First off, I am not a troll. Nor do I have any connection, financial or otherwise, with Audi.

I'm planning on ordering an '06 MCS just as soon as they can be ordered. In the meantime, I took a test drive in an '06 Audi A3 (2.0, six-speed, sports package, etc) and was impressed and just a little bit torn between the two. As it's been a while since my last test drive of an '05 MCS, I was hoping that some members of this forum could take one out for a spin an give me your impressions and comparisons to you Minis.

Thanks.

Welcome to MINI2, vaper...my wife took delivery of an A3 about 10 days ago and it's truly magnificent for a $25K Audi. The 2.0 litre turbo has a lotta kick and it's a well finished product. The only drawback in comparison with an MCS is the handling...not too shabby, but it lacks the go-cart feel. We haven't reached the break-in mileage yet, so the car hasn't been thrashed about, but in 300 more miles, I will have better knowledge on what the car is capable of. :D

http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/15832/60930.jpg

I think that the decision between the two is purely personal...I wouldn't have given up my '02 MCS for the A3 because of the handling, but as a second car in the family, it's a kick.

Good luck! :)

I'm a big fan of Audi (have an A4 sharing the driveway with the Cooper). I can't imagine buying an Audi without quattro, so the A3 is out... at least for another year.

I can't imagine buying an Audi without quattro, so the A3 is out... at least for another year.
I agree...my wife had already been anxiously awaiting the A3 for a year, so waiting another year was not gonna happen...we'll have to look at the resale values when the AWD comes out...bigger engine too! :D

Save your pennies for another 18 months when the BMW 1er comes out. It'll look better than the already stylish A3 and out-perform it as well. ;)

Save your pennies for another 18 months when the BMW 1er comes out. It'll look better than the already stylish A3 and out-perform it as well. ;)

NOOOOOO

The 1 series is a horrible looking thing. and very expensive in comparison to the audi

My brother has just taken delivery of a 5 door Audi A3, its absolutely fantastic, its a 2 litre TDI so its quick and it doesn't handle too badly either. It looks really mean with the huge grille on the front.

There is a real feeling of quality inside the cabin :)

NOOOOOO

The 1 series is a horrible looking thing. and very expensive in comparison to the audi
I'm with ya there ollymale, the BMW is lacking in the looks department, and sales are gonna reflect that...again!

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040325bmw-1series/images/bmw-1series01s.jpg

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040714whats-new/images/audi-a3sportwagon010s.jpg

Save your pennies for another 18 months when the BMW 1er comes out.
Is the 1-series going to have an optional SMG transmission?

I'm with ya there ollymale, the BMW is lacking in the looks department, and sales are gonna reflect that...again!

Too true, you don't see that many of them over here.

They just don't have the look of elegance and the feeling of quality that the Audi has

Is the 1-series going to have an optional SMG transmission?

Just had a quick check on the BMW UK online configurator.

No sign of the SMG box on there at the moment, could well change for when its released in the US though

Just had a quick check on the BMW UK online configurator.

No sign of the SMG box on there at the moment, could well change for when its released in the US though
Is the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) on the Audi A3 like SMG?

Is the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) on the Audi A3 like SMG?

Yeah the DSG is available in the UK on the 2.0 turbo engine, the 3.2 V6 and the 2.0 diesel engine.

All the other engines have the option of a normal triptronic auto box

Olly

Yeah the DSG is available in the UK on the 2.0 turbo engine, the 3.2 V6 and the 2.0 diesel engine.

All the other engines have the option of a normal triptronic auto box.
I'd have say that the A3 looks much better than the 1-series and with DSG it's even more attractive ;)

Vaper why are you waiting for the 06 S? What is it going to have that you already cant order? Am I being dumb?

NOOOOOO

The 1 series is a horrible looking thing. and very expensive in comparison to the audi


Again, we are not getting the awkward looking hatchback. We (North America) are getting the sleak and stylish coupe which blows the pants off the hatchback model. Plus, with a 218 hp I6 at around $25k (A3 pricepoint), you'd have to be an Audi fanboy not to bite on the BMW.

Vaper why are you waiting for the 06 S? What is it going to have that you already cant order? Am I being dumb?
Optional Recaro seats for one :)

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/28/2006_model_year_changes

Vaper why are you waiting for the 06 S? What is it going to have that you already cant order? Am I being dumb?

Resale value plus a bunch of special options since the '06 is the last of this model.

I'd have say that the A3 looks much better than the 1-series and with DSG it's even more attractive ;)
My wife test drove the 6-speed manual first and then several days later she tried the DSG...the DSG had a very noticable lag when the throttle was pressed hard unlike the manual...but the DSG had just been unloaded from the carrier and there may have been some tweeking needed to eliminate the lag...she chose the 6-speed manual. :D

Thanks for the info:). But I must admit I can`t wait as I`ve been waiting 7 months as it is! Jusy hope the delivery time from ordering will be shorter for you.

Vaper why are you waiting for the 06 S? What is it going to have that you already cant order? Am I being dumb?

First off,I'm finishing up the lease on my current car. Second, I'm hoping that the Works will be a factory-installed option, yes the seats, maybe a silver roof.....

A3 very nice. My mate's got one, its ace! Cartainly loads classier than the Golf that its shares its underpinnings with.

I was tempted until I took an MCS for a test drive, and, well, I bought the MCS :)
Mind, you wouldn't get much Audi for the price I payed for my MCS.. they're a bit pricey..
Loads nicer than that 1 series thing. Looks like someone stood on it. Must admit I'm interested in testdriving one, just to see how good the RWD chassis is, I'm asuming looks aside its pretty decent to drive!

On the BMW 1-Series, I agree with some of the others, that's one seriously ugly critter, hatchback or sedan. It's pinched and folded in all the wrong places - another Bangle bungle. It looks like a Hyundai.

I love Audi but the new A3 hasn't grown on me yet. I'd probably wait for a GTI if I were set on a nice German hatchback.

BUT...the MINI trumps them all!

Great topic!

Sold my 03 MCS Works afer testing A3TDI.

Here's why:

MCS handeling test conducted by RSA Topcar timed MCS Works at 123.88km/h over a set course.

A3 did the same course in 123.4km/h.

As I have owned both cars I found that where as the MCS feels fast al the time and the handeling feels like a go-kart, the A3 is fast without any fuss and handeling on par with the mcs. I now are capable of carrying 3 adults on extended trips with a fuel bill less than half what it used to be and when I need to overtake in the 80-120km/h zone not even the works could match it.

The mini is a great car that goes like stink, but always feels like you're thrashing it to death, has poor build quality and horrendous fuel consumption. A3 TDI does'nt feel fast, but is. Build quality is the best you can buy, in it's class, and fuel consumption is great and the design is understated and elegant.

Just my reasoning

tertiusk

Build quality is the best you can buy, in it's class, and fuel consumption is great and the design is understated and elegant.

Just my reasoning
Well stated, tertiusk...while I would not want to give up the handling of my MINI, it's great to have the MCS and A3 sitting side by side in the garage. :D

as far as I know, Audi does not have any plans to release the A3TDI in the states.

Being able to compare both side by side I would say that the 1 series makes even the newest A-3 look dated. Then again, no one but me buys my ties.
ah looooves Audis, have an Allroad n storage (keeper) and hated to part with my A-4 Q the A-3 however, does very, very little for me.
Anyways, i would also not even dream of getting an Audi without AWD

right lets get this settled then, most of us agree that teh 1 series is a horrible looking car that is waaaay too expensive! ( I heard rhumours that it was actually based on the M Coupe)

we have decided that the A3 is a great car but it isn't exactly cheap, especially if you go for a top of the line model!
I actually drove one just after they came out and I loved it, it handles excellently considering it is substantially larger than the MCS! and it goes like sh**!
Audi's are undoubtibly ( spelt wrong ) some of the best made cars on the market!

The MCS on the other hand is good looking, charming, well made, fast, handles fantasically, easy to drive, not too expensive... umm i could keep on going!

Basically when you weigh up all the pros and cons of all the cars the MCS comes out on top by a long way! ( at least i think so )



Kaya

I'm a big fan of Audi (have an A4 sharing the driveway with the Cooper). I can't imagine buying an Audi without quattro, so the A3 is out... at least for another year.


Yeah, whats with that????

I asked too, as I was looking for a new version of the S3. Was told "Sorry, we are not doing the S3 for the forseeable future".

ImaVunDerBrah, do you have an update on whetherthey are bringing out the S3 (or even the quattro version of the A3, may not be called S3) ??

Again, we are not getting the awkward looking hatchback. We (North America) are getting the sleak and stylish coupe which blows the pants off the hatchback model. Plus, with a 218 hp I6 at around $25k (A3 pricepoint), you'd have to be an Audi fanboy not to bite on the BMW.

Have you got any photo's of the coupe, i'd be interested to see it

Shame the US won't get the TDI, its a cracker of an engine. :)