newest models of both cars that were purchased. New A3 due in April and new A4 facelift due in March.

The honestjohn site is very informative and useful, so thanks for pointing me in that direction I will pass it on to my friend.

The new A3 will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show next month, so there is no way you would be able to buy it in April.

poet123

The honestjohn site says April, and the dealer apparently said it was expected in April. If that is not the case then it will be the A4 as they dont want to wait too long.

nearlyrich

poet123 wrote: »

I assume you can have the upgrades on the A3? (Sat Nav,Multimedia, sensors etc) as that would be a deal breaker.

I assume you can but I don't buy the fleet cars and we all get the same model, the A4 was a temporary car from the pool because my other A3 had a problem with the telephone kit which is a pretty essential part for my role...the other bits were nice to have (except the sat nav which is dreadful TBH my £150 4 year old TomTom is better) but I can manage without them.;)

thescouselander

Pound for pound, I'd say the A4 is better value. I own an A4 and I think its great. I've driven a few A3 through work and as courtesy cars from the dealer - although they are ok when I consider the price difference I wonder why anyone would go for the A3.