jordanh

This is killing me! My ideal car would be the Audi A3 2.0 with a stick and AWD. Unfortunately it is unavailable, so I have 3 choices: 1) Get the 2.0 and live w/o AWD (I live in NYC and plan on parking the car on the street). 2) Get a Subaru WRX and live with a little less luxury. or 3) Go for the A3 3.0 and hope I'll start liking the DRG paddles better (this is probably my least favorite option).

I don't ski or drive off road at all, but am concerned about safety. How big a deal do you think it AWD is?

Anything else I'm missing?

Any idea if Audi is planning on releasing the 2.0 with AWD anytime soon?

Thanks in advance for your help!

vplaza

I mean, a 2.0T with stick with FWD, a WRX with stick and a 3.2 with DSG?

All different cars, so it depends on what matters the most to you. You live in NYC, so maybe AWD is more important to you than you think?

IIRC, there are no current plans to bring the 2.0T Quattro here.

dan-phx

Now that I'm settled into my 3.2Q AWD I can say that I find the 2.0T to be plenty peppy. I however greatly dislike the tire squeal and wheel hop when cornering under acceleration with the DSG in "S" mode in this 2.0T. It's running stock Continental tires. This was what initially put me off about the 2.0T and it's still a deal breaker. I love how planted the 3.2 feels and I can punch the gas in the middle of the corner with full confidence it will stick.

I haven't driven the WRX but it lacks something I do LOVE, the DSG. Unless US sale take off dramatically I can't envision Audi of America throwing a 2.0T Quattro in the mix. They have previously stated they wanted to simplify the ordering process for us simple Americans. So for me the perfect solution was the 3.2Q.

munkyboi

just get some good snow tires with decent driving skills, and you are set for the winter...i am of course talking safety-wise...

April

the extra acceleration traction of awd. AWD can also help you avoid things IF you stay on the gas and use the awd system to push/pull you in the desired direction. It does nothing to help you stop or while decellerating.

If you spend more time sitting in traffic, the nicer interior of the A3 might be more appealing. Both cars apparently do well in crash testing, but the A3 is a newer design and thus might incorporate the latest ideas.

The next WRX is right around the corner:

From AutoExpress Magazine

I"MPREZA HOT HATCH ON WAY
Auto Express can exclusively reveal the Japanese firm has outrageous plans for the next Impreza. Altering a formula which has proved a success for the past 12 years is a bold move, but the introduction of an Impreza hatch follows Mitsubishi's plans to radically alter its Evo line-up.

The decision confirms comments made by Impreza chief engineer, Hiroshi Mori, who told Auto Express that the next-generation car "might take a new design direction, and could be smaller". So why have designers turned their back on saloons? The new car will be smaller, lighter and cheaper to produce than the four-door, and should have better handling, thanks to its short wheelbase and stiffer body.

Led by ex-Alfa Romeo and SEAT designer Andreas Zapatinas, Subaru's styling department has not only opted for a squared-off finish at the rear, but a long nose as well - bringing the new model into line with the look of many European hatches. The front overhang will house the turbo motor's intercooler, which will be moved from its current position at the top of the engine bay.

With the new car not due until 2007, Subaru has a facelifted Impreza saloon already waiting in the wings. Exclusively revealed by Auto Express in Issue 838, it will be launched at the end of this year, before going on sale early in 2006.

The Impreza hatch will sit on a shortened Legacy chassis. The plan is to introduce basic 1.5 and 2.0-litre variants, with flagship models coming with a 2.0-litre 300bhp turbo motor. Five and six-speed manual gearboxes will be available, along with a five-speed auto.

Despite the extra versatility provided by the five-door body shape, engineers won't compromise the Impreza's handling for practicality. Unlike the Legacy, which has compact rear suspension to maximise boot space, the Impreza will use a layout that will optimise driving dynamics.

To enhance the cornering potential even more, engineers and test drivers will also develop an advanced version of the current Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). This allows more torque to be channelled to the rear wheels for sharper turn-in.

No matter how good the handling, it remains to be seen whether loyal fans will warm to the idea of an Impreza hatchback."

radcoup

Subaru is capable of designing a good looking car.

AdamC

And I have no problems in the winter, I didn't even get a "great" set of snows just decent and it works great, the traction control is pretty impressive on the Front-Trac!

I did some pretty crazy stuff in cottage country that I thought for sure it wouldn't make it, with a bit of work it did. Now mind you my Dad has an A4 with Quattro and had no problems of course on those roads.

As much as I loved the suby I woulnd't go back just for the AWD!

audi_since_90

& once spent 10 minutes wishing I had AWD.

boki-san

quattro is essential to me. i don't think i could ever go back.

so for me, it would be between the hump of DSG, v.s. the subie(or the 4th choice)

DSG would be a total drag, but i could maybe get used to it,.... but i don't have to. with my r32, i have 3.2 quattro with 6 speed manual. ha!

i like subarus too. if there was no VW R32, i'd have gotten rid of the a4 turbo quattro, for the wrx wagon. i need functionality AND fun.

i think i got the perfect solution, the VW R32. vag quality, quattro, big vr6, huge brakes, and so practical for hauling big tools, or lots of stuff,...or a set of track wheels and a helmet

in the simple question of awd for the average joe or jane, where you live, with proper winter rubber, you'll be fine with front wheel drive. it's more personal preference. i am so spoiled, that front wheel drive would totally disappoint me, even on dry tarmac. quattro rules for me

SO HERE'S YOU FOURTH CHOICE.
if you are really perplexed, to get what you really want, think about finding an R32. they are going for $22-28k, the back hatch is more usable than the a3, that is, for the actual volume of the rear, the a3's actual door opening is too small. with the R, you get the 3.2, you get quattro, and you will have a sweet, manual, 6 speed gearbox.
this car rocks. and the r32 community is great, and close knit, there aren't many r's in the us. the performance aftermarket is plentifull. i wouldn't trade it for an a3 3.2q manual. maybe for a 2 door, manual trans, s3,....maybe

<a href="http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=145">vortex R32 forum</a>

here are 3 links to check out
<a href="http://rdefined.com/phpbb/index.php">soCal R32 group</a>

<a href="http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2639271">and if you get one you ca come to this</a>

mine on the devil's golf course, death valley, on the world record setting, 'summit to plummet to summit' trip
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8546/golf.jpg">

HGA3

I have a A3 DSG 2.0T and a 2002 WRX wagon 5sp manual. I live in florida so traction other than rain is not an issue. I like the A3 a lot better but then it's more expensive. The wrx is a lot softer thus to get it to handle as well as the A3 you net to do some suspension work. For me the DSG is the best trany I ever had hands down. The wrx is a 5 sp and has major turbo lag, so it realy needs a 6sp and you better like to shift a lot. Refinement is not present in the wrx but it's fun; with a nicer exaust note. To me the hands down choice is A3 3.2 DSG.