2022 Audi A3 | Needs More Flair

[@thefootballdummy]

This channel is multi-tasking. I came here for a premium car review experience and now I'm receiving mating advice to hunt down a 45% chance divorced cougar.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

You are into Karens?

[@jasonjarosz5897]

@savagegeese is performing a public service

[@AndrewTewes]

You absolutely hit the nail on the head when you said " This is the interior that should be in the Mk8 GTI/R, and something nicer should be used for audi" 100% agree, but when you look the the refreshed cars on the MQB platform you can just see cost cutting everywhere you look.

[@Tomoyo0827]

Audi nowadays is more like Lexus - a luxury arm of a non-premium parent company. So they should priced like a Lexus, not BMW or Mercedes. They should accept they are the second tier now

[@Nickersont88]

Naw bro the nail is in the tire @4:16

[@gilboman]

@@Tomoyo0827 that was always what audi was especially back in the 90s. Lexus has way way way better interior and quality and pricing is up there and not much difference than the germans. Acura has the lower pricing/bang for buck

[@Incomudro1963]

The interior? No, it shouldn't be in the GTI. The MK8 has a great interior, all that it needs is for the HVAC and audio controls to be made physical again.

[@papa_pt]

@@Incomudro1963 nah it also feels cheaper compared to mk 7

[@mtlsi]

This is why I watch your reviews. All other “journalists” just say what Audi want’s them to say, you say how it is. Thank you.

[@a_funyun]

"Time to get this car out on the road... and get cancelled" lmao

[@tp7278]

This current A3 is an exercise in cost cutting. The previous A3, specifically the facelifted ‘17-‘20, had superior interior plastics, better integrated virtual gauges, sport pkg that actually came with the base S3 sport seats and flat bottom steering wheel, rear exhaust tips, GTI performance brakes (‘19-‘20), and a 6 spd DSG that actually responded. What a disappointing step back

[@IReahpZz]

7 speed dsg, all a3s had the gti brakes. Base car never got the digital dash in the US etc etc. It's not different from the cheap Interior a3 it replaces. Quit whining.

[@alh06]

@@IReahpZz You can literally see and feel the plastics are harder, less metals used, and cluttered design to overcompensate for the cost cutting

[@tp7278]

@@IReahpZz someone needs to re-read what I actually wrote but ok

[@IReahpZz]

@@tp7278 I did. Car is a cheap fkn gti. Who cares. It's always been a cheap feeling car.

[@keiththiha]

@@IReahpZz It no longer has the GTI engine. This car is a downgrade from my 8V quattro.

[@augustortiz]

Wow 45k for this particular car is just ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing in this car that can justify 45.

[@osl5686]

Their primary buyers have the income so they charge it. That is why they profile their clientele and build an audi to maximize profit...in this case they see those people going for something else and they want to build less but for more money. Selling less of a particular model car is not always bad.

[@mightbesherwood1313]

Mazda makes a better A3 Quattro. 30k.

[@wigletron2846]

Welcome to pandemic era pricing

[@marktesoro9578]

its a jetta with an audi badge... the most id pay for this car 35k.

[@441meatloaf]

You know the base A3 is cheaper right? The press vehicle is always the top of the line specs with full options.

[@totoianugheorghelucian488]

Finally, no more fake exhausts, the price is a little too much especially considering that's not a s3 but I'm from Romania and here this car in this configuration would cost a few thousands more than in US so it's still a decent combo overall.

[@dragospahontu]

It's ok, but nothing special. The Mazda 3 undercuts this Audi on price by a lot.

[@dragosi8980]

S-au adunat romanii 😂

[@javigar133]

The Mazda 3 id far, far better car than that, only Snobs would buy that

[@markm0000]

Hello brother from across the pond 👋🏻 Ma tai luat Audi 😎

[@derdeutsche8987]

@@javigar133 Suuure, Buddy. Sure.

[@conditionone2320]

It's bananas to hear you guys saying that this car is $42K, and that potential buyers are looking for alternative commuters to Civic/Corolla. I remember when Corvettes and Boxsters were $40K! And nowadays, that's apparently enough to buy you a car where about the nicest thing you can say about it, is that it has "a non-frustrating interior". It's good to hear that competition really seems to be offering more choices to customers though. Appreciate the straight dope from SG as always, and I wish a Happy New Year to the SG gang.

[@dragospahontu]

Lol

[@HiFlyerr]

well unfortunately inflation does exist, especially so in the past couple of years

[@dragospahontu]

@@HiFlyerr yeah for real. I remember when you could get a Golf for 18,000€. Now it's 22,000€.

[@Dxun2]

Yes, but the 40k Boxster had perhaps 20% of the electronics that the average vehicle today has. That is the price of trying to eek out more efficiency of an outdated and inherently inefficient design of the internal combustion engine.

[@groundcontrol6876]

@@Dxun2 Buut, electric cars are more expensive than their ICE counterparts.

[@bigmarkdarula]

It’s almost weird that Jack is the perfect companion to Mark in terms of reviews

[@rabbitenjoyer6320]

I like how they can bluntly disagree on why certain things matter. It's a breath of fresh air

[@ATStone]

Still miss Turbowski, even though Jack is better.

[@mastermind5421]

@@ATStone what happened to him?

[@markm0000]

@@mastermind5421 He read the comments without lube and doesn’t have a thick enough foreskin.

[@markm0000]

@@mastermind5421 Nah he said he is wasting time filming and doesn’t enjoy it.

[@JakeDrives1]

This car makes me sad. The last gen car had high praise from day one.. inside and out including driving dynamics. I truly feel like Audi/VW group are kind of lost on their cheaper cars! Love the honest take, boys!

[@markm0000]

They can’t build more cars so they ship a few cheap models that nobody wants but the advertising gets them in the door and floods the dealer lots with expensive models on lease.

[@MK4vDubbin]

I never thought I’d say this, but I’d buy a new Civic over this. I can’t see any appeal to the A3. It’s offensively inoffensive. Bland from head to toe. It’s fine. It’s not luxurious. It’s not sporty. It doesn’t look particularly interesting. It’s expensive. Don’t get it.

[@Tritonal92]

Agreed, I'd also get a Civic (an SI at that) which would probably be more engaging and also save around $10k.

[@UhOhUmm]

Isn't that what premium brand eco models always were? Older models of A3 were straight up indistinguishable from the Golf. Only the last two generations are somewhat different, but not much. You pay at least 25% for the Audi name when you buy this. A4 is where the actual Audi platform starts.

[@MK4vDubbin]

@@UhOhUmm That’s true. I’d buy a GTI or Golf R over this even with the terrible user interface. At least those cars have a far greater utility with the hatchback and are fun to drive while still being practical commuters.

[@TheGreektrojan]

Badge-Hunter car, like the A-Class. Mark isn't wrong to say that cars like the Mazda3 are more compelling. I literally was the market for this car and chose the Mazda3 because the badge-hunter specs for these cars were so underwhelming comparatively.

[@javigar133]

True, and Honda is Uber reliable, VW are money pits

[@CPMUNSEY]

I like the generation before this one much more than this gen. The older ones look better inside and out. The only way to buy this car is to get the RS3 with that amazing 5cyl.👌🏽🔥🔥

[@mikuelable]

Agree the s3 sucks and the a3 is an expensive golf

[@yungrichnbroke5199]

Most people can’t afford an RS3.

[@davidross8233]

That five with an exhaust sounds heavenly.

[@CPMUNSEY]

@@davidross8233 Yes it does. They’re fast as hell with some bolt ons and a tune also.

[@CPMUNSEY]

@@yungrichnbroke5199 True.

[@KeliK1]

The shifting is electronically controlled. If the RPM is too high to safely downshift, the car won't downshift. Same thing for upshifting. If the RPM is too low to upshift, the car won't upshift. This doesn't mean the transmission is slow to respond. It means you are trying to upshift or downshift within the worse windows and the car refuses until the ratio gets acceptable. It's programmed this way to protect both the engine and the transmission. My 2005 Audi A6 does exactly the same thing.

[@gretchenlittle6817]

@D R Best response award! Why engineer performance when you can electronically limit use?

[@JakeDrives1]

Doesn’t make it acceptable. Reminds me of the crappy GMs “shift parameters not met” pop up warning. It’s unacceptable. Let alone from a brand who’s aced the DSG even in their base cars for over a decade.

[@KeliK1]

@@Gandalf721 These were set for reliability. Of course you may be able to change the settings by applying a tune to squeeze more responsiveness out of the powertrain but reliability will be affected. If you would like to enjoy the car for a couple years then throw it away, then fine. People concerned with reliability are fine with this. This is an A3. It's not made for sporty driving. If you want fun, get an S3 or an RS3.

[@Broadpaw_Fox]

Just one thing guys - at 3:30 you said that the aluminum subframe meant that there was less unsprung mass - but there isn't. The subframe holds the suspension, but is definitely part of the cars sprung mass. The only parts that are unsprung are the masses at the wheel points- hub, brakes, part of the suspension arms, etc. You've made this mistake before, which is why I point it out. The primary benefit of the aluminum subframe is less overall weight and possibly (probably) it being stiffer/more rigid than a stamped steel piece. Other than this, I love you guys - keep up the awesome content! :)

[@TheBaj]

i noted that too, started to question my knowledge of what a subframe is 😂

[@jamesmedina2062]

maybe you are both right? The subframe does not articulate but is not part of unibody. It has isolation.

[@Broadpaw_Fox]

@@jamesmedina2062 - I get what you're saying, but the definition of unsprung mass is mass(weight) that is not supported by the springs - so it's anything in between the springs and the road. The subframes are bolted to the body, and are the attachment point of the suspension that holds the springs, so they're definitely mass that IS carried by the springs. Think about it this way - when you lift a car up off of its wheels, the unsprung mass is the parts that droop down - everything that moves solidly with the body is sprung mass. ;)

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@Broadpaw_Fox Yes and that includes wheel and tires which in addition to suspension performance are part of driveline and the mass associated with it. What is interesting is that Savagegeese really only discusses initial showroom quality, and the showroom experience. There is a lot more that they could discuss that they don't, regarding quality over time. So many vehicles have great showroom presence but within short time they reveal much more beneath the surface. I think they are so sought after because they gloss over all the things Consumer Reports, R&T, and C&D cover in both short term and long term tests.

[@ramk2443]

The only reason to get this over a civic or mazda 3 is just the badge

[@charlesdr1981]

100%

[@markm0000]

That’s right just the badge. Because the resale value and maintenance is going to screw you over hard.

[@Incomudro1963]

Quattro.

[@JAnx01]

@@Incomudro1963 This has the fake Quattro called Haldex. Also mentioned in the video.

[@iMixMaSteR1]

@@JAnx01 Fake or not its better than anything Honda offers

[@Matt-rk3de]

For over $40K, I’d lean towards a base A4 Premium w. convenience package, car play, heated seats.

[@jediali221]

In Europe the weaknesses here are even more evident especially with S3. This generation feels like a step back.

[@arda_]

This is mostly a leasing/rental car in Europe. With Golf mk8 being the fail it is, this will attract some Golf buyers and that's it. No need for more flare in my opinion. At msrp in US, this must be a very tough sell.

[@BigGroupHug]

Especially since the base model is a MEV. Not meant to be a hot hatch.

[@limitedreach4446]

I’d have to question the average owners salary, I know plenty of people making 50-60k driving cars that costs as much as their salaries, plus most are leases.

[@colechapman6976]

Yeah, same here. I mean I guess it makes sense if they are dual-income households and make a lot and spend little but to me, it just makes more sense financially to actually own the car. Also, just the pride of ownership that comes with buying a car instead of leasing or borrowing with a car loan is a great feeling to have. Furthermore, there is that possibility of losing your job during that 72 month period that you might want to think about since the bank will take away your car if you can't pay after losing a job. Then you can't go anywhere and can't go to job interviews. That prospect is the biggest deterrent to me leasing since at least when you buy a car, you own it and no bank is going to take it away when you lose your income out of chance or bad luck. Add to that there are other annoyances that come out of leasing. Once you turn your car in, the dealerships love to add on tons more charges for little dents and dings that come with driving a car and it just becomes a headache. I much prefer to own a car even though I could probably afford to lease a new car. Just don't like the idea that it's yet another payment I would have to make on top of everything else.

[@Argedis]

Broke people ask "how much a month?" Financially smart people ask "how much?"

[@vezonf3nrak]

@@colechapman6976 Your take is kinda bad though. Car loans are super cheap interest right now, so it makes literally no sense to not finance it. Put that money in an investment instead of dropping all $40k at one time. I absolutely love my 0% interest 5 year loan on my car. It is basically free money for me.

[@markm0000]

@@Argedis 4D chess financial people: How much will this car depreciate and cost to operate within my expected ownership?

[@colechapman6976]

@@vezonf3nrak I also don't think dropping 40k on a runabout car is also a good idea. What I consider to be a financially wise idea is to buy a cheap and reliable car from a few years ago rather than dropping 40k or spending a ton on a lease. Super cheap interests might exist today, but who knows in the future, so I would say that it would be wise to park a small couple thousand dollars onto a car than spend a lot and face the issues of leasing. Than after you do not spend 40k or hundreds per month over 72 months, what you could then do is invest in other things since all you spent was like 10-15k for a used reliable Japanese car.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

That intro music was smooth Mr Goose. Always liked the Audi A3. But I don't think I would choose a base A3 it over a High Spec Mazda.

[@user-bv9uc9ix8x]

Imagine buying this over a fully-spec'd Mazda 3. The poor souls.

[@sappyjohnson]

I imagine the upkeep cost is much higher in the Audi too.

[@Tritonal92]

Yeah, the A3 is literally a car you'd buy if you couldn't afford the A4. Poor man's A4 lol.

[@DanLMH]

mazda has naff rear 3/4 visibility, plus some pretty lacklustre POWAH

[@JoshCraver9000]

@@DanLMH Not if you get the turbo!

[@DanLMH]

@@JoshCraver9000 can't in UK lmao, 120ps sky-g, 180ps sky-x or nada

[@mbudden]

The A3 Sedan has always been a tough sell. Might as well spend the extra for the A4. More space and a better interior.

[@dragospahontu]

The A4 is a really underrated car in that segment. Plus it has the old interior from Audi which uses much better materials.

[@UhOhUmm]

A4 is where the Audi platform starts, A3 has always been a Golf with a jacket on.

[@OlsunEdits]

A3 fits more in European small roads and city driving

[@RoyalFizzbin]

So… S3 or A4?

[@damilolaakanni]

Either way, it's better than both the Mercedes A class and CLA, IMO.

[@AllOutNoobHater]

It’s also pretty sad that vehicle makers like Hyundai feel more high end than the A3. You could just buy the Hyundai Elantra N and have way more fun and more usability and leg room. There’s just way more options out there and Audi needs to realize this issue and give us the damn hatchback with more upscale materials.

[@pnourani]

A3 is really meant to get cheaper Japanese car owners into the door.

[@mato8225]

They're just riding on their brand appeal more than anything else at this point. Decades of marketing has people buying cars for the badge alone.

[@Jessersadler]

you do realize Audi makes more than just the A3

[@Nexus.Achiles]

I thought hatchbacks didn't sell well in the USA? I'm in Spain and it's by far the most ubiquitous configuration.

[@groundhoppingwlkp3622]

@@Nexus.Achiles currently in USA only SUVs and pickups are really selling. Everything else i a niche ;)

[@bedlambikes]

My wife and I test drove one this weekend. Great small car for the most part. The piano black throughout the central console was brutal. For the same price, the Q3 humiliates it - and I loathe SUV's in general. She is getting the Q3.

[@dragospahontu]

The Q3 is also an MQB car. They're literally the same car.

[@UhOhUmm]

@@dragospahontu Q3 is MQB, but it's bigger, like a Tiguan (European one).

[@mtunofun1]

q3 has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Good for driving in the snow.

[@bedlambikes]

@@Gandalf721 correct. The Q3 interior is just much more user friendly. Better placement and use of controls such as the heating and AC. The virtual cockpit is nicer. The seating, interior lighting, panoramic roof, all nicer as well. We literally drove the two vehicles back to back. I own a S5 coupe so I’m totally a car guy in most scenarios, but when it comes to a $45,000 daily vehicle the Q3 is just miles ahead of the new A3.

[@jodan4]

I have a 2020 Final Edition A3 Quattro, I bought a few months back. It was never sold but used around the Dealership. It has every available option as far as I can tell. I traded in a 2019 Jetta GLI for it. To be honest, I got a great deal on this one. I just wish it was in a more subdued color, because the Tango Red gets a lot of attention. Even though it came with the sport suspension , it was still a little too soft for me. I added the VWracingline springs and shocks and a 034 motorsports rear sway bar and it is perfect. I'm a senior citizen and have had a multitude of cars and this one is pretty good. I just can't understand why Audi has the tire pressures so high.

[@basithph8958]

All jokes aside I really can’t wait to see the new RS3 especially with the signature five cylinder engine🔥

[@mikedockal8978]

I'm afraid they will just add some CF pieces to the interior, nicer seats and call it a day. It will drive much better but the cheap feel of the interior will still be there. I hope I'm wrong.

[@basithph8958]

@@mikedockal8978 well I'm sure the interior is going to be a lot nicer as Audi is known to have some of the best interiors in luxury cars My only gripe is that as a replacement to a physical shifter you now have this kind of gear selector thingy which just sits weird even in an automatic but still I'm sure that it's going to be really good and even perform better especially with the five cylinder engine which harks back to the Group B days

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@mikedockal8978 you are not paying Lamborghini prices so why would you expect ultra premium door panels? The dash and steering wheel look excellent.

[@Static-MT]

I'm starting to grow suspicious of the RS3. This is the underlying car after all... Do you want to spend a bunch of money on something that traces back to this thing?

[@ericstazzone8281]

VW rlly giving me GM vibes

[@nextleveljourney6612]

Mazda 3️⃣ AWD Turbo Giving AUDI vibes for $36,500 ✨ Bonus ✨ and w/ Japanese reliability Meanwhile: A3 @ $42,000 W German Reliability?? How about NOoOoOoO

[@jayslomine4280]

@@nextleveljourney6612 stop Mazda is still Mazda Audi is a luxury mark Mazda is ok but it’s not luxury

[@441meatloaf]

@@jayslomine4280 Just dont bother with the mazda trolls. They all think they bought a luxury car and that mazda is premium when its all fake marketing. Mazda is just like Toyota, it aint luxury like lexus or audi.

[@Revolushun1]

I own an '18 S3 and while I enjoy the interior layout of the new A3/S3/RS3, its truly a shame how much cost cutting they did on the materials as it doesn't feel close to the 8V when I sat in a new A3 at the dealership. The RS3 with the new diff is the only one to get from this new gen imo

[@poetryonplastic]

I actually really like the interior on that gen s3. This new generation feels like a downgrade.

[@blitzy99]

Well done Geese. Aside from some of the newer tech, the indoor doesn't seem any better than my mk7.5 golf R. And in Canada the new A3 only comes with the entry level 201hp engine. Next!

[@SSC3034]

The S3 is available but not the RS3

[@DWK33]

Sounds like I can save $10k on a GLI autobahn and get a better car too

[@DINGOKIS]

I have the Business Advanced with S-Line interiors and wheels, so far I did 18k km in 7 months and I absolutely love it

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Cars are getting overly expensive these days.

[@joe718gt4]

I'd say wages not rising enough relative to housing, health insurance, etc.

[@pnourani]

I'm still jealous that goose was able to snag a one year old xc90 R for 40k.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

That's why I'm going to drive my paid off '13 Buick Verano that I bought brand new and now has 61k miles on it till the rust kills it here in MI. I like cars as much as the next guy but the prices they are charging are insane and people who make $45,000 think it's ok for them to spend $50k on a car.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@pnourani there are still deals out there, just a matter of being patient for good ones, and also being extremely active when searching for them.

[@povertyspec9651]

Did you just emerge from under a rock?

[@markvergara]

The S3 not having a TVLSD isn’t the dealbreaker for me.

[@hyperbomb02]

This car seems more like an evolution of the VW Jetta from the 00s when they were more upmarket than their competitors. But now they are making you step up so much in price that it defeats the purpose. If this were 5k cheaper, I think it would be the best Jetta in years.

[@AnyBodyWannaPeanut]

Does it really need more flare, or does it actually need more flair?

[@TehMr]

LENS FLARES FOR YOUR ASS

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

That’s what I was thinking too!

[@vrboannoy9045]

Mr. Goose is not known for his fine spelling. He should fix that though, it reflects poorly for outie.

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

Fixed!

[@kodymarksbury9399]

Am I crazy or is that a nail in the tire at 4:15?

[@kodymarksbury9399]

Right in the sidewall.

[@baronvonjo1929]

I think so lol

[@brianrainey2739]

You nailed it.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Nail.... nevermind

[@ayudan24688]

i still prefer the old A3 with the round jet engine like air vents and pop up display

[@timothycoyne5874]

I nearly bought one of the last new 2020 A3’s on the lot last winter. The new one looks a little sleeker and the center screen is an improvement, but overall it’s just a little better than the last gen A3, not much of a leap forward. Still, I’d consider one in an upper trim. The S3 and RS3, as cool as they are, are more than I can afford.

[@fordanaeuxx]

People really complaining about this car. If you like it, you like it. Some people prefer the new design over the old one. Simple as that. If you want to pick the Mazda or Honda, do it. But there are many others who love the new sporty and upgraded design.

[@mtn0freek]

nail on the inside of the tire at 4:16

[@SilverScarletSpider]

2:43 this is why i love your car reviews so much. thank you for sharing this slide and the laughs! 3:08 i would love to marry a woman with a blue Audi A3 as beautiful as 3:27 but i genuinely think she would be a lot less grumpy if she had a manual $35K Acura Integra or $35K Mazda3 Turbo AWD instead.

[@nathanwaite9377]

Another great car review from my two favorite Patagonia models

[@jasonrhtx]

My parents just bought a CPO 2023 Premium Plus Quattro, with the Technology Package (larger screen and the Bang & Olufsen system--much better, but it's better for classical than beat-heavy, and you'll want to adjust/increase bass and mid levels) and every manufacturer and dealer option/package (mats, door guards, etc, etc.), except Optic black--theirs has red paint and santos brown leather. 7K miles, $31K. The MSRP with packages and options and dealer extras was close to $47K, which is way too expensive, but with a CPO price of $31K and very low miles, it's a good deal. And 2022/2023 CPO A3s, fully loaded, are typically around that price. My parents are empty nesters and wanted a small, easy-to-handle and park car, with all the safety features and excellent mpg on Regular Unleaded (Quattro: 28/36 per Audi; 40 mpg hwy per C&D, which means well over 500 miles on a full tank). Entry-luxury interior with nice design, but hard plastics down low. Knobs and buttons are well-placed and well-designed, and a straightforward, responsive touch screen interface and UI for the infotainment system. Front seats are excellent, very comfortable (IMHO, VW and Audi have the most comfortable seats in the industry--try a long road trip). Rear seats are best for passengers under 5'9". Trunk space is decent, just a smaller entry. Decent acceleration for the Quattro: 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. Braking 60-0 is pretty good: dry 120 ft, wet 129 ft. Road noise is decently managed, although pretty much all cars would benefit from adding sound insulation. Slightly firmer suspension than the typical, small commuter car, a bit more engaging, but this isn't a hot hatch--and a hatchback is sadly not available for the A3. For their needs and wants, living in the big city (Los Angeles area), the new A3 is just right. If you want a more plush car, look at the Acura TLX, which was too long for my parents--17" longer than the A3. More sporty, go for the BMW 2-series. Both have worse gas mileage, but better power plants, nicer interiors, and a bit more space (TLX), mostly in the trunk and rear head room. The 2024 G70 looks nice and gets the 2.5TT engine, but I'm leery of Infinity/Genesis turbos--my friend gave up on his Q50 after both turbos had to be replaced (at 60K miles and 80K miles). He is extremely proactive with preventive maintenance, doing most himself in his shop, so both turbos dying is a red flag, but is it an anomaly? Sadly, the MB A-Class was discontinued in 2022. Aesthetics vary, as do tastes, but all of these are decent looking cars, inside and out--my preference is the MB A220, but the rear seats and trunk space are extremely small. Test drive several models, and save a bundle with a CPO.

[@sliwka621]

Subframe is unsprung mass? Maybe a differential can be unsprung if it's a solid axle suspension but I think that the moment your subframe starts moving up and down together with your wheels you have a major problem.

[@aygwm]

They might be talking about the control arms

[@parissmith5727]

Back during my freshman year of high school, my best friend had a hot older Audi driver living on the culdesac around the corner from his house. I used to skateboard over every afternoon and take note of the blue Audi sitting in the driveway. One day my friend tells me a story about how she had invited him into her house and made a pass at him. 13 year old boy, mid-thirties woman! His parents used to brag about it!

[@baronvonjo1929]

No wonder people get crossovers if this is the best a compact car can do. The interior especially the back seems pretty bad. And the space in back.

[@rmelotto]

When I was younger, I always had Audi as a top quality brand. Not anymore. I own a Mazda and I find it has better quality. Audi is more like a cheap luxury but paying premium price. You can get much better materials going with entry level Lexus/Acura. Take the Acura TLX, a bit more expensive but much better overall. There is a reason woman's are majority of customers on A3. edit: lol I finished watching the video and he also mentions the TLX xD

[@MauriceBln1]

A3 is a base model. So what you expect?

[@rmelotto]

@@MauriceBln1 Is that suppose to mean something? An entry level Mercedes is much better, but more expensive. An entry level Volkswagen is much worse but more cheap. We are talking about Audi, not a Jetta. And you can see people agreeing that the quality got worse over time. So we were expecting a better product than what is being delivered.

[@Reallyraywhat]

I leased a 2016 A3 and that car was awesome. I should of bought it. The interior was nice and had nice materials. Front and rear parking sensors standard. It had a nice center console. I’m not a fan of the new console looks cheap.

[@rabbitenjoyer6320]

Thanks for explaining the SigmaGeese grindset 💪😤 Got me a new A3 and now ALLLL the older office hunnies suddenly wanna carpool.

[@SammyM00782]

Question... All things being considered, what is 40k actually worth now compared to last model year? 33k maybe?

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

not in this segment - premium brand sedans had the lowest price increases

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

37k last year, with 7% cpi jump. (The car market itself is hot, but that is reflected in sales occurring at msrp, last year a 37k car might have sold below 35k with low apr)

[@FocusProj]

You have the BEST channel on cars I have seen on YT. Please keep making them! You guys are amazing!

[@BoldBrandFlakes]

If you want strictly German and don’t mind spending 40K or more I don’t see why someone just wouldn’t get a Golf R or a loaded GTI than this. Better yet, just go for a base A4 for the same price. But the fact that majority of women buy this makes sense, they tend to not make rational decisions when car shopping.

[@markm0000]

It’s a fashion statement. “I got a Audi” vs. “I got a Volkswagen”.

[@itsamario1269]

The Dash looks a LOT more upmarket over the VW Golf equivalent!

[@dragospahontu]

Yeah but that's because Volkswagen made the Golf shit. The Golf 7.5 was probably better than this A3 regarding interior materials.

[@markm0000]

@@dragospahontu They can’t keep making every car look good. Whenever there’s a generational change the first versions have to be shit so next years model can be slightly better.

[@whatevernevermind5960]

So good looking

[@dragospahontu]

@@markm0000 I'm not talking about looks which are subjective after all. The thing is that they really cheaper out on the new Golf. I think that it is partly on purpose to make the Audi products more compelling.

[@markm0000]

@@dragospahontu It’s all just acres of plastic that will surely burn a hole in your life savings. Smart people don’t buy these cars.

[@alberke3274]

I have a 2020 A3 final edition and much prefer it's styling over the current generation.

[@faugrad]

Long time Audi/VW enthusiast here and recently looked at the new S3 to potentially replace my MK7 Golf R. I felt that the MK7 Golf’s interior was a nicer place than the new Audi (minus the infotainment screen). Sad to see both VW and Audi losing their edge on interior quality which used to set them apart from the competition.

[@aaronelmquist8607]

How is the Patagonia sponsorship going?

[@troyberber2324]

15-18 of that 42K goes to the 4 rings. I can see how that price tag would make sense if the hatchback / wagon was available. S3 is grossly expensive, and RS3 is in a league of its own with its engine. So..: Mark, Jack what are your thoughts on the RS3, and call them Vdub reps and tell em this one just didn’t tickle the pickle. 42K. Shit one build a good turntable home stereo for that, and get a Dell monitor for absolutely no reason, and a Civic.

[@polaris911]

I like the look of it though. Probably one of the best looking sedans out there right now.

[@1v1qsns]

That’s a stretch

[@maestro1947]

Get a a mazda 3 turbo instead, save thousands, more power, better interior imo, better all rounder daily driver

[@Benjamingt4]

Bit of a european point of view on this: very little people actually BUY these cars. They are mostly leased. In most good jobs in europe, a company car is standard, because its one of the most fiscally interesting ways for employers to compensate you. To compensate you in extra wage is not interesting, because of the way the tax system tends to work. And in the lease Volkswagen/audi is basically the only real option. Non german brands are generally not available as an option.

[@caglioso]

Ok but just to be clear, “Still Believe” from the Lost Boys soundtrack is an absolute banger with that killer saxophone riff.

[@jackholmes8105]

I was debating with mark if someone was going to say something

[@CPMUNSEY]

The whole soundtrack is good. Plus it’s from one of if not the best movies from the 80’s.

[@VS666]

nail in the rear pass tire

[@iltrmb]

Road drive starts at 14610 Frohling Road, Huntley, IL heading East. Left turn onto Union and continue to Hamilton/Hensel. Considering Jack didn't drive like a maniac, I was expecting their Fisher Road in Volo route.

[@minhpham27]

I bought a used 2015 A3 AWD 19k Miles for $19k in 2018. This is a goldilocks zone (performance/comfort) for a used AWD "hothatch" car since tons of them comes off lease and rental companies.

[@iwhineTL]

That nail in the tire just hanging out there like "Y'all going to keep ignoring the low tire pressure warning light?!" 4:16

[@zachg9065]

the A3 is a good car but don't expect it to be a smaller A4 or A6 in terms of luxury, it feels more like a nicer Golf, which it is.

[@_Makanko_]

Besides getting informed I am always entertained as well. You guys do a great job in these. Cheers.

[@creedom52]

The interior is sooo much better than last gen, and if it was in the GTI I’d buy rn. I don’t want to lease and don’t want that interior long term, and used market is insane. Guess I’ll stick with my civic Si for a bit more. Can’t wait for your Elantra N review!

[@BigGroupHug]

This show is the Siskel&Ebert of Car Reviews. The normal quattro A3 is meant to emphasize the stability portion of the Handling Experience. It's confidence on four wheels, an all weather & temperature car, built for people who hate extreme conditions.

[@COMMANDERFOX31]

In Europe, the German/Hungarian built version of this car is quite hot. It is loved as a mini executive sedan and is considerably cheaper to own and maintain than in North America.

[@Qbasz007]

Those were the last gen cars. This is the new gen and no longer made in Hungary.

[@tim3172]

It needs more flare...d wheel arches? Flared panels? Or flair, which means it needs something special?

[@dogchainsaw3923]

Literally the RS3

[@SeanHenryLuvsDaDub]

Much prefer the S3, way more fun to drive, not sure why Audi ditched the Hatch (fear of competing with Golf/R crowd?). I'd look at the Honda or Acura or the A, or wait for a good lease on an S3.

[@La-yt1wr]

Honestly I’d rather buy a Civic Touring/Sport Touring or even a SI since they’re both compacts, but the Accord Touring 2.0t also comes with a lot of features and will keep up with a RS3.

[@MateusSilva-dm8wp]

Brother, tell me which Accord touring is this that is able to keep up with an Audi RS3

[@limitedreach4446]

@@MateusSilva-dm8wp C’mon on man, huge Honda guy here but no way an Accord can keep up with an RS3, it couldn’t even keep up with the S3.

[@byronnasem4110]

Let’s run that back…..no Honda product is keeping up with an RS3 ever…..I swear you V-TEC boys are delusional

[@limitedreach4446]

@@byronnasem4110 The NSX?

[@Alexbuilt]

What Accord even keeps up with a s3. Smh lol

[@atmartens]

There's no way I'd consider this over an Acura TLX. I love the looks of Audi, and the interior looks really nice, but these cars are so small and the pricing is crazy high.

[@JAnx01]

The TLX competes with the A4.

[@iMixMaSteR1]

@Kaiser Soze Well that says alot about and none of that being positive

[@atmartens]

@@JAnx01 He compares it in the video. And for the price, why wouldn't you compare A3 and A4? At least until the new Integra comes out because the ILX is trash.

[@atmartens]

@Kaiser Soze I respect the reliability of Toyotas.. however I find them incredibly boring.

[@davidross8233]

I had a heavily modded 2015 S3 that I traded just shy of 100k miles. Other than some issues with the aftermarket intake, the car was bulletproof. I thought for sure the transmission would go because I surely didn't treat her with love.

[@trozio1]

You can thank dieselgate for all the cost cutting along the VAG range

[@richardbixler]

It’s sad to see the needless regression in Audi. The B5 A4 was the perfect car. 60/40 torque split. Manual, V6 or Turbo4, sedan or hatch. I can’t think of a single way that this A3 is any better than it’s predecessor from over 20 years ago.

[@JL-rj9fl]

Yeah, I prefer the B6 (I'm biased, I own one). I bought mine in 2005 just before they released the 2005.5 A4 B7 which looked like it was the size of an old A6. The A3 (every generation to this day), is just disgraceful, the build quality just doesn't compare to the old B5/B6 cars like you said.

[@johnbrews9724]

Test drove the car and liked it a lot. Two issues: not a lift back and the access to the trunk is tight. Second: it’s a “mild hybrid” system using a 12V and a 48V battery. Replacing the 12V battery is not a do-it-yourself operation because the car has to be reprogrammed for the new battery to get the alternator informed. A $500 expense. And second: the hybrid battery that basically is full time responsible for the car costs $2700 to replace. Will these batteries fail before the warranty is up? And again every 5 years or so??

[@SilverScarletSpider]

get an Acura Integra or Mazda3 Turbo AWD instead. this Audi A3 lost the plot.

[@oliverroo59]

I'd save 10 grand on this and get a Civic Touring or a Mazda3 turbo. Both are better looking and have better interiors. I'm not sure what the point of this car is besides maybe getting someone into the Audi brand. At 42k it is a tough sell.

[@AkuNoHana]

I'm so glad you guys called out the fact that this guy would make alot more sense in the hatchback offering. I would 100% buy an A3 hatch previous or this gen new if they offer it here in the states.

[@shawnlatchman1802]

Do a review on the s3! I have one ordered coming in and love your reviews

[@Boba_fehtt]

2019 was the last hood looking A3 especially in S line with the ground effects

[@dmvrti]

If the mk8 golf had this interior it'd be an instant winner. What a shame.

[@dmvrti]

@@japanwatchconnection I still like it a lot. Congrats!! Hope you love it

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Last time I was this early Savagegeese was racing his FRS against Turbowski's Grand Caravan.

[@LJ-wo1wf]

5:44 -- geeze, the paddle-shifted CVT in my Civic downshifts faster than that.

[@argilaga]

why is it so slow at downshifting? I have the 2020 version and it downshifts fast

[@deweberis2709]

We are witnessing a Factory vs Dealer War here regarding to the A3 pricing. 💎 Since car prices are sky high, the Factory is charging a premium to claim part of the Dealer overcharge.

[@mahdavimail]

At this price a little more or less I only think of a C class even if I get a base model it's 3x the car compared to this Audi. Just my opinion. My second option will be definitely Lexus

[@AnontheGOAT]

Lexus FTW

[@jeffreydzialo]

4min 14 sec. Looks like a nail in the tire.

[@AFJDM]

Whenever you give the annual income figure you have to mention that it's a household income, an individual making $200K is a LOT but a HHI of $200K includes millions of households in the U.S., that's two mid-tier managers/specialists/professionals which is pretty common. The S3 and RS3 are the only ones in this segment worth it IMO, the A3 is squarely beat by the Mazda 3 Turbo Premium which is fully loaded where this car begins. Mazda sadly doesn't have an S3 competitor and only the German 3 have RS3-class competitors.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

What's the point of the car in North America? It's way too small and expensive.

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

“We have A4 at home” the A4 at home:

[@bwatt1383]

Ive been on a classic sedan kick lately to balance out all the sterile tech focused cars. Don't know if it's worth your time but It'd be sweet if you guys made a video on Mercedes restorer Pierre Hedary, his work is amazing and he actually advocates daily driving pre- ecu cars from the 80's. Awesome work as always, just throwing out suggestions

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

Is the USA gonna get the new 8Y RS3? I know Canada isn't getting one which is sad.

[@shammyh]

Yes. Just unclear exactly when. Likely ~end of Q1 '22? But possibly as late as Q3-Q4.

[@scratchypants1]

"With that said," "that being said," "having said" are phrases used to highlight the contrast between two seemingly conflicting ideas: "German cars define the driving experience. With that said, you'll also become well acquainted with your dealer's service department." Your use of these terms as merely a segue to the next topic makes my ears itch.

[@nateisright]

When VAG sees the sales numbers for the Civic Sport Touring, they’re going to wish that they brought the hatchback. Hatches are back, baby!

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Honestly, we've got the same buttons on out VW Polo and they just feel cheap. Something you shouldn't have to say even at VW prices, even less Audi prices.

[@DoctorSkillz]

What a disposable product. If you're a 49 year old single lady, wanna know what this car is? The mass-produced Michael Kors purse at a discount at Ross of the car world.

[@Vayetsii]

Mazda3 turbo sedan over base A3 for sure.

[@okanelkin]

nail in the tire at 4:14