I really like to know why Audi didn't include Efficiency Mode for American 8Vs

[gamegenie]

I can overlook a few things this brand has strangely dropped here in the US (amber rear indicators, Auto-Hold, Cylinder-on-demand, Engine Stop-Start, Park Assist, head-lamp washers in the A3, passenger seat net)

but not offering any fuel economy saving options here is the latest WTF , I have with Audi.


http://www.audi.com/aola/brand/en_lc...fficiency.html

British


American



Who doesn't like saving fuel in their car?

This is the one feature the dummies at Audi USA should have least cut the A3 lineup some slack and thrown this in since they axed us on the head-lamp washers.

With this type of practice at hand I honestly don't see a future that I can have with any new Audi vehicle. Because once it comes to the West, it will lost half the features shown off in it.

[mroberte]

To me, Audi thinks an A8 buyer is the same buyer of the A3. If they did research, they'd know A3 buyers could be an entry car for many young first time buyers. Some of the features you listed are available in the US spec cars and/or have been re-altered, but many gas savings features have been omitted.

Auto Hill Hold Assist - when you are are in drive, you put the parking brake on. This will hold the brake. Press the gas and it releases automatically.
Headlamp washers are included I think on certain premium plus and up lines.

I read that the parking assist was an issue of licensing here in the US.

[gamegenie]

I think Audi knew a majority of A3 buyers would be first luxury buyers, Audi and Mercedes knew they could steal away buys from GM and Toyota if they built a luxury car at the price point of competing economy top of the line cars like the Chevy Impala or Toyota Avalon.

But the problem is when you compare the two on features the A3 and CLA are toast compared to the Impala and Avalon in included tech.

and AFAIK no '15 model A3 trim has headlamp washers, it was only included on the S3. My guess it was cost cut compromise due to the A3's starting $29.9K to the S3's $41.1K.

[VW2Audi25]

I think Audi knew a majority of A3 buyers would be first luxury buyers, Audi and Mercedes knew they could steal away buys from GM and Toyota if they built a luxury car at the price point of competing economy top of the line cars like the Chevy Impala or Toyota Avalon.

But the problem is when you compare the two on features the A3 and CLA are toast compared to the Impala and Avalon in included tech.

and AFAIK no '15 model A3 trim has headlamp washers, it was only included on the S3. My guess it was cost cut compromise due to the A3's starting $29.9K to the S3's $41.1K.

People don't cross shop the Impala/Avalon with the A3. You can't have every option on the Audi that every other car maker has at the same price points. Hell, even a 3 series comes with reflector headlights standard, where HIDs are an option.

If this was a concern, then you probably should have looked at another make/model. I'm sure you will find options on the A3 that the other two don't have. Are we REALLY complaining about headlamp washers?

[Bob W.]

I can overlook a few things this brand has strangely dropped here in the US (amber rear indicators, Auto-Hold, Cylinder-on-demand, Engine Stop-Start, Park Assist, head-lamp washers in the A3, passenger seat net)

but not offering any fuel economy saving options here is the latest WTF , I have with Audi.

2 guesses why 'efficiency' is not a feature in Audi Drive Select in the US:

1) in 'efficiency' mode, the trans automatically shifts into neutral when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal....could be construed as a safety issue.
2) 'efficiency' mode may have no measurable effect on the EPA fuel economy ratings under their test conditions.

if you talk to people who actually have that feature (outside of the US), many say they get better fuel economy with ADS in Auto. Efficiency makes the throttle response so limp, you end up overcompensating for it by applying more throttle input.

[GramCracker]

People don't cross shop the Impala/Avalon with the A3. You can't have every option on the Audi that every other car maker has at the same price points. Hell, even a 3 series comes with reflector headlights standard, where HIDs are an option.

If this was a concern, then you probably should have looked at another make/model. I'm sure you will find options on the A3 that the other two don't have. Are we REALLY complaining about headlamp washers?

You missed the numerous threads/posts where he whined about not having amber tail blinkers. #priorities I guess?

[gamegenie]

People don't cross shop the Impala/Avalon with the A3. You can't have every option on the Audi that every other car maker has at the same price points. Hell, even a 3 series comes with reflector headlights standard, where HIDs are an option.

If this was a concern, then you probably should have looked at another make/model. I'm sure you will find options on the A3 that the other two don't have. Are we REALLY complaining about headlamp washers?

no I'm complaining about the lack of a fuel economy mode in the US A3/S3 cars but it being available in other territories.


I'm just not happy with American customers getting shafted on key features that should be included.

My '12 Sonata had an Eco mode. I can't believe they thought we didn't need it.

[gamegenie]

2 guesses why 'efficiency' is not a feature in Audi Drive Select in the US:

1) in 'efficiency' mode, the trans automatically shifts into neutral when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal....could be construed as a safety issue.
2) 'efficiency' mode may have no measurable effect on the EPA fuel economy ratings under their test conditions.

if you talk to people who actually have that feature (outside of the US), many say they get better fuel economy with ADS in Auto. Efficiency makes the throttle response so limp, you end up overcompensating for it by applying more throttle input.

I've been riding in Auto lately to see the effects on fuel economy. For awhile I was riding under Comfort because I was led to believe this was a fuel saving mode, till I began to see how I'm refueling weekly under this mode.

[MileMan402]

OP, have you ever stopped to think (as others have alluded to) that some features could not be included as they did not pass US safety, emissions, etc. regulations?

For efficiency mode, I'm pretty sure the trans not only drops to neutral when off the accelerator, but there is also a false stop on the accelerator to encourage you not to give it too much gas. I'd bet both those features would be tough if not impossible to get past US regulations

It's well documented that US headlight and taillight regulations lag being the ROW. If you really want them just call up Europrice or some other vendor who sells them and can help you with vag-com codes.

Or just continue to whine and blame Audi when in many cases it's not their fault.

[gamegenie]

OP, have you ever stopped to think (as others have alluded to) that some features could not be included as they did not pass US safety, emissions, etc. regulations?

For efficiency mode, I'm pretty sure the trans not only drops to neutral when off the accelerator, but there is also a false stop on the accelerator to encourage you not to give it too much gas. I'd bet both those features would be tough if not impossible to get past US regulations

It's well documented that US headlight and taillight regulations lag being the ROW. If you really want them just call up Europrice or some other vendor who sells them and can help you with vag-com codes.

Or just continue to whine and blame Audi when in many cases it's not their fault.

Efficiency mode appears to be the Audi equivalent of Eco mode. I had this in my last car same behavior.

Does it strike you as odd that so many similar car features from other car brands have no issue getting past regulation, but not when it comes to Audi?

[MileMan402]

Efficiency mode appears to be the Audi equivalent of Eco mode. I had this in my last car same behavior.

Does it strike you as odd that so many similar car features from other car brands have no issue getting past regulation, but not when it comes to Audi?

AFAIK Hyundai's ECO mode simply changes the shift points (comfort vs. dynamic in Audi lingo). I do not think it "decouples" the engine and transmission or electronically adds a false stop to the pedal travel.

I agree to some extent that Audi's lower models lack some creature comforts that come in some Asian and American "lesser" cars, however the fit and finish are not comparable IMO and you pay for that. The dash and panels that are plastic in my Audi are very dense, sturdy, and soft touch where as in many Asian and American vehicles the panels are thin, hollow plastics that creak, rattle, and scratch easily.

[VW2Audi25]

You get what you pay for.

[gamegenie]

I don't think Audi is doing anything different than what is standard 'Eco mode' function.


Taken from autoblog

The "ECO" buttons on most cars does essentially two things:

1. Change the transmission shift points to better optimize fuel economy at the expense of drivability. In other words, the transmission will usually shift sooner to keep RPM's down.

2. For cars with electronic throttle control (such as the Sonata), change the calibration of the gas pedal. Generally, in ECO mode, you have to push the gas pedal down farther to open the throttle the same amount. This encourages drivers to leave the throttle more closed and keep out of power levels that require fuel enrichment. However, even with the ECO button on, the throttle will still open all the way if you floor it.

Some manufacturers will also play around a bit with the air conditioning settings to squeeze out a few more fractions of MPG at the expense of A/C performance. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be other minor engine calibration tweaks as well.

Basically, for stop-and-go city driving, the ECO button will make some difference in MPG for most drivers. If you are just rolling down the highway with the cruise control on, it won't make any difference in MPG.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/c...co-oil-change/

I agree the fit and finish of an economy car is no where near the luxury. That's not even the point I'm making.

The point I'm making is Audi is not even providing us the stuff that should be a given. In fact it is a given in other countries. We aren't getting them here.


How can one want the next A3 / A4 read up on it on blogs and reviews as they come out in Europe. Order the car and when it arrives read up on how many features are not available to your territory. This is shameful.

[gamegenie]

You get what you pay for.

Nothing?

I spent $42K on my A3. I expected more than this.



The very least an Eco mode that is available on a $21K vehicle.

[tekkie]

I don't think Audi is doing anything different than what is standard 'Eco mode' function.


Taken from autoblog






I agree the fit and finish of an economy car is no where near the luxury. That's not even the point I'm making.

The point I'm making is Audi is not even providing us the stuff that should be a given. In fact it is a given in other countries. We aren't getting them here.


How can one want the next A3 / A4 read up on it on blogs and reviews as they come out in Europe. Order the car and when it arrives read up on how many features are not available to your territory. This is shameful.

I think its been pointed out already numerous times that other countries have other regulations ! how much demand do you think Audi has from customers for these features? personally i could care less about them and I will bet 90% + of people here would agree. I had the start / stop / economy stuff on two Citroen DS3's when I lived in EU but I dont miss it at all.

have you ever looked at the costs of these cars in EU? they are not the same price as in the US either, even in Germany its more expensive than here.

[VW2Audi25]

Nothing?

I spent $42K on my A3. I expected more than this.



The very least an Eco mode that is available on a $21K vehicle.

Makes no sense. Did I miss something in this thread? Who forced you to buy the A3? Did you not do research before buying it? Sounds like you should have bought a hybrid or diesel because all you keep on blabbing about is Eco mode.

The quality of materials in the Hyundai (Sonata) and Audi are night and day. You would have to step up to the Genesis to eve get something close to Audi quality. You can tell just by closing the door or touching the interior materials. If you don't, then you should just buy a base level civic if you think that every car has the same materials.

[[email protected]]

It's well documented that US headlight and taillight regulations lag being the ROW. If you really want them just call up Europrice or some other vendor who sells them and can help you with vag-com codes.

Or just continue to whine and blame Audi when in many cases it's not their fault.

...and thanks to an industrious customer the A3, S3 European taillights now have the proper adaptation values to make them work in the North American markets!

Taillight Package | A3, S3 LED (Sedan)

Also this means too that the Semi-Dynamic modules can be fitted to North American models to produce a semi-sweeping turn signal effect:

Turn Signal Modules | Semi-Dynamic

As to the OP on efficiency mode. There are ways to activate these types of options in the MMI on other models, but the interesting part is when they are enabled they do nothing it appears. Not sure if it's coding elsewhere that must be changed to also work with the MMI having these options or if NA cars just don't have the systems to make the efficiency option work. The coding/adaptations are also reasonably in depth to get the option to even appear in the MMI, secret MMI menu, add it in, coding in electrics module, etc.

Cheers,

[gamegenie]

VW2Audi25 just where did I say anything about the quality of material between Sonata and A3?

It's clear to me and anyone reading this thread that YOUR reading comprehension is pretty much non-existent.

My last car was a Sonata, I know exactly the difference in material quality between the two, or did my signature not clue you on that wiseguy?


Anyways, I bought the A3 and I have the right to bash what I don't like about it, you can take it or leave it.

[gamegenie]

I think its been pointed out already numerous times that other countries have other regulations ! how much demand do you think Audi has from customers for these features? personally i could care less about them and I will bet 90% + of people here would agree. I had the start / stop / economy stuff on two Citroen DS3's when I lived in EU but I dont miss it at all.

have you ever looked at the costs of these cars in EU? they are not the same price as in the US either, even in Germany its more expensive than here.

Yeah I read how the cost of these German cars here versus their price domestically is based on a multitude of factors, one of them being volume pricing. Our greater population here plays a huge role in why they are priced cheaper here. Audi is able to coupe more sale this way.

[4rings2turbos]

I'm just over here lolling.

The mention of quality comes up when you tried to justify needing every option man thought of in all countries of the world when you bought some carmaker's entry level model. You cannot justify having all these options based purely on price when it's a car that is as 'cheap' (relative term) as it is. Why doesn't your $42K A3 have headlight washers? Because they spent the money making sure the damping on the screen that pops out of the dash is smooth and that the window switches have a nice feel when you actuate them.

Want certain options without paying more? Then sacrifice some quality and engineering in another area.

I own older Audis (two C5 allroad and two C4 A6 Avants) and I think it's LAUGHABLE that you can buy a new German luxury car that's some TWENTY years newer without HID headlights. That, in my book, is the biggest WTF in the auto market.

Could have taken $42K and purchased a car like a VW Phaeton with the 4-seater option and the W12 engine and had left over cash to keep the thing maintained for many years. But then again, that does have power closing doors, but I'm not sure it has an eco mode....

[gamegenie]

I'm just over here lolling.

The mention of quality comes up when you tried to justify needing every option man thought of in all countries of the world when you bought some carmaker's entry level model. You cannot justify having all these options based purely on price when it's a car that is as 'cheap' (relative term) as it is. Why doesn't your $42K A3 have headlight washers? Because they spent the money making sure the damping on the screen that pops out of the dash is smooth and that the window switches have a nice feel when you actuate them.

Want certain options without paying more? Then sacrifice some quality and engineering in another area.

I own older Audis (two C5 allroad and two C4 A6 Avants) and I think it's LAUGHABLE that you can buy a new German luxury car that's some TWENTY years newer without HID headlights. That, in my book, is the biggest WTF in the auto market.

Could have taken $42K and purchased a car like a VW Phaeton with the 4-seater option and the W12 engine and had left over cash to keep the thing maintained for many years. But then again, that does have power closing doors, but I'm not sure it has an eco mode....

Don't get me wrong, I said I overlooked those options not getting included like the headlamp washers. Since the A3 is an entry price luxury

But come on Eco Mode/Efficiency Mode, that's common in just about every modern compact/mid-sized vehicle. I say that should have been included at the very least .

The fuel economy mode would complement the A3 more than anything since it's tailor made for a person who prefer luxury over performance (S3).


I think the decision making at Audi or Audi USA is ridiculous.




It may be something crazy as Eco Mode introduced from Germans get blocked by the NHTSA, but it gets here just fine from the Koreans and Japanese manufactures.

[4rings2turbos]

I guess you have a point that it is in the compact class.

Just drive slowly and plan for what's ahead so you can coast as much as possible. You'll probably save more gas than an eco mode. If I'm correct then an engine doesn't use any fuel when coasting in gear, but does use fuel in neutral to keep the crank spinning. So it's not like the car is entering neutral with an eco mode.

But better yet, stop caring about 2mpg because it'll save you like $100 a year.

A manual transmission is something to start a thread about, not eco mode haha.

[Bob W.]

But come on Eco Mode/Efficiency Mode, that's common in just about every modern compact/mid-sized vehicle. I say that should have been included at the very least .

The fuel economy mode would complement the A3 more than anything since it's tailor made for a person who prefer luxury over performance (S3).

I don't know about the A3, but the S3 does have a feature in the cluster MFD/trip computer called 'efficiency program', which basically just shows you ways to improve fuel economy. For example, turning of the HVAC compressor. Is that a must-have luxury feature in Texas in August? Thanks, but I'd rather pay the extra 4 dollars a week.

As I said previously, I really don't think the ADS efficiency mode would do much for you...the EPA fuel economy numbers are what they are. The things that bother*me* about the S3 are the lack of memory seats and Homelink. Homelink is an easy fix, memory seats not so much.

[gamegenie]

I guess you have a point that it is in the compact class.

Just drive slowly and plan for what's ahead so you can coast as much as possible. You'll probably save more gas than an eco mode. If I'm correct then an engine doesn't use any fuel when coasting in gear, but does use fuel in neutral to keep the crank spinning. So it's not like the car is entering neutral with an eco mode.

But better yet, stop caring about 2mpg because it'll save you like $100 a year.

A manual transmission is something to start a thread about, not eco mode haha.

haha you right. I need to quick sweating the small stuff. It just gets aggravating discovering another feature that got left out on our 8Vs.


When I had my Sonata I rarely used Eco until one day I made a trip from Indianapolis to Starkville, MS on one tank of gas with Eco mode enabled. I was impressed and thought this would be a feature that I would surely see again on my next car.

Oh well.

[gamegenie]

I don't know about the A3, but the S3 does have a feature in the cluster MFD/trip computer called 'efficiency program', which basically just shows you ways to improve fuel economy. For example, turning of the HVAC compressor. Is that a must-have luxury feature in Texas in August? Thanks, but I'd rather pay the extra 4 dollars a week.

As I said previously, I really don't think the ADS efficiency mode would do much for you...the EPA fuel economy numbers are what they are. The things that bother*me* about the S3 are the lack of memory seats and Homelink. Homelink is an easy fix, memory seats not so much.

yeah the A3 has the 'efficiency program' too, it seems sort inefficient in the helpful tip it provides, but that's manly because it's severely neutered on our 8Vs.

The Efficiency Program is suppose to work in conjunction with the Eco Mode. The owners manual talks about turning on Eco Mode from the Dual Climate control by lightly tapping the Auto button. Which will enable Eco Mode for dual climate control which it will run the AC at a reduced speed that saves fuel. The Efficiency Mode drive select would automatically activate the Eco Mode for the climate control as well as adjust the transmission for the full fuel economy savings. But since the option was not enabled in our cars, we are just left with a limited Efficiency Program menu that will just indicate the obvious like the AC is turned on, or tell us how much fuel we have left till empty.

I'm surprised Audi went to the efforts to store the driver/passenger mirror , dual climate control settings in our key fobs but couldn't at the very least store our seat positions on the fobs as well.

There's a few other annoyances that I have with Audi, that Audi Connect feature on the MMI being so dag on limited.

I can't believe Audi charges for the service and offers no central network like a OnStar or Bluelink.

Boy did I learn the hardway when my keyless go keyfob got locked inside the trunk and I had no way to unlock the car and found out that Audi has no remote way of unlocking your vehicle.

I'm left wondering what the hell is really the point of Audi Connect, even the Facebook app is no longer offered.

[VW2Audi25]

Once again, sounds like you didn't do ANY research before you bought the car. If you're spending 40k+ on a car, you might as well do some research, watch videos, read what the car can/can't do.

[markn1689]

damn your car should of come with a huge tampon. lol juuust kidding

[VW2Audi25]

No kidding. I don't go to Best Buy, buy a 1080P TV and then complain that it doesn't have 4K resolution. The more I read the thread, the more it seems like he closed his eyes at the Audi dealership and pointed at a car, and came out with the A3.

[GramCracker]

Don't get me wrong, I said I overlooked those options not getting included like the headlamp washers. Since the A3 is an entry price luxury

But come on Eco Mode/Efficiency Mode, that's common in just about every modern compact/mid-sized vehicle. I say that should have been included at the very least .

The fuel economy mode would complement the A3 more than anything since it's tailor made for a person who prefer luxury over performance (S3).


I think the decision making at Audi or Audi USA is ridiculous.




It may be something crazy as Eco Mode introduced from Germans get blocked by the NHTSA, but it gets here just fine from the Koreans and Japanese manufactures.

Audi isn't sorry they can't hear your crying over the sound of them counting their millions of dollars.

[gamegenie]

Once again, sounds like you didn't do ANY research before you bought the car. If you're spending 40k+ on a car, you might as well do some research, watch videos, read what the car can/can't do.

I did some research, albeit wasn't the best but there's only so much you can only do with info available on the US A3 in 2014. When placed my order on the A3, there was no info about the US S3 out.

No kidding. I don't go to Best Buy, buy a 1080P TV and then complain that it doesn't have 4K resolution. The more I read the thread, the more it seems like he closed his eyes at the Audi dealership and pointed at a car, and came out with the A3.

Not really the same apples to apples comparison.

This is more like you went to Best Buy to buy a 1080P TV only to find out later that your 1080P TV, has no HDMI input, component only, and it scales any input signal to 720p.

I don't know about you but the dealers in my area had nothing but Premium A3s on the lot and they were grossly configured to the point that I certainly wasn't going to take any of what was on the lot. So I custom ordered.

Audi isn't sorry they can't hear your crying over the sound of them counting their millions of dollars.

That says a lot about the brand would it not?

[VW2Audi25]

Not really the same apples to apples comparison.

This is more like you went to Best Buy to buy a 1080P TV only to find out later that your 1080P TV, has no HDMI input, component only, and it scales any input signal to 720p.

I don't know about you but the dealers in my area had nothing but Premium A3s on the lot and that were grossly configured to the point that I certainly wasn't going to take what was off the lot.

All I will say is that I would not buy a TV without knowing what type of inputs it has :-)

[gamegenie]

All I will say is that I would not buy a TV without knowing what type of inputs it has :-)

Well the 1080p TV Best Buy advertised that has a HDMI input was the European model.

It is only till you get the TV home and see it has no HDMI input. ;-)

[Thumper3]

The only efficiency mode you need is the muscles in your right leg.

All these "eco" buttons do is idiot proof (a little) driving normally. Do you REALLY need a button to numb out the throttle so it is less responsive and therefore less fuel slurpy as you hammer the pedal back and forth?

How about just not doing that? How about just learning how to drive efficiently?


I'd be more pissed about the lack of headlight washers on the A3 than any silly missing "eco mode" sillyness.

I drive in DYNAMIC/SPORT at all times, yet I can get 31MPG in my S4 (rated at 28), and I have gotten 36MPG out of the S3 (rated at 31), my 328d is rated at 42..........I've gotten just a few tenths shy of 50mpg before.

How do I do it? I use manual mode so that I control the shifts and I don't hammer back and forth on the pedal like a monkey humping a football. Small inputs, sane driving and pedal control.

I'm sorry to be harsh, long day, but seriously....if you want a freaking "eco" button, if it's that important to you, go buy a Prius, a German sports sedan is not the car for you.

[gamegenie]

The only efficiency mode you need is the muscles in your right leg.

All these "eco" buttons do is idiot proof (a little) driving normally. Do you REALLY need a button to numb out the throttle so it is less responsive and therefore less fuel slurpy as you hammer the pedal back and forth?

How about just not doing that? How about just learning how to drive efficiently?


I'd be more pissed about the lack of headlight washers on the A3 than any silly missing "eco mode" sillyness.

I drive in DYNAMIC/SPORT at all times, yet I can get 31MPG in my S4 (rated at 28), and I have gotten 36MPG out of the S3 (rated at 31), my 328d is rated at 42..........I've gotten just a few tenths shy of 50mpg before.

How do I do it? I use manual mode so that I control the shifts and I don't hammer back and forth on the pedal like a monkey humping a football. Small inputs, sane driving and pedal control.

I'm sorry to be harsh, long day, but seriously....if you want a freaking "eco" button, if it's that important to you, go buy a Prius, a German sports sedan is not the car for you.

A Prius? Really?

Put your face up to your monitor so I can smack you up side the head.


Look, I only want what Audi already provides. It would be different if the car manual talks nothing about Eco Mode. Yet it does, except it's not in of our cars. It doesn't make sense to limit features to other territories. This seem to be a Audi thing.

Why buy a Prius when I should have the option for my A3 to run like a Prius if I want and save some fuel.

[will13k7]

Audi thought that most people wouldn't care too much about it and omitting it allowed them a higher profit margin.

[VW2Audi25]

Audi thought that most people wouldn't care too much about it and omitting it allowed them a higher profit margin.

Or (hear out this crazy thought), Audi had a choice between having the new MMI interface/hardware or Eco mode to keep cost down (it being basically a luxurious Volkswagen.) Given the fact that this is supposed to be a somewhat luxurious German sedan it made more sense to invest into things that would attract buyers instead of Eco mode, which can be had in most compact cars.

And I'm glad they did. If I had a choice between Eco or LED Headlights (for example), I'd pick LED headlights. I wouldn't even consider a slow Audi.

[GramCracker]

Well the 1080p TV Best Buy advertised that has a HDMI input was the European model.

It is only till you get the TV home and see it has no HDMI input. ;-)

This is a terrible analogy considering almost every single TV offered today has HDMI inputs standard. A better analogy would be if the European model has audio out and in, while it's American counterpart only has audio out. OH ON! I can't plug my iPod into the TV and listen to music through it's speakers

A Prius? Really?

Put your face up to your monitor so I can smack you up side the head.


Look, I only want what Audi already provides. It would be different if the car manual talks nothing about Eco Mode. Yet it does, except it's not in of our cars. It doesn't make sense to limit features to other territories. This seem to be a Audi thing.

Why buy a Prius when I should have the option for my A3 to run like a Prius if I want and save some fuel.

Your A3 will never run like a Prius, even with your coveted Eco mode button. Get your head out of your ass man, based off of hundreds of hours of market research it's a feature that Audi didn't deem American car buyer's would want in their entry level Audi (with you as the only exception, apparently).

Now you put YOUR face closer to the monitor so we can slap YOU upside the head and simultaneously end this moronic thread and your gigantic cry-fest.

[will13k7]

Or (hear out this crazy thought), Audi had a choice between having the new MMI interface/hardware or Eco mode to keep cost down (it being basically a luxurious Volkswagen.) Given the fact that this is supposed to be a somewhat luxurious German sedan it made more sense to invest into things that would attract buyers instead of Eco mode, which can be had in most compact cars.

That's crazy talk for sure! lol.

They probably have a list of options that met U.S. regulations, the estimated cost to develop, produce, and add the option to the car, and a budget they couldn't exceed to hit a target profit margin. They fit everything they could into that budget they felt the majority of U.S. buyers for this type of car valued more.

Did anyone really fall for the marketing bs? #nocompromise

[Benji00]

All of this upsets me

[GramCracker]

All of this upsets me

Me too, man. Me too. So upset we didn't get eco mode.