Audi's new hatch looks like a VW

[Nismo V]

Ran into one of these last night.. first it looked like a VW GTI but it was a Audi A3 .. Hatch market is really heating up...

[versainchicago]

The Audi A3 is a VW GTI--same car basically, same engine , but A3 is like $7,000 more than the VW GTI.

[cireecnop1]

Its a nice car, I almost bought one back in 05 when they first came out as an 06 model. you should check them out, the 3.2 s-line is pretty damn quick

[Wings]

Since Audi is owned by VW, not surprised. I know the Passat is the same as an Audi as well, I forget which one.

[7speed]

I'm not sure, but I believe the passat and A6 share platforms. They're both in the same class (mid-size sedan). I know the old A4s and Jettas had the same platform. VAG has been platform and engine sharing between marques for a very loonnnggg time now.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Interesting...I don't think it looks at all like it's twin, the Golf. None of the body panels are the same, and the lines of the windows are a lot cleaner. I've always hated how the Golf's windows don't carry through into the c-pillar like the A3's do. Look at the HUGE difference it makes in the overall look of the car... The A3 looks longer and sleeker, while the Golf looks stubby and fat.

The Audi A3 is a VW GTI--same car basically, same engine , but A3 is like $7,000 more than the VW GTI.

And it looks 7000 times better. I haven't liked VW styling for well over a decade, particularly the Jetta and Golf (the last Passat wasn't bad, though) but the new Jetta/Golf is just terrible. Looks like a Corolla.

Audi's latest styling direction is right up my alley, though. That A3 is beautiful, and I would kill for an A8 or S8. Clean, straightforward, no BS. Not bland, but not outrageous, either. It's subtle, yet aggressive. Now if they'd just get rid of those stupid side repeater lights they would be perfect. (Note that the top-end S8 doesn't have them, which is hopefully a sign that they're realizing that the industrial delivery truck look doesn't quite fit their classy sedans)