Audi A3 2.0 TDI Confirmed for U.S. Sale
Hard at work racking up high mpg numbers on Audi’s epic TDI drive across the country, our own Chris Paukert has managed to sniff out some juicy details regarding a new derv-burner that’s headed State-side.
Audi officials have confirmed that the A3 2.0 TDI, in front-drive configuration only, will be headed to the U.S. market as soon as next fall for the 2010 model year. The A3 diesel will run the same basic engine as can be found in the current Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which manages to get away with not using urea injection technology because of lower NOx emissions.
We’ve also been hipped that Audi may be bringing the A4 TDI to our market, though that deal hasn’t yet received final approval. Both the 3.0-liter and 2.0-liter diesel engines could be in play for this application, though the higher loads on the smaller powerplant could necessitate urea to clean up the NOx. Having spent some time with a European specification A4 3.0 TDI, we can safely say that we’d be in favor of having that sedan in the States – A3 diesel sure sounds like a winner in today’s car buying climate as well.
Comments
Reilly Brennan
Put this in A4 sedan and avant and I'm there.
Anonymous
I thought Audi said no to the B8 Avant in the US, or was it just no B8 S4 Avant???
TDIJeff
Woo Hoo!
Ducati Minor
Damn. Figures Audi would provide a mixed-blessing for gearheads. I think the point of embracing Audi diesel tech is to have it to its fullest--with Quattro. Most Audi buyer opt out of the pricey Quattro package, but I still think the move is limiting.
87ninefiveone
What Audi buyers are you talking to? I'd say the vast majority of Audi's out there have AWD. When I lived in Michigan that was the whole reason people bought them, but even here in North Carolina the vast majority are equipped with Quattro.
Maybe your just referring to the A3? Prior to this year the only way to get it with Quattro was to opt for the 3.2L S-Line model which is why most A3's are front drive.
Michigan Volkswagen Enthusiast (www.michiganvw.org/forum)
Justin
Most Audi buyers have Quattro. In fact, I've never even seen an Audi that didn't have the Quattro package. It's the reason most people decide on the Audi brand in the first place
Ducati Minor
Look at the sales data for Audi A3, A4, and TT sales throughout this decade and you'll figure it out. Most people opt out of AWD because they don't need it and don't want to spend several grand over for it. The A3, especially, since the Quattro option is currently only on the V-6.
Anonymous
Sales data reflects inventory available. Quattro is more fun and safer. It might not work with Kia buyers but those who want an Audi already have more money than a Kia buyer so the $ premium for quatto isn't that big a deal. My wife got stuck with a FWD TT because that's all they offered in automatic. The majority of A3's sold are FWD because that's what Audi offered more of. Remember do not put your faith in what statistics say until you have carefully considered what they do not say because 98% of all statistics are made up. UK "sales data" would be better since they have multiple engine and drivetrain options available in every model unlike what we are given as options in the US.
Anonymous
Sales data reflects just that -- vehicles sold.
Inventory can be expressed in two ways: the raw number of vehicles held by the dealers, or in terms of days of supply, based on the previous month's daily selling rate.
The percentage of customers who buy a particular option or package is known as the take rate.
I'm not intimately familiar with how Audi structures their lineup, but regardless of whether Quattro is treated as an option, or separate Quattro models, the data is out there somewhere.
I've seen plenty of FWD Audis, but I'm not going to presume that my small sample, limited to my region is representative of a measure of Quattro adoption as a whole.
Mena
They bring the diesel but not with AWD. LOL! The automakers seem REALLY, REALLY hesitant to bring over diesel to the US. So hesitant that they are making it difficult for it to succeed.
HondaDriver
Hi,
Finally!!!!
I will be first one to purchase one. What sense does it make to bring the diesel V10 and V12's?? Dont need a quattro either - just need a quality, FUN to drive vehicle with the top MPG's. Audi A3 has it all!!!
Anonymous
I'm on my sixth Quattro.
I would consider a diesel A4 Quattro Avant.
I live in Michigan and love the AWD.
Anonymous
I doubt I'd take it without the Quattro. I hope they offer it with the Quattro.
Anonymous
FWIW, I own an S4, and my wife has been looking at the potential of an A3.
WIthout quattro - it's a no-sale. There are other AWD options in this space.
Why does Audi even sell 2WD anyway? They should stick to what they know best. Frontrac or whatever they call it is useless.
Anonymous
Any idea what the A3 price range will be?
lucas
Woohoo! I'll start savin' some money now! I've always liked the A3 -- Just needed something to push me over the edge -- hopefully they won't over inflate the price... Any ideas on the MPG numbers? I suspect high 30s to 40s.
Fred
I'd love a diesel if the mpg vs cost of fuel vs cost of engine works out. That is I need to see a pay off in two years or less. Otherwise I love my A3 with it's 2.0T motor just fine.
billeevee
99.9% awd owners need to use their awd 00.1% of the time -even in Duluth and Winnipeg. When the snowstorms demand the use of all wheel,we are advised to stay home and not need to attend school or work until very soon,when your snow removal crews clear the road for all the 2 wheel drives.
wtA3
My son in MA has a Quattro TT he loves it. I have a fronttrac A3 in FL, I love it. My wife has an AWD Jaguar X-Type in FL, She loves it, I like it when it rains, but I would not opt for reduced fuel economy for AWL in Florida. Audi should offer choice.
Anonymous
I've been waiting for years to have an A3 TDI in quattro in Canada. Makes no sense to not offer the quattro option.
Anonymous
I think the allocation of AWD audi's and FWD audi's splits depending on the climate... My brother lives in Austin and I know that most of the cars they get in are FWD. Whereas I live in the NY/NJ area and there seems to be a much higher percentage of cars with AWD around here.
Does anyone have any idea of which diesel is going to be brought to the US?
Quattro in Oregon
It's true: Most A3s out there are FWD. That's because Audi did not want the A3 to cannibalize A4 business, so they forced people to buy a special package with a V6 to get AWD in the A3. The cost was too high. If the A3 had been readily available with the 2.0 liter turbo and Quattro, Audi would have sold a ton of them. They simply chose not to.
I will always prefer AWD, regardless of climate. It provides superior stability in ALL driving conditions. For Audi to bring the diesel to the US market and not offer the Quattro option is typically stupid. This car will eventually be offered with AWD in a year or two, just like you can now buy the 2.0 liter A3 with AWD for 2009. Thanks Audi!
Anonymous
Would someone from VW/Audi PLEASE bring us small, AWD, diesel powered car?!?
BMW brings us the 330d...great...if you have $50K. How about a 320 xd ??
A3 with the TDI but no Quattro? I guess I'll have to hold out hopes for the Tiguan with the TDI...some day...
I have a 03 TDI for commuting and a 99.5 A4Q for winter duty. I would gladly trade both for one vehicle with both attributes.
Anonymous
Does anybody know what is the clearance for the A3 and A4? Audi shouldn't bother with bringing the TDI versions over unless they are mated to the Quattro all-wheel drive system. But if the clearance is less than 5 inches, I don't think it will work for us here in Wisconsin. Can anyone with experience comment on this?
Donn
I've been asking VWoA and Audi for a small AWD diesel wagen for years, even before I bought my 01 Passat 4Motion. I have seen the same car with V6 TDI and manual trans in Switzerland, and driven an A4 TDI in Germany, so I know they can be built. Someday the marketing people might figure it out and bring me the car I want. The A3/ TDI/ Quattro/ 6-speed manual would be perfect, but I am getting so tired of waiting....
kevin
Donn I am right there with you. I would love that exact same setup. I too have been waiting for years. I am hoping the diesel quattro 6 speed version will get here in 3 or 4 years. For now I'm psyched Audi is finally bringing some version of the A3 diesel to the US market. Thats a start. I was looking forward to trading up from my boring '02 subaru legacy AWD to a car with that rare combo of luxury/sport/fuel efficiency.
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Anonymous
Just back from 2-week stay in Germany driving a A3 2.0 TDI FWD 6 Spd manual. This was a serious fun car to drive on the narrow village roads and flat-out on the autobahn. Excellent power throughout the shift range, stable ride with predictable handling. Mileage was uber-great, over 800 miles and only pumped 20 gallons of diesel. Interior was very civilized and the heated front leather seats were comfy in the 36 degree F Bavarian mornings. All in all a wonderful driving experience. I am looking for this car to hit the US market here in the fall.
Anonymous
Too bad, why not a A3 RST with the diesel six from the Q7??? And no quattro??? I live in the mtns of colorado and drive a lot of mtn miles in snow, would be cool to have the power, high ,mileage but need the quattro here.