Audi A3 TDI buyer's guide, forum, FAQ, and options explained, page 3

for page 2, see Audi A3 checklist page 2

The difference between premium and premium plus option package and individual options on Audi A3 TDI

Premium is the "base" trim ($29,950 MSRP for 2010)
Premium plus ($31,950 for 2010) adds:

overhead ambient lighting
8 way power driver's seat w/4 way lumbar adjustment
storage package w/luggage tie downs and side pockets
3 spoke sport MFSW (multifunction steering wheel) vs. base 4 spoke steering wheel with no MFSW
high bluetooth (voice control, phone book)
option of adding GPS navigation, Bose stereo, convenience package, or titanium sport package

Options packages:

-Cold weather package ($500) - adds heated side mirrors, heated seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles
-Convenience package ($1,000) - auto dimming rearview mirror, Bose stereo, auto turn on headlights, auto rain sensors
-Sport package ($1,400)- sport seats, 18" wheels, firmer suspension
-Titanium sport package ($2,000)- sport package plus different 18" wheels, summer tires, piano black interior trim, black front grille, Alcantara (synthetic suede) seating The Alcantara sport seats are visible in the previous page. Below are the 18" wheels for 2010. The 18" wheels for the 2011 titanium package wheel is on the right.

Individual options:

Audi GPS nav w/6cd changer in glove box - ($2,000)
Audi GPS nav w/ipod interface ($2,050)
open sky sunroof - 2 piece sunroof -($1,100)
dark brown walnut wood inlays ($400)
black or aluminum roof rails ($500)
rubber floor mats ($120)
rear side airbags ($350)

Audi A3 TDI GPS navigation system info and screenshots

While this option is expensive, I think it's worth it since the map and telephone functions fully integrate with the car. Behind the screen are SD card slots. While some people may not like that it isn't touchscreen, the dial interface is actually better because it reduces head down time. When using a touchscreen, you have to pay attention to where you're touching vs. a knob where it's easier to predict where the highlight is. If you order the nav, it comes with either the 6cd changer in the glove box or the ipod interface but not both. The dial has predictive text input which blanks out letters as you narrow in on your selection. The nav DVD drive is unlocked upon the delivery checklist so that it can't be removed before the car is sold.

Both 2D and 3D modes are available. The 4 buttons to the side of the MMI dial are shortcuts. You can add or remove points of interest along the route.

The use of the MMI as a dial is better than a touchscreen when dialing a telephone number since there's the feedback feel of the dial.

The ipod interface in the glove compartment is very well integrated into the navigation system. It's sorted into folders and mimics the iphone/ipod interface.

Reviews of the Audi A3 TDI

Article reviews of the Audi A3 TDI: marketwatch , car and driver, autoblog review May 2009

Motorweek video review of the 2010 Audi A3 TDI and "Report from Audi mileage marathon

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