2005 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro Review - The Golf R32 That Time Forgot

In today's video, I look at one of the VAG Empire's oddest hours - the 3.2L VR6 engined Audi A3. Not the top of the A3 line, but not cheap - the A3 is a close relative of the Golf R32. That car has gone on to achieve cult status, but the A3 has not - why?
Huge thanks to Provenance Cars for providing this:
www.provenance-cars.com/
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[@jackblakesley2103]

I've got a 2006 A3 3.2 here in the U.S and after 155k miles driven, it's still very solid and runs like a dream. It's a blast to drive, the noise it makes is intoxicating, looks way more modern than it is, and here in the States, it's incredibly rare too. I've got an E92 M3 as well, which is lovely, but every time I hop back in the Audi, I remember why I keep it and why I still drive it almost everyday.

[@aaronneefe1736]

I've got an 06 3.2 at 160k and I agree 100%. Extremely well built and a fun car to drive to this day. Just wish it had a tad more aftermarket support.

[@duncanidaho7494]

@@DaleSteel i agree. The 2.0 t was a pure gem in this car.

[@orbchaser9992]

Got an 08 and w abt the same miles and it is a dream.. pretty fast too

[@conorsmyth9963]

@@DaleSteel Can't beat the sound of a VR6. May not be the fastest but it beats most 2.0Ts and sounds amazing

[@rhysholley8289]

Automatic or manual?

[@bluetriumph]

I dread the day I have to get rid of my 2007 A3 3.2. It's so fun to drive. About to hit 100K miles. People still make comments about what a good looking car it is.

[@motivatedregardless4816]

Bought one out of Utah with 78k for 5.5k, been in a wreck and still workin on getting it fixed. Had it over 100 on the freeway no problem though

[@JamesH55]

It’s an odd one but We will be walking round a field in 15 years time saying wow 3.2 a3 very rare

[@CYMRU619]

Had an A3 of this era (2005 Quattro TDi) as a daily for a few years. Not the most exciting things but I really like the interior. Think Audi nailed it in the mid 2000's , nice seats, quality materials (for a cheap hatchback) and stylish.

[@Audi8pOfSouthAfrica]

Their 8P model still out shined the 8V in terms of quality and comfort. The newer 8Y Audi woke up

[@ca9968]

I remember working at a premium used car dealership in Johannesburg back in 2009 and we got an Audi TT in from an auction that had the same engine and a then new thing which was the DSG gearbox, I got to take it home for the weekend, it was so much fun to drive that I put nearly 300km`s on it over Saturday night and Sunday...the boss was a bit pissed but I didn`t care, damn that engine was so much fun to play with!

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

We had a golf r32 for about 12 years. That engine never got boring. It wasn't the fastest or best handling golf out there but just really satisfying to drive. Never tried the audi but had to be fairly similar. The big engine/ small car formula is delicious and sadly history.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

The big thirsty engine that wasn't that powerful, fitted to a "small" car that weighs north of 1500kgs. Feeding its power through a power sapping 4x4 system and dim witted auto gearbox. Nose heavy. Weight blunted performance. Awful fuel economy. Today costing over £1.70 a litre for the correct fuel. Vast road tax North of £400 a year. A hunger for premium tyres. Premium servicing parts and high insurance costs. All the expenses for 240ish Bhp on wet, broken British roads riddled with 3 way traffic signals. Oh and you don't have modern essentials such as smartphone accessible, DAB radio, touch screen SATNAV, Heated everything, charge ports. Yes 15 years ago it was a decent car. Today its dated. Heavy. Thirsty. Expensive to run and own. It really isn't that fast. You've got to love the sound of the muted V6 to accept all its failures. Worst of all is its thirst for premium fuel. At over £1.70 a litre and rising. It's to old for the watered down E10 shit. Only V-POWER will do. With fuel heading towards £2 a litre is a heavy, thirsty, poor handling, dated turd worth it?

[@zahimiibrahim3602]

I disagree about the handling. I owned a Mk5 GTI before I bought my R32 and the GTI felt lighter and sharper at turn-in but scrabbled for grip where the R32 stays planted when you floor the throttle mid-corner. Heavy but the best handling Golf at the time, just as the Golf 'R' is today.

[@zahimiibrahim3602]

@ Jimmy Farley: You're so full of it. For a start, you don't buy this kind of car for fuel economy. If fuel economy is your priority go buy a fast depreciating Fiesta, the R32 is holding value and only going up. The radio is easily upgradeable and I have heated seats that have never been used due to weather where I live and here 97ron is less than £0.50p a litre. The only caveat for this type of older car is that it's great if kept as a 2nd or 3rd but not a daily. My daily is a Toyota SUV, lol.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

@@zahimiibrahim3602 yh I didn't mean it handled badly , they don't. I've got an r36 now and like it's little brother it's super planted, which feels great on rough roads and windy days. The golf just didn't gave that checkable feel of a lightweight hatch like earlier gtis. I had several of those as well. Best probably being a mk 2 16v gti. Now that was a car to chuck at a twisty road. Nowadays i don't drive lkke that and actually prefer something planted and predictable. My brother in law bought our old golf and is doing it up. New wings, respray. Mechanicals were still great. No problem with dsg either, in either car. In fact I love dsg gearboxes, maybe we've been lucky.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

@@zahimiibrahim3602 yeah but this review was based on the car and cost of ownership. My opinion was based on ownership in the UK. This car can be bought for 5k now. However petrol is very expensive. Road tax is very expensive. Decent tyres, insurance and upkeep are very expensive. So why spend a fortune on a heavy, dated, poor handling turd. That isn't particularly fast?

[@alexcarolan8825]

Growing up in the 90's my parents had an A6 quattro estate with either a 2.8 V6 or 3.2 V6. Can't really remember but that car ignited my passion for cars. It sounded so nice

[@joshscism2351]

I absolutely LOVED seeing these when traveling in Europe. A terrible shame the coupe never made it to America. It was the pinnacle of small hot performance coupes of the day, imo. Until the Bimmer 128/135s hit!!

[@davesudlik9638]

Agreed. I have a 2006 A3 3.2 Quattro sport back, but love the look of the 2 doors. Better looking than the golf/gti imho.

[@anzhrey8222]

It’s a hatchback

[@markelder1542]

I had one. I loved it. Wish I still had it. The sound of that 3.2 is divine.

[@MrMikkiFunk]

I own a 2006 A3, it was an ex demo car so had full leather interior and all extras but no exterior styling extras. I put some lowering springs on and it handles better now, was very floaty, the S line boot lip spoiler and the S line 5 arm 18” alloys. It’s made it really smart looking now and people are always impressed with how well kept it and it’s paintwork are is for its age. This one is lovely. The BBS alloys look great on it! The funny thing about it like you say is how unassuming the 3.2 looks, aside from one or two I’ve seen with S line suspension and styling, the majority of them don’t look sporty at all. Personally I think the A3s of this generation were spot on in terms of interior styling too, even now it feels quite current and still well put together.

[@Frank-ig2js]

I have a 2206 a3 as well. Doimg some upgrades to it now. Where did you purchase the parts for your if I may ask.

[@MrMikkiFunk]

@@Frank-ig2js alloys and boot lip spoiler off eBay mate. The spoiler is a genuine Audi part, but it was a bit more angular at the sides than the normal S line one, so I’m not sure when Audi made it/ what A3 it was on but looked great. The alloys were second hand and refurbished and the springs I got directly from Eibach I think.

[@grattidude]

I was cross shopping these with the mk5 R32 since that is the car I really wanted. But the R32s even with triple the mileage still went for nearly twice as much as I paid for my A3 3.2 and it's 9/10ths the same car. It's a great daily driver. Spot on in the video, love your work.

[@apostolis2939]

I have put thousands of miles in one of these and seeing one in such a great condition these days is a treat. The secret to enjoy these is to accept they are not the latest word in handling or sharpness and go for the soft standard suspension and not above 17" wheels. It will handle the same but the comfort levels will be where they should having a smaller turbocharged engine does help with the understeer as well. The vr6s by having greater power become better gt cars not better sports cars if you realise that they are quite neat plus they sound good, nice quality noise stock and you can easily have a lot of volume as well with an aftermarket exhaust So in short the a3 3.2 is exactly what it says on the tin, an a3 with a 3.2 engine it just happens this 3.2 engine to be rather special in detriment to the handling though, the s3 is better handling but the engine while more powerful is quite ordinary. The plastics seam hard but if you press them harder actually have some give, i don't know why they did it like that but it was a conscious decision not a budget constrain, as were many things around the car, still the only a3 with multi link rear suspension for all versions, even 102 hp one. The only thing that doesn't age well are normal vag-isms like the soft touch rubber trim and the headliners. The greatest thing about the is the packaging i think, they are 5cm shorter than a golf, have multilink rear suspension, a 60 litre fuel tank, available awd and a big boot and I (around 6ft-6ft1'') can seat in the rear seats, rest my head on the headrest and still not touch the roof. Crossovers that are 10-15cm taller have worst headroom and usually come with a much more compact rear suspension, unacceptable

[@GoldenCroc]

Well written.

[@mattvanders]

Got myself a tt 3.2 for pretty much the things that you have said above. In a world where everyone is wanting to have more powerful car you are only ever going to feel disappointed if you don’t keep changing for the latest and greatest

[@AntoniusTyas]

I guess the A3 3.2 should have been treated as a GT fast hatchback instead of a sports hot hatch like the S3, the same way you treat DB9 as a GT and DBS V12 as a sportscar (I know DBS is still technically a GT but using Vantage wouldn't be apple-to-apple, more apple-to-quince)

[@chrisbutler8059]

I just lost my 2006 A3 3.2 sportback (4 door ver.) due to a hit and run. It was amazing car and I miss it very much. It was lowered with a set of 19” pirelli p zero and it drove like a dream on the back roads lol

[@carterlin8116]

Have got one of those for a year and half now, in creamy white, 3dr, Japanese import, it's now sitting at 150k kms, loving the every second when i am in it.

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

I lusted after R32’s 15 years ago, almost buying one at some point. The fact that it was a 3-door (the only way we could get a MkV in the US) and it’s price of $32,000 US were the only things putting me off. The A3 solved one of those problems, but it was even more expensive, so it never happened. Since then my tastes and priorities changed a few times, but I would love to have a go at a 5-door A3 3.2. Thanks you for reminding me about this James.

[@corleth2868]

I drive a 2005 Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 V6 quattro S line DSG. I bought it in 2007 on 11.5k and it's now done 49k miles. Just had it serviced (with new plugs) and stuck some redex in it and it's going as fast as it did when I bought it. I think the original 18" 5 spokes mine came with look better than the ones on this car. Using the flappy paddles is a waste of time, the DSG does just fine on it's own, can't say I've really noticed much understeer either and I drive my one much too quickly, never quite got it to the 155 top end cut off but I've been close enough to believe it would get there. It's quite practical and more than quick enough to be a decent sleeper as it looks pretty much like any A3. 250 hp, 320 NM torque, 0-60 in 6.2 (if you had the DSG) and 155 top end. Pretty good for it's time and not too bad now. It has launch control too although I've only tried it a couple of times.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

I remember this car James, it is all thanks to Need for Speed: Underground 2. Very nice example of one here. Ignore those whingers who want you to get a pristine example to review. Nice review. Keep up the good work.

[@jameshunterford4099]

Jamie from Officially Gassed has just bought one of these. He’s taking the engine out of it and putting it into a Leon Cupra. The 3.2 Audi A3 engine is being fully rebuilt to hit 1000+BHP.... On the dyno the stock A3 3.2 Quattro was making over 260BHP. The 0-60 time was reasonably quick, but he showed that it ran out of power quickly pushing towards higher speeds. You should check out his video!

[@GoldenCroc]

Maybe its hard to understand why cars such as this or the even older VR6 mk3 golfs were made. That is, not for a sporting driver really at all, they are trying to be/fill the niche of GT/luxury cars in a compact hatchback bodyshell, for those who want a smaller car even if they can afford a much larger one. Its supposed to do high speed autobahn driving with a stronger engine for a more relaxing drive, but still be compact to fit in small cities and parking spots. The stiff suspension is less of a problem outside of British B roads, and for safety in the long autobahn sweepers. All in all, made for a customer as far from the British petrol head B road blaster as one can imagine, almost. The drawbacks of understeer is instead almost an advantage since that makes for a better balance at 200km/h through sweepers. Many of the people that bought cars like this were much older, well off retirees with no pretentions like getting a 911 that would suit them worse just to look cool.

[@nicholiwheeless]

Just bought an American A3 s-line, R32 has been my love for years. Thanks for the great detail. Everything you said was legitimate. Loved the way it was said. I'll be watching more from ya. Thanks 🤙

[@douglascerny7933]

Seriously looking at one of these. It fits the bill with 4 doors, decent rear leg room and all wheel drive.

[@mamigagi]

I enjoyed this video - my dad still drives one of these (bought it new way back when). It had some appeal in the US, where the assortment of hatchbacks was very limited (you couldn't get an S3). I remember how exciting DSG was back then. Didn't know the engine is, in fact, a VR6 - cool fact!

[@max_white_cars_hip-hop_2000]

Thanks for the review. I’m currently driving one and it’s such a nice car. The small car / big engine is now extinct, making it a potential collector’s car. Not the most engaging car to drive but the drivetrain, which combines in my case the DSG gearbox with the VR6 and the Haldex diff, is well-sorted.

[@adrianchell]

I fancied one of these in period; the rear side window and C-pillar treatment reminded me of my old Audi coupé GT5S.

[@isaacsparrey7894]

Just wanna say, you deserve far more subscribers than you have, these videos are the best about!

[@jamessheehy4895]

More cars like this please love a niche vag, any rare car tbh from this era my boss has a e34 alpina and had a w211 e63 and a m156 cls loved all of them!

[@handle690]

love your VW group vids thanks jay

[@eugeniozanda7230]

I consider the A3 (8P) the very best sports hatchback ever made, exceptional frame, perfectly balanced, very rugged, great design! So cool car...!

[@ArneHulstein]

Interesting review and I have to agree on the steering and suspension feel. I did try the R32 as well and basically found that to feel a bit nicer, but still not really engaging. So, I did try the 147 GTA, which I loved a lot more. Though I ended up buying something completely different, because I would probably end up handing in my license after a spirited drive. 😉 So I now have a fast convertible.

[@thetezz0001]

Great review bro

[@craponAsPTULA]

I bought my wife a newer one of these because of the snow we get locally and because I knew it would be so fun for me to drive when she isn't. Im really considering doing a super charger or something soon.

[@apostolis2939]

The E500 or 550i or a6 4.2 of hatchbacks, big engine and power without being sporty. If you get that they are quite cool

[@GoldenCroc]

This guy gets it.

[@TheKatanaRider]

if you have an A3 with full S-Line trim i think it actually looks very sporty and aggressive. i like it even more than the S3 looks. I have a 2007 A3 Sportback 3.2 and i really love driving it on a daily bases. it really gives me joy everyday! I am a huge petrolhead especially for cars from the 90's and 2000's, and this A3 is the perfect balance for me that combines everything we will never see in a future car ever again. I also had an MK5 R32 before, but for me the R32 is "too special" to drive it on the salty winter roads here in Europe. Thats why i've sold it and got the A3 for more than half of the money i've got for the Golf :) oh and btw .. good video - you seem like a nice fella :D

[@isaacweatherington3558]

I have a 2010 A3 2.0T sport back S-Line. It’s really nice and has the obvious DSG s-tronic transmission.

[@rjj00]

how was the A3 different from R32 in your opinion?

[@andrew5200]

Had one of these many years back with a Miltek exhaust. Made a lovely noise and was a wonderful daily (subjectively) driver whilst being objectively not that good a car. Fuel use was depressing though. Used more fuel than my V8 Lexus.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J!

[@AntoniusTyas]

I forgot this thing existed. I remember knowing about it from NFS Most Wanted and I was confused because... it's an A3. with 3.2-litre 'V6'. And yet it's still below the upcoming S3.

[@johnmozley8877]

Bought an A3 3.2 second hand, just after they stopped production. Loved it. Traded it in when the gearbox started playing up. Really miss it. You cannot buy cars like this any more!

[@thesollys9540]

Hi, I have the A3 sportsback 5 door version of this car, great sounding motor and I was going to say corners like its on rails. Perhaps the 5 door is better balanced? I also have 18" S3 rims

[@tonytrevithick8206]

You mention a lot of euro hot hatch's, one jdm car that comes to mind is the Toyota Blade Master G, production run 07-12, came with the famous V6 2GR-Fe in them, 280hp front wheel drive, Great fun to drive, Im in NZ and own one, looks like a standard boring Corolla, until.......... I do believe some have been Imported into Britain, maybe you should see if you can get hold of one to test? anyway, great show, enjoy watching it.

[@matthewking5612]

Such a good review!!!! Could you do a Vectra C, or a Volvo 850 N/A? (Ideally a 2.0 20v) Or how about a V6 Cavalier? (Manual)

[@timfountain98]

The V6 3.2 is a creamy smooth engine. I had that engine in an A4 and under WOT it sounded great. The only problem is the usual direct injection Audi malady of carbon build up. Every now and again under heavy acceleration, the A4 would blow some crap out of the back....

[@grattidude]

This 3.2 is a narrow-angle VR6 (one head). The 3.2 in your old A4 was a normal 90-degree V6 with two heads. Confusing, I know!

[@martytdd1606]

​@@grattidudeYes, I also had the 3.2 A4. Beautiful sounding engine aswell, I was confused at first, but wasn't long being informed through you tube what the difference was in the two engines. 😉 😂

[@lash9400]

I guess this was during a time when you could have an SE spec 3.2 or a Sport/S Line. While I don’t mind the sleeper trim, this A3 really needs the S line to dress it up a bit. I do miss the 3dr option on the newer A3

[@raccs600]

Thank you for the review bro 😎 have this car in a 2.0

[@covvy]

I had the S-Line Quattro of this era from new and yes the suspension was both under-steery and stupidly firm and unsuited to UK roads. In fact I sold it as soon as I could afford to and bought a Polo because of the suspension.

[@jochem1986]

Anyone who's played a lot of Need For Speed: Underground 2 hasn't forgotten about this one for a second!

[@ErosGalaxia]

Best Motoring tested both A3 3.2 & R32 at the same time at Tsukuba and both had same acceleration performance but the R32 had the better handling, Audi probably went with a comfort suspension setup for the A3.

[@misterroboto571]

100% honest. when you said "if you were expecting a Subaru in a dinner jacket, you're going to be very disappointed..." - yes, yes I was ("expecting" that is). don't need me to tell you, but keep up the good work.

[@GoldenCroc]

This is made for a totally different customer, so not really surprising it isnt some wrx.

[@irishwristwatch3616]

Volvo C30 T5 would make for a great video, I do wonder what happened to the polestar model that was on top gear.

[@isaacweatherington3558]

I have a 2010 A3 2.0T sport back S-Line. It’s really nice and has the obvious DSG s-tronic transmission.

[@evangarciamusic]

It’s funny this video just popped in my feed, I’ve been recently looking for a salvageable 3.2 quattro (preferably manual) so I can take the drivetrain from it and throw it in my MK3 Golf

[@alanfarrell2889]

Had a 2005 manual sport back 3.2 Quattro for 2 years . Sounded fantastic, think Porsche had something to do with exhaust. Got broken into one nite & never seen it again 🤬🤬. A pure sleeper

[@martytdd1606]

Audi were inspired by the Ferarri 355 exhaust, well when the engine was put into the tt anyway. Clarkson talks about it in an old top gear episode.

[@shiTthebed86]

I loved my r32 back in the day. Not the fastest car around but sounded and looked really good. Got more attention off people more then I did my previous car which was an E46 330ci convertible msport. Which I also loved. Now I'm a family man with a bmw X1. Very boring lol

[@alexest6229]

My mother had a 2004 Audi TT 3.2 with DSG for 12 years and the funny thing is she is really light footed driver, I think she rarely revved it over 2000rpm :D Although I did rev it for her sometimes, and I have to say the engine note on these engines is really, really nice. Not the best on fuel though.

[@apexqc04]

When this was in production I always thought Who'd want an S3 when you can have a V6. So it was my favourite Audi for a while... before the R8 came and they also started putting V10s in things.

[@mortythealien2783]

i own the 2.0 tdi version of this car. it stills very good after 18 years.

[@audge0008]

would be nice to see a 2.3 V5 Mk4 Golf would be a good thing to see and an unusual one too

[@sandski5174]

My parents got a '02 one. They bought it in '05. Not that fast compared to for example the 1.8T but the VR soundtrack is so sweet.

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

Jay If you can get your hands on a Toyota Blade Master G 3.5 v6 fwd (Japanese import). it would be an interesting comparison also against the BMW 130i

[@spartan2868]

I own one drives superb on country roads best sleeper around also has launch control having the DSG box

[@viniciusmagnoni6492]

I didn't forget it. I Have an obsession with them.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

White,one rear anti roll bar and some decent bilstein or kw coilovers. Followed by a schrick cam decent resonated exhaust and a remap nets you a better balanced 280bhp n/a daily absolute perfection

[@tomthompson7400]

I owned a blue one with a bit of suspension work done and loved it , especially the soundtrack , but at 12 mpg average and fuel going the way it is ,,, would I have another yep in a heartbeat.

[@Rookiereece]

Damn 12 mpg, we've really came far in regards to fuel economy

[@tomthompson7400]

@@Rookiereece but the soundtrack nearly made up for it ....

[@MetalHead1904]

I like these a lot. More of a sleeper than a R32.

[@tomcoxon3520]

Buy mine...

[@HK-xw3vz]

@@tomcoxon3520 how much

[@tomcoxon3520]

@@HK-xw3vz 3 k its red one on gumtree derby

[@raccs600]

Cap

[@tomcoxon3520]

@@raccs600 cap?

[@mikebrady86]

Nice car

[@matthewedwards1089]

I had a 53 R32 from 3 months old, kept it for 4 years. Awesome. I also had the A3 3.2. The golf is hands down the better car. Everything about it is better. I hated the Audi as it was like owning grey sludge were as the R32 was heaven

[@rjj00]

why

[@marcusdoling7698]

Cool 'Q' Car IMO. I hope the 3.2 VR6 doesn't like drinking engine oil like my 2010 1.8T Cabrio does though!!

[@jbob7148]

Considering that the R32 and A3 8P share the exact same chassis and drivetrain with the only notable differences being the body, R32 got a sound tube for enhanced exhaust note in the cabin, slightly bigger brakes and sway bars and a sportier set of struts and springs other than that they are for all intent and purposes the exact same car. This means getting an A3 to be as sporty or even sportier then a stock R32 doesn't take much effort or money. To sum up the VR6 A3 is at it's core a rebadged R32 in Audi clothes. A naturally aspirated 250hp car with a recognizable and well loved exhaust note, what's not to love. The outside shots with no exhaust note seemed really turned down, mine sure doesn't sound that mundane on stock exhaust and with a quality aftermarket exhaust you can't beat the sound of the VR6 except for maybe a flat 6 porsche. Also, The 8p on a set of quality coilovers with a slightly stiffer rear sway and some nice performance tires is quite a bit of fun car on the twisties.

[@mizeli2972]

I just purchased one. A 2004 model with a good service history. Absolutely love her except she's a thirsty girl!

[@smallk6453]

Another great review like the 8000+rpm Toyota Corolla. Forgotten performance cars👍

[@countspankulots4024]

So you can have an Audi A3 Sport Sportsback if you go for the 5 door 3.2?

[@Jungheinrick]

My kind of car....peel the 3.2 badge off and enjoy

[@svenmaxprobson6648]

I like the car .. I had one :) but the interior is not so sporty :( but the quality is perfekt and better as VW Golf MK4 R32 with near the same age. thx for the video 👍🏻 well done

[@laszlobalogh7112]

Very interesting specification. Top engine, leather seats but no multifunctional steering wheel or armrest.

[@mathieulg1992]

I’ve got one, great car to have and drive.

[@michaelcallummayaka]

I remember this car from Test Drive Unlimited, am I the only one? Who else remembers this from there and picked it as their starter car?

[@avancalledrupert5130]

These will be getting a second Life now h beam rods are cheap for them . Cars gain a following from how crazy the best modified versions are not what it is stock. The 1.8ts have the following because of how many tuning parts have allways been available.

[@seanhershey3390]

We only got the 5dr hatch in the US... but you couldn't a manual with Quattro.. it was FWD only

[@HirooKoslov]

Forgotten? I didn't even know this thing existed!

[@hduncan2587]

The thing that bugs me about the A3 over the Golf is the space (being in the U.S., all we had was the Sportback). The A3 feels like a chopped-Golf (again, the U.S. didn't get the Scirocco) with the seats still high up and the headroom being snug. Given it's been a very long time since I've been in either, but that was my impression of it. I believe the Passat CC suffered a similar fate against the normal Passat.

[@9595luke]

mk1 seat cupras got a 3.2 too such a cool engine

[@freierburger5438]

Nope, the only got 2,8 204 hp. Leon Cupra r 210/225 hp fwd, only 4 door available, internally looks like first A3, outside styling nice but no HID (xenon)

[@subsea77]

Good vid

[@jimmyfarley5581]

Remember this is a car that won't enjoy running on the new E10 petrol and will happily drink the correct fuel (V-Power E5) at mid teens mpg. At £1.70 per litre. Good lord! My dad had one in 2006. The vast weight blunted the meagre 240ish BHP. The steering was numb and devoid of feel. Nose heavy and gutless above 80mph.

[@tyler_bt3326]

Sounds exactly like the handling of a standard A3. I’d be used to that so wouldn’t be missing anything, but I can see why it would be off putting to some

[@jimmyfarley5581]

@@tyler_bt3326 I'm baffled as to why you'd purchase a "performance" model (with all the extra running costs involved) and be happy with terrible, numb handling. That doesn't make sense?

[@tyler_bt3326]

@@jimmyfarley5581 well, that’s exactly it. This isn’t an S3, it’s not even marketed as S-Line in most cases. It’s just an A3 with a big engine I guess

[@relaxasmr3390]

I remember these being cheaper as a used car as compared to the very similar r32 golf

[@cameronhutter8270]

Would've loved to hear some more comparisons drawn between this and your own 130i you owned as I feel they're a very similar segment: big engine, small car, mid 2000s, under £10k and not very shouty

[@GoldenCroc]

What do you want to know? Maybe I can help. But I dare say most things are probably as you would think, cant think of a surprise in that comparison really.

[@cameronhutter8270]

@@GoldenCroc would really just like to know how things like driving dynamics and interior differ between the two. Obviously in the video it seem the alfa is a more fun car but with a worse interior, wondering if the 130i is a nice middle point

[@GoldenCroc]

Interior is a very personal preference. For me, the facelift 130i is better than the Audi, pre facelift maybe slightly behind. But you can customize the interior trim a bit more in the BMW, and the BMW seats easily wins for me since they got the inflatable side bolsters in the M sport variant which I love. Rear seat is not too spacious but isnt too much worse than the Audi, just a little bit, but maybe that little bit is what breaks the camels back, you will have to check for yourself. Driving dynamics isnt that different at low grip usage but for me the BMW is more fun. And if you mod, remember that nearly every M3 e9x chassis component can be fitted to the 1 series, or even custom race parts made for a m3 if you want to go really crazy. It isnt as easy with the Audi. All in all, the Both of them are compact luxury cars. Thats who they are aimed at when new, but the BMW has a "sportier" flair. In stock form, its not close in "sportiness" to something like a megane RS or so. It was never meant to be. These cars were quite expensive as new, with average customer age (i.e old) to match.

[@cameronhutter8270]

@@GoldenCroc thank you very much for the write up mate. Think if I can find a good example I'll be making my next car an lci 130i :)

[@GoldenCroc]

@@cameronhutter8270 Only real plus of the Pre LCI might be the hydraulic steering compared to the electric in the LCI, but it depends how much one cares about such things. I thought the electric wasnt that bad. Myself I got a 335d after my multiple 1 series ownage. More power and still the hydraulic steering long after it was discontinued for the smaller engines. Cheers.

[@LordLauderdale]

Had an A4 2.4 V6 and the handling was fine.

[@JK061996]

I know they're considered impractical but I miss 3-door hatchbacks, they're almost extinct nowadays.

[@anejz1637]

Yes my car it's also my first car 2003 A3 3.2 Quattro it has 250k miles and it has no problems plus my has LPG conversion so you can swap between Petrol and LPG any time you want.

[@youraveragejoe1]

What country is that? No way you’d get insured for a sensible price over here

[@anejz1637]

@@youraveragejoe1 I'm from Slovenia. But the car is sight to my dad so the insurance is 50% cheaper but I still paid 100% for everything

[@thomasquilliam2063]

Do a 2.8 4 motion mk4 golf please :) Love from Liverpool

[@BillyBoy444]

I'm betting those wheels and lower profile tyres are affecting the ride somewhat. They will also affect the damping and therefore your head bobbing around as the side wall wont have as much compliance..... nice example of a rare car though..... ultimately a 2.5 Focus ST from the same era will get a better and much sharper driving experience.

[@GoldenCroc]

Indeed the Focus will, but they were aimed at totally different customers when new.

[@alexandrucaragea3820]

A very frugal hatch with a bit of track potential

[@BS-ge4ne]

Frugal?

[@paulmichael3844]

I had 2 one manual one dsg they are set up stiffer than s3 8p as I’m on my 3rd one. Why they are so stiff and so high off the ground makes no sense really as you can get sLine a3 diesels in the same shape that sit lower. Handling is ok but they are not really set up to take corners fast or be super engaging though the steering wheel. Also they were 250bhp the 262bhp s3 would simply destroy it in a straight line due to midrange torque. Still one of my favourite cars regardless. Very rare cars…watch out for timing chain issues

[@waqzh6128]

Just had a look on the website the prices 😆🤣 what world are we f###king living in...

[@rogerhudson9732]

A nice 'stealth' option.

[@hyper8545]

Its hard to find 3.2 a3 and 3.2 TT in my area :[

[@tmat1983]

Anyone kno what alloys those are ?

[@MyerShift7]

I'm still sad we never got the svelte 3-door or a proper 'box in the States. We really get screwed on choice for one of the supposedly largest markets. Ha!

[@Corvolet5]

I always had a soft spot for the early 2000s Audis and the design. The pre-facelift 8P is probably one of the best looking cars among them (even if the late facelift did a lot of things right too). My guess is the looks of the R32 are what sold people. Nobody suspects this Audi to be fast or special in any case, you could have slapped a 1.9 TDI badge on it and no one would spot the difference. Also the fact the R32 (at least the Mk5) would absolutely put quite a few lengths between them especially when you buy it with the DSG. Also I believe what kept this car off the radar is the fact that the engine is such an odd choice. You know most sporty or at least Audi RS models with a turbocharged engine.

[@jamp12008]

I dobt think time forgot this car at all. I see more of them than golf gtis round my way. Edit. I commented just before you said its different from the 5 door. I see plenty 5 doors about. Not so much the 3 door. But still more than golfs 👍

[@jenskristiankirkvestergaard]

Just bought a red original a3 3.2 sportspack with glass roof and dsg 😛🇩🇰

[@EAD_0]

I had this same engine in an Audi TT Mk2. It was absolute shite. Like most Audi’s of that era is was numb to drive. Classic Audi.

[@scooper72]

I’ve got a 2007 sportback and I love it, but I do find the suspension is the worst kind of compromise - neither comfortable nor precise.