A3 TDI, suprisingly impressed!
Discussion
I've "inherited" an 08 Audi A3 Sport 2.0TDI 170 3dr from work.
Never really seen the point of the A3, as it always seemed like just a posh Golf, when the Golf was posh enough.
Done about 10k in it over the last few months and I have to say I am becoming quite fond of it.
It's everything you would expect, but what has surprised me is the way it handles. I expected grip galore, but switch the traction control off and push it hard and it is suprisingly keen to turn in and is quite adjustable, despite the inconsistant delivery of the CR motor. It can be provoked into being quite tail happy, and has certainly brightened up my 19 mile country road blast to the office.
I never expected that!
Never really seen the point of the A3, as it always seemed like just a posh Golf, when the Golf was posh enough.
Done about 10k in it over the last few months and I have to say I am becoming quite fond of it.
It's everything you would expect, but what has surprised me is the way it handles. I expected grip galore, but switch the traction control off and push it hard and it is suprisingly keen to turn in and is quite adjustable, despite the inconsistant delivery of the CR motor. It can be provoked into being quite tail happy, and has certainly brightened up my 19 mile country road blast to the office.
I never expected that!
I think it may be worth me reiterating my original point, I'm not saying the way the car handled was fantastic, merely better than I was expecting from a Modern VAG Hatch.
Would I buy one with my own money, nope, but I would rather be in this than other oil burning VAG stuff on the fleet, 140bhp Passat's for example.
Would I buy one with my own money, nope, but I would rather be in this than other oil burning VAG stuff on the fleet, 140bhp Passat's for example.
The ride is generally fine, I think the sport is lowered 10-15mm, and IIRC the S-Line a further 10mm or so.
Engine is acceptibly smooth, certainly better than the old PD lumps, the installation feels better insulated than a Friends Golf GT TDI with the same engine.
Power delivery is exactly what you would expect of the type, slug of torque followed by a very quick tail off in go.
Engine is acceptibly smooth, certainly better than the old PD lumps, the installation feels better insulated than a Friends Golf GT TDI with the same engine.
Power delivery is exactly what you would expect of the type, slug of torque followed by a very quick tail off in go.
edo said:
Back on topic.
I bought a 2007 A3 170 tdi DSG (S-Tronic).
It was a nice car in many ways - great build, great seats, good economy, plenty of grunt, and the dsg/s-tronic gearbox is a great system.
On S-line suspension and 18 inch alloys the ride was a little too crashy/firm. Never had an issue with steering sensitivity or the brakes.
Hmmm, the sport spec model that I'm in currently is on 17's and I believe that the suspension is a little higher/softer, and its a fair compromise. Shame as the S-line set up looks better.I bought a 2007 A3 170 tdi DSG (S-Tronic).
It was a nice car in many ways - great build, great seats, good economy, plenty of grunt, and the dsg/s-tronic gearbox is a great system.
On S-line suspension and 18 inch alloys the ride was a little too crashy/firm. Never had an issue with steering sensitivity or the brakes.
Did over 600 miles in it on Friday and agree with the seat comfort, although I wish they returned to the original position when you tilted them on the 3dr!
Think of the progress in the last 10-15 years. Diesel hatch which will return near 50mpg, handle better than some "hot hatches" I could mention, and indicate just south of 1.5 leps, and have no probs turning in 600 mile days in relative comfort.
Not specifically the A3, but modern stuff in general. We've never had it so good, wonder how much further the peak is before we are all forced into electric/hybrid stuff.
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