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The New GULF-follow me - READ ONLY

18 messages,  Last post on Jan 03, 1999 at 11:32 PM

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Messages Page 3 of 3

#13 of 18 Golf A4 by bnormann

Nov 18, 1998 (4:54 am)

rchuang,


      The next (current in Europe) generation Golf is generally called A4 because it is is the "A" series chassis(FWIW, the Passat is "B" series) and is the 4th generation of that chassis. These are all internal (VW corporate) designations. The confusing thing is that Audi started using a similar (external, market) designation for their cars. It's even worse, since the new VW Golf (A4) platform was first used on the Audi A3 model which is only being sold in Europe (as a hatchback).


       Confusing, no?


         Bruce. your Sedans co-host.

#14 of 18 GOLF-IV by rchuang

Nov 18, 1998 (8:10 am)

Bruce,


Thanks for the clarification.
So the A4 (VW) is NOT the A4 (Audi) but really the A3 (Audi).
I think I've got that right.
(They probably couldn't confuse the consumer more if they tried.)
I've seen an A3 here in the U.S. (w/ Diplomatic plates) and I love it!!
Does anyone know if Audi will EVER export the A3 to the U.S.? (the Audi A3, that is)
Wonder if a writing campaign would have any effect.


GOLF-IV

#15 of 18 No Audi Hatch for US... by bnormann

Nov 19, 1998 (3:20 am)

rchuang,


       Unfortunately, the hatchback is seen as a "cheap" class of car here in the US, since it was originally conceived to maximize the useful interior space of a very small car (the Austin Mini). Here in the US, where everything is BIIIG, why would anyone with real money buy a small car. Oh, right, "Only poor people buy small cars."


      So, Audi will probably NOT bring the A3 to these shores. It's sad, but the marketing people supposedly understand these thing and know what's best for us... [%^(


      If you've noticed, most of the new hatchbacks are really "Fastbacks" and are called Coupes by their maker.


     FWIW, my two favorite (Fast)Hatchbacks were the Jaguar E-Type (which I can only dream of) and Triumph GT-6 (which I did own once and loved).


               Bruce.

#16 of 18 GuyP by GuyP

Dec 02, 1998 (6:21 am)

Bruce,


I test drove the Jetta 4 a couple of weeks ago. I love it! Quality and features are just amazing. All four doors make that expensive Mercedes Benz "chunk" sound. The shifter and clutch are much softer than the A3s. I really like the close-ratio gearing on the 2.0L - good move by VW! The suspension is what surprised me the most. Handling is better than the A3 suspension, I think. That car begs you to take tight turns. There is less float/roll too! As for tarmac isolation, yeah, I hear you. The first Rabbit GTIs are probably the most fun of all. But I think stock cars are just going to get softer.
Have you driven the New Jetta? Now I can't wait for the Golf GTI4.

#17 of 18 GuyP by bnormann

Dec 07, 1998 (2:57 am)

    I've got a dealer near work that has offered me a test drive in the Jetta (Honest, it's a Golf with a trunk, Carlady {%^p ).


     It looks nice. I can't wait to see how it drives.


             Bruce.

#18 of 18 carlady by mzn

Jan 03, 1999 (11:32 pm)

Folks, I'm going to freeze this topic and continue our conversation in the The Volkswagon Golf IV discussion. See you there!


carlady/host

Messages Page 3 of 3

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