Sean;

I suggest driving the HCH ll and then make your decision. All and don't forget the Prius for 2006 as well.

Both are great vehicles and with either you can load them up with all the modern things.

I also would say to you that you (IMO) cannot make these vehicles the same as the Audi. I have owned two-Audi S4's and an older Quatro 5000 and I guess if there is a point here to be made, these Hybrids are great but they are not going to replace an Audi. I just sold my last Factory Hot-Rod, the Volvo S60r All Wheel Drive, Close Ratio 6-Speed car with after market upgraded performance enhancements and all the Volvo Factory Options. I have the 06 HCH ll on order and I think it will be just Great but I know it is never in a million yrs. going to be that S60r. All the wife is still driving her Mercedes All Wheel Drive car and loves it. The 93 Octane and to say the least lower FE than the Hybrids is not much concern to her at this point. She drives maybe 20-miles back and forth, round trip to work and thats it so she says until this Mercedes runs out of the Mercedes Ext. Warranty I'll drive it.

I guess we just have to decide what we want worse. Great FE and a Modern Hybrid and leave behind the Audi, Volvo, Bmw etc. Two different worlds (IMO). Neither bad but two different Things.

HTH;

Terry