If you want to have a look at the new Audi A3 you'll have to go to Auckland. The company
doesn't have a franchised dealership any further north which is a pity because they might sell a few over the Brynderwyns.
So perhaps it's not surprising that the buyer profile of the A3 sedan to date is highly representative of Auckland. Dean Shead, who heads up Audi in New Zealand, says his information reveals that Asian immigrants are 'seriously into sedans' but so it seems are women. Female buyers outnumber men buyers of the Audi A3 by a ratio of six-to-four.
The luxury car market overall may also represent the bugeoning economy. Audi New Zealand had their best year to date last year, driven partly by what Mr Shead calls 'the milk dollars'. That most likely translates into sales of SUVs but in fact the motor industry worldwide is forecasting a growth in SUV vehicle sales over the coming two or three years. The other forecasted vehicle growth area is for sport-andhybrid combination cars which is a relatively new segment.
The new A3 sedan launched a month ago sits in one of the most highlycompetitive vehicle classes in the world, the compact sedan segment. The company will launch the sportback and cabrio version later in the year, in our Southern Hemisphere winter says Dean Sheed wrly, but he can't dictate availability and supply out of Europe.
The A3 sedan may not have the super aggressive looks of sporty models but it copes well.A distinctive swathen running down each side, what is termed the 'tornado line', gives the car a kind of crouching stance as if it's ready to pounce which, actually, it is (particularly the turbo diesel). And, unlike cars that trumpet 'European inspired' design characteristics this car really does have competent and proven German engineering.
It's not a sport model but the sport seats are standard specification on this sedan. They cocoon you comfortably for driving although they're a little hard to get out of because of the supportive 'hip' on the side. Impressive 3D graphics on the driver information systems (DIS) include an optional colour display. We had to have at least one acronym in the story, it wouldn't be a car report without them but these touches exhibit the attention to detail Audi is known for.
It could be argued this is a luxury car and these things are expected but Audi have sharpened their pricing pencil on this car, probably reflecting just how competitive this segment of the market really is.
Two models variants are available initially - the 1.8 TFSI Sport S and the 2.0 TDi and both (interestingly) priced at $62,000.
For more information - www.audi.co.nz