Late to this review but considering one of these for a fun weekend car (with backseats for kids) great review Alex! Watch the channel all the time and it is my go-to for links to send when people ask me about a car!
Alex, the effort you put into your videos, along with your breadth of knowledge, is fantastic. I'm super interested in a 2.0t version of this (will 90% get one). Quick question: sport package v. no sport package. Do you know if the sport package just adds a stiffer ride without actually improving the handling?
It doesn't really improve the handling much, but I do like the sport seats as they increase bolstering and have a thigh extender and you get the steering wheel shift paddles.
I would. As I said the 2-Series handles better, is faster and is more fun. But the A3 is a considerably better deal and the difference between the two is much smaller than you might think. In addition to being a better deal the A3 also has a better back seat and more practical cargo area.
As usual, a great review. Very funny SNAFU at the end! Alex, you mentioned that acceleration was down from what it should be. Were your burning premium fuel?
@Alex what's your outlook on Audi's reliability at this level? I've had good experiences with Volkswagen's smaller vehicles and would imagine the A3 is going to be similar in quality & maintenance, certainly less complex than the S-line vehicles and 6, 8, 10 cylinder engines.
Nice review as always. A3 is a very nice little car. However here in Canada, I would probably look for a small SUV with AWD. Alex, do you have an plan to review the 2015 Q3? or the other new sub-compact SUV like Honda hr-v and Mazda CX-3? just want to know how you feel they compare each other and to their bigger brothers like Q5, CR-V and CX-5, etc.?
Another fantastic review Alex. I am always impressed with your knowledge of the different models and their options and your ability to rapidly compare them. Regarding your favorite vehicle list, some context would help this be a bit more meaningful. Are you a two car family or would this be your family's only vehicle? Do you have children you drive around if so is it more than 2? If you have children are they beyond the age of car seats?
We're a multi-car family with no kids yet so it's a bad example really, but in my mind I'm thinking of the the 2-working parents 2-kids kind of family.
How does this compare to the canceled convertible of last generation Chrysler 200S? I'm still holding out for a hardtop convertible version of the current 200s. Long live Mopar!!
I like the 2.0T and the AWD system, but I have to admit that the 1.8T does feel lighter. I suspect I would probably buy the 2.0T if it were me, but mostly for the extra shove.
mountainhobo On the twisties the 1.8T is the better handling vehicle in neutral handling and the 2.0T is better under power because of its ability to shuttle 50% of the power to the rear.
Alex on Autos Thanks, Alex, that's what I wanted to know. I like our Bay Area backroads. From your experience with the regular A3, do these conclusions still carry over? How is the TDI engine in the A3 compared to the 1.8T? Since it's probably heavier, does it change the balance of the vehicle?
mountainhobo They are similar, the A3 sedan is even lighter so it does handle better than the corresponding A3 Cabrio. The A3 sedan also has less body flex because it has a roof which aids handling as well. The TDI is heavier, I believe 200lbs heavier if I recall correctly than the 1.8T which is a substantial amount and that's all up front making the A3 feel much more nose heavy than in 1.8T form. That said, the A3 TDI is one of the few diesels with a reasonable break even point.
Alex please get rid of the sidebar with links, do you realize how many people watch your videos on smartphones, tablets and TVs? None of them can click these links and they take up so much space. I watch your videos on a laptop and the sidebar is very distracting anyway. Why don't you just leave links to timecodes in the video description?
Less than 24% of views are on smartphones or tablets but I did keep them in mind. The sidebar has so far received more positive than negative comments and was recommended by the folks at TH-cam. If at the end of a month there are more negatives than positives I'll abandon it, but as I said at the moment the feedeback is overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for letting be know your thoughts.
Best car reviews on TH-cam hands-down. Thorough, practical, and unbiased. Thanks Alex.
Late to this review but considering one of these for a fun weekend car (with backseats for kids) great review Alex! Watch the channel all the time and it is my go-to for links to send when people ask me about a car!
Love the sidebar because if helps me jump around considering the video is a bit long.
I love your in-depth reviews. Keep up the great work.
Great review. I'm really liking your way of reviewing, it's different, and serves a need that is missing on TH-cam. Cheers!
Alex, the effort you put into your videos, along with your breadth of knowledge, is fantastic. I'm super interested in a 2.0t version of this (will 90% get one). Quick question: sport package v. no sport package. Do you know if the sport package just adds a stiffer ride without actually improving the handling?
It doesn't really improve the handling much, but I do like the sport seats as they increase bolstering and have a thigh extender and you get the steering wheel shift paddles.
those tabs to right of the video should be at the bottom to make is less "cluttered" but that's me.
Thanks for letting me know!
Hi Alex, if it were your money, would you rather go for an A3 2.0T Cabrio or a 230i convertible and why?
I think the upcoming Buick Cascada will compete with that 1.8t A3 cabrio.
Alex, which roads do you typically test drive for your reviews? The views are beautiful. Thank you.
I really like watch your reviews . Greetings from sweden
Very detailed walkaround.
Nice Job
Hi Alex,
Would you compare the A3 cabriolet with the BMW 2 series cabriolet?
I would. As I said the 2-Series handles better, is faster and is more fun. But the A3 is a considerably better deal and the difference between the two is much smaller than you might think. In addition to being a better deal the A3 also has a better back seat and more practical cargo area.
As usual, a great review. Very funny SNAFU at the end!
Alex, you mentioned that acceleration was down from what it should be. Were your burning premium fuel?
Yes I was, but it wasn't that much slower than some tests I have seen.
Please make a review of the 2015 suburban! Pleaseee
@Alex what's your outlook on Audi's reliability at this level? I've had good experiences with Volkswagen's smaller vehicles and would imagine the A3 is going to be similar in quality & maintenance, certainly less complex than the S-line vehicles and 6, 8, 10 cylinder engines.
Fantastic review, very thorough and well done. Are you going to review the bmw 2 series cabriolet, and if so, when can we expect it?
kyle penfound I will have a 2-series soon but sadly not the convertible.
+Alex on Autos nice video buddy. incredible
It really seems like VW/Audi sells about a half dozen versions of the same basic car.
Golf/GTI/Golf Wagen/A3/A3 convertible/S3, etc.
Wish list for reviews. Mustang Convertible
audi tt roadster is better than this and the a5 sport cabriolet. do you agree or not? just wondering...
Nice review as always. A3 is a very nice little car. However here in Canada, I would probably look for a small SUV with AWD. Alex, do you have an plan to review the 2015 Q3? or the other new sub-compact SUV like Honda hr-v and Mazda CX-3? just want to know how you feel they compare each other and to their bigger brothers like Q5, CR-V and CX-5, etc.?
I have the Q3 and the HR-V on my short list, but I'm not sure when I will be able to get my hands on them.
Alex on Autos Thank you, Alex.
Another informative video. Thanks Alex!
Great review this is my favorite car behind Tesla(can you review one), also I liked the side bar thing.
Another fantastic review Alex. I am always impressed with your knowledge of the different models and their options and your ability to rapidly compare them.
Regarding your favorite vehicle list, some context would help this be a bit more meaningful. Are you a two car family or would this be your family's only vehicle? Do you have children you drive around if so is it more than 2? If you have children are they beyond the age of car seats?
We're a multi-car family with no kids yet so it's a bad example really, but in my mind I'm thinking of the the 2-working parents 2-kids kind of family.
Nice work Alex. Thanks.
How does this compare to the canceled convertible of last generation Chrysler 200S? I'm still holding out for a hardtop convertible version of the current 200s.
Long live Mopar!!
Excellent review. Thank you!
alexia not ready for purchase
can you compare this to 2009 a4 cabrio?
Alex, did you drive the 2.0T version? How would you compare the handling of that AWD model to this one?
I like the 2.0T and the AWD system, but I have to admit that the 1.8T does feel lighter. I suspect I would probably buy the 2.0T if it were me, but mostly for the extra shove.
Alex on Autos So in terms of pure handling on the mountain twisties here you did not feel a major difference between the two?
mountainhobo On the twisties the 1.8T is the better handling vehicle in neutral handling and the 2.0T is better under power because of its ability to shuttle 50% of the power to the rear.
Alex on Autos Thanks, Alex, that's what I wanted to know. I like our Bay Area backroads. From your experience with the regular A3, do these conclusions still carry over? How is the TDI engine in the A3 compared to the 1.8T? Since it's probably heavier, does it change the balance of the vehicle?
mountainhobo They are similar, the A3 sedan is even lighter so it does handle better than the corresponding A3 Cabrio. The A3 sedan also has less body flex because it has a roof which aids handling as well. The TDI is heavier, I believe 200lbs heavier if I recall correctly than the 1.8T which is a substantial amount and that's all up front making the A3 feel much more nose heavy than in 1.8T form. That said, the A3 TDI is one of the few diesels with a reasonable break even point.
wait how do you open the top?
@8:15 Hahaha, I love this part
Did that SUV in front of you just totally blow that stop sign? Looked like it.
Alex please get rid of the sidebar with links, do you realize how many people watch your videos on smartphones, tablets and TVs? None of them can click these links and they take up so much space. I watch your videos on a laptop and the sidebar is very distracting anyway. Why don't you just leave links to timecodes in the video description?
Less than 24% of views are on smartphones or tablets but I did keep them in mind. The sidebar has so far received more positive than negative comments and was recommended by the folks at TH-cam. If at the end of a month there are more negatives than positives I'll abandon it, but as I said at the moment the feedeback is overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for letting be know your thoughts.
No problem, I love your videos anyway, keep it up!
dat basement doe
It really is embarrassing to see what you get for the money with this Audi. No backup camera or sensors?
Don't know why you would get this when you could get a mustang GT convertible for the same price...
Land rover discovery sports
This car gives me claustrophobia
Great reviews. Thanks.
Fantastic review! Thanks!