Audi A3 S-Line or VW Scirocco?

[P Ride]

Hey. The company I have just joined have supplied the list of company cars I can choose from.

From the three German manufacturers, my top choices seem to be:

- VW Scirocco Coupe 1.4 Tsi 122 3dr [Nav] 13
- Audi A3 Diesel Hatchback 1.6 Tdi S Line 3dr 12
- BMW 1 Series Diesel Hatchback 116d Efficientdynamics 3dr 13

I'm looking for something chunky with at least 17" rims, reasonably quick/responsive (an improvement on my 1.6 petrol Focus! Mk 1) and with a good entertainment system for my iPod/iPhone.

To pre-empt suggestions, each of those cars would be pretty much my entire budget; and adding your own cash to an order is a management privilege - so I have to go stock on this occasion!

As it's a company car, considerations such as efficiency and repair costs are irrelevant.

I think the A3 with S Line kit looks great and was delighted to find out it was an option (especially as it will be the new model) but reviews seem to suggest the 1.6 engine real isn't man for the job on the current version.

Friends who know more about cars have mainly backed the Scirocco; and reviews seem more favourable for its handling and performance.

I checked one out today at VW and the entertainment system looks great; my main concern is fitting in snowboards - which I'm taking to check this weekend!

Which car would you choose and why?

Thanks

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

P Ride said:

As it's a company car, considerations such as efficiency are irrelevant.


Thanks

..unless you want to think about the income tax?

(but probably not much difference in your options)

[homerjay]

New 1 series is a cracking car

Had a 116i as courtesy car recently

Very impressed

[anonymous-user]

I havnt driven the new A3 but it seams to be getting very good reviews and the fact that the S-line will be available with standard sport suspension is a bonus. The Sciroco though is actually a very nice car, and if you want sporty chunky looks its perfect. The BMW looks like a disabled dog having a turd!

[P Ride]

Haha, was hoping for more decisiveness - I guess this shows they're fairly close!

My friends on FB (some of whom are pretty car-savvy) were fairly divide over 1 Series vs. A3 S Line, but as soon as I mentioned the Scirocco, 90% of them said yes!

The 1 Series, I believe, comes with 15" pizza wheels at that price-point, which isn't too smooth.

I'll be checking out the A3 S Line and Scirocco - hopefully with a test drive - this weekend.

Is there any reason to expect the new A3 S Line 1.6 to be much of an improvement in performance over the previous model?

[DanDC5]

If you can get it in M Sport spec then the 1 series. Otherwise then take the Scirocco.

[J4CKO]

Is there an allowance option ?

[Fox-]

The A3 is out because it's absolutely ancient - its a continually tarted version of a car that came out 9 years ago.

The 1 Series is out because in 116d ED form its bottom of the range and looks it inside and out.

By default then the Scirocco wins!

[NelsonR32]

Unless it was a new shape A3 I would chose the Rocco.

[Pentoman]

These are all kinda turdmobiles. Especially with tragic sport packages and big rims that don't really go with the small engines. But I would probably veer towards the Scirocco, for the petrol engine and the fact they are a bit different. Sciroccos are Colour sensitive. If there is a Ford or French alternative I would seriously want to look at that and see what more you get, but you didn't mention if this was the limit (or I didn't read). Enjoy whichever you get, I'm sure it will do sterling economical service.

[P Ride]

Pretty confident on the Scirocco! As I'll be driving lots the entertainment system will be a big bonus - it does look pretty special too!

[poo at Paul's]

The imagine.....

[FreeLitres]

As someone mentioned above (but everyone ignored), check the Company Car Tax implications. A petrol car is likely to cost you a lot more in car tax than a Diesel because of the CO2 part of the calculation.

I'm not sure about those particular cars, but make a right choice, and they will only take about £40 off your wages a month in company car tax. Get is wrong and they will take off £100, £150, £200 every month. Soon adds up!

Use this:
http://www.comcar.co.uk/newcar/companycar/taxcalc/...

[anonymous-user]

Fox- said:

The A3 is out because it's absolutely ancient - its a continually tarted version of a car that came out 9 years ago.

The 1 Series is out because in 116d ED form its bottom of the range and looks it inside and out.

By default then the Scirocco wins!

He said its the new one!

[homerjay]

FreeLitres said:

As someone mentioned above (but everyone ignored), check the Company Car Tax implications. A petrol car is likely to cost you a lot more in car tax than a Diesel because of the CO2 part of the calculation.

I'm not sure about those particular cars, but make a right choice, and they will only take about £40 off your wages a month in company car tax. Get is wrong and they will take off £100, £150, £200 every month. Soon adds up!

Use this:
http://www.comcar.co.uk/newcar/companycar/taxcalc/...

hence i totally ignored the scirocco.

audi or 1er

didnt notice the audi was sline, so that would probably edge it.

still maintain the bmw is a very capable car.

[Face for Radio]

As you're saying efficiency is irrelevant, I'm guessing you have a fuel card which you'll be paying BIK tax on.

So the A3 will cost £100 a month in tax @20%
The Scirocco will cost £133 a month in tax @20%
The 116d will cost £88 a month in tax @20%

I'd be going for the BMW I think. But from your posts it strikes me that image is more important than anything. In which case take the new Audi with the big wheels and horrible suspension.

[Sarkmeister]

I used to have an A3, my girlfriend drives a 1 series and I now drive a Scirocco, so hopefully I can help....

I'd go with the Scirocco. Even higher spec 1 series feel a bit low rent sometimes, and the A3 feels a bit old. The Scirocco is very nice inside, and the iPhone/Pod integration is really good.

BMW is the best to drive though (Admittedly I've only driven the 2.0TDi Audi/VW and 118 1 series)

[Bill]

P Ride said:

I'm looking for something chunky with at least 17" rims, reasonably quick/responsive (an improvement on my 1.6 petrol Focus! Mk 1) and with a good entertainment system for my iPod/iPhone.

I suspect all three options, while being a bit quicker, will be worse to drive than your current Focus.

What's the full list? It might have some gems (We can hope!) that you've discounted because of image.

[the-photographer]

Audi have learnt from their previous mistakes, you can deselect the lowered suspension from both the Sport and S-line models, at no cost.

Any chance you can get the new A3 with the 122ps petrol engine?

[alfa pint]

If you go for the S line, book yourself a chiropractor and a physiotherapist. Stupendously bad ride, appallingly uncomfortable. Completely ruined a bland but reasonably comfortable car.

I'd go for the scirocco at the drop of a hat. The BMW is ok, but I've never liked the looks, there's not that much space inside, it understeers anyway, so it doesn't even feel that rwd. The Scirocco is a good drive and looks funky.