Audi A3 "Black" Edition?

[paddyhasneeds]

Contemplating cars and as much as I totally hate the image that goes with the A3, I do find myself quite liking the looks of the car.

There's a dealer on the way to/from work so its easy enough to pop in and have a look.

Current car's a Boxster so I'm big enough to deal with stereotypes.

[Rigbyy]

We have a 2009 Black Edition 140 TDI, even tho its in Monza Silver! A really nice looking car, smooth engine, economical and still decently quick when needs be. Although i must say they do look better in Black.

[paddyhasneeds]

Yeah it's a bit weird but when I look at the options I keep looking at either a fairly sensible diesel engine in black pearl, or the S3 in Solar Orange but with the black line wheels.

I don't want to like it, but I do.

[Elroy Blue]

The only car ever to make me seasick when I'm driving it! The suspension isn't just hard...it's mind boggling solid. Very wearing on a long run.

[va1o]

Definetely the best looking A3s you can buy, and not a bad engine range. Personally prefer the VW Scirocco GT though.

[homerjay]

Why are people obsessed with 'image'?

If the cars good and you like it then buy it

fk the 'image'

[OnTheOverrun]

Elroy Blue said:

The only car ever to make me seasick when I'm driving it! The suspension isn't just hard...it's mind boggling solid. Very wearing on a long run.

^^^^THIS!^^^^

I nearly bought one until the test drive. I thought AUDI had welded the stub axles straight to the floorpan and then filled the tyres with concrete. I don't know how anyone could live with one and I'm used to Series Land Rovers with cart springs!

[paddyhasneeds]

I know the answer is look/try for myself but are they really that bad?!

I know I'm setting the bar quite high with the Boxster, but I just don't see me changing it for anything similar as there is nothing comparable that I like, plus I'd forever be comparing it if it were too similar.

[VrsKev]

Had a 170 version del'd two months ago - in white - black features suit the colour, makes a standard s-line in white look bog standard - few in work. However it gets lot of attention from all.

Agree the suspension is very hard - even compared to my previous 3.2 TT.

Standard kit is very good - like the flat bottomed steering wheel.

[sleep envy]

paddyhasneeds said:

I know the answer is look/try for myself but are they really that bad?!

I know I'm setting the bar quite high with the Boxster, but I just don't see me changing it for anything similar as there is nothing comparable that I like, plus I'd forever be comparing it if it were too similar.

s line suspension is too firm

the sport spec is the pick of the bunch although I don't think they did a black edition with that damper type

[OnTheOverrun]

paddyhasneeds said:

I know the answer is look/try for myself but are they really that bad?!

I know I'm setting the bar quite high with the Boxster, but I just don't see me changing it for anything similar as there is nothing comparable that I like, plus I'd forever be comparing it if it were too similar.

The only one I've driven is the S3 so my comments apply to that one!

[V8A*ndy]

Get yourself a 1 series Msport instead. Twice the car and ten times the drive.

123d if you can.

[gizlaroc]

I had the 140tdi A3 S-Line, it was alright, but the ride was incredibly crashy and overall it was all just a bit boring to be honest, the nav was good as was the Bose, but then it is not a car you want to do miles in, and it definitely isn't a car you take out for a drive just for the sake of going for a drive.

I then swapped for a 120d M-Sport and it is on a whole different level for enjoyment, I kept it for nearly two years and then bought a 123d M-Sport.

[martin vr6]

V8A*ndy said:

Get yourself a 1 series Msport instead. Twice the car and ten times the drive.

123d if you can.

+1

[edo]

I had an A3 170 Tdi S-line. The ride was VERY hard. It was DSG. Quick and economical, but not very refined in the engine department.

The 20d and 23d BM engines surpass the VAG units in every way. (Noise, refinement, economy, C02, performance).

[paddyhasneeds]

Aesthetically I just don't rate the 1-Series I'm afraid.

[kazino]

I love A3's (slightly biased having previously owned one) because they are understated, decently built and have one of the best interiors for their price range and that black edition makes it look fantastic too.

[havoc]

OnTheOverrun said:

paddyhasneeds said:

I know the answer is look/try for myself but are they really that bad?!

I know I'm setting the bar quite high with the Boxster, but I just don't see me changing it for anything similar as there is nothing comparable that I like, plus I'd forever be comparing it if it were too similar.

The only one I've driven is the S3 so my comments apply to that one!

Not quite the same car as the Audi, but Becs' Golf GTi on 18"s rides noticeably stiffer than either the 'teg or the NSX. And the Leon FR that we test-drove before the Golf felt stiffer still, or rather "crashier still"...personally I don't think VAG understand how to make suspension that 'breathes' with the road.

[TDI140]

Black Edition is an excellent car to drive with very good cabin quality, my wife has 170 bhp diesel quattro model and its a better driver than my old evo 6, bose sound system heated leather, xenons and 40 mpg. Only problem no room for prams and baby gear so its for sale (3615 miles 09 model as new).