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The Audi A3 is in the premium compact class, it competes with the cars like the Acura TSX , Saab 9-2X, and BMW Three Series. Just like the TSX is “based on” a Honda Accord and the Saab on the Subaru Impreza . The A3 is essentially a dressed up Volkswagen Golf. Not that the Gulf is a bad car, VW is starting to be a real prestige nameplate.A feature unique to the VW line is the Hi Tech DSG transmission. The DSG, direct shift transmission is like a two manual transmissions synchronized with a computer controlled pair of clutches and shifting mechanisms. It works like this, when you start out transmission #1(odd) is in first gear, transmission #2 (even) in second gear (which is actually transmission #2’s first gear), the clutch engages Tranny #1. As speed build and its time to shift, the DSG just swaps transmissions, to #2 and Tranny #1 goes immediately into third, which is its second, it does this pattern back and forth until it reaches sixth gear. The computer has a normal, sports, and manual modes and does tricks like double clutching on the down shift and skipping gears. It accelerates faster than a human controlled manual (6.7 human, 6.9 DSG for 0-60 time). Although the professional reviewers loved it, it was listed as a con by most owners who reviewed it, second place was the price. I went to the Audi web site and built a couple of A3’s for myself. One budget minded, although if you are budget minded you should consider some other car and one with all the stuff. My Budget-mobile with the 2.0 four-cylinder, although still with some nice standard features, like electronic stabilization, anti-theft horn blower, some leather and a six speed came in at a not too painful $25,340. On the other hand, if you wanted the Zen car (one with everything) including the “engine of the year” 3.2 V-6 it can run north of 42K, and that’s without the mud flaps and bra type accessories.Yes, of course everyone, reviewers and owners like the quality and interior, yes, it’s a nice looking hatchback, but yes, it’s a rabbit with a college degree, oops sorry, got to call them “golfs” now.I won’t try to tell you how to spend your money, you could buy a ridiculous car like a Hummer to go to the grocery store. I know I wouldn’t see the reason to buy a sensible yet Snooty 42k hatchback or its weak sister, the “looks like the sensible but snooty” 25k hatchback. Like I said you could do worse, you could get a large SUV for just you or a exotic car that dreams are made of to drive to work. But aren’t you still driving to work? References: Audiusa.com, YahooAutos.com, Edmunds.com, Autoweek.com, NewCartestDrive.com, Forbesautos.com, consumerguideauto.howstuffwork s.com, theaustralian.news.com.au Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11