jungle
Registered User
Took my Sportback 2.0TDi for its 20,000 mile service today and was given a 3.2 Quattro.
Interior
For a flagship model I expected all the usual SE trimmings and was disappointed to find non-dimming mirrors, non-auto wipers and non-auto lights. I missed having cruise control more than anything else. Given that most 3.2s will get these options added by the buyers, maybe Audi are having the last laugh, but I expected more.
Ride
Confusing - low profile tyres and sport suspension = better ride quality?? The ride is more supple than my SE. If anyone can explain this, I'm all ears.
Engine
Fantastic motor. Sounds brilliant (especially when you are used to diesels) and has a great top end. I was surprised at the comparative lack of midrange, and the engine felt a bit gutless below 4k, but this is more than compensated by the kick from 4,500 to just below 7,000. Especially noticeable above 100mph (I saw 155mph on a private road... and it was snowing). Injection felt a bit snatchy from a closed throttle - perhaps Audi could take a leaf from the bike world and try a double butterfly system above the injectors to modulate initial power?
Suspension
Faultless - excellent body control and unbelievably composed on the brakes - hardly any nose dive or rear "wiggle" - and the brakes are so much better than the 2.0TDi's that it took me a while to use them without risking a pile-up behind me.
Quattro
Best 'til last. I have whinged on several occasions about Audi handling traits. Well Quattro has just restored my faith. Weight distribution felt so much better (again, can anyone explain why?) and the car felt less nose heavy. I was able to drive like I would ride a bike, brake up to entry and balance the throttle through the first part of the bend, and nail it from the apex on. Awesome - great traction, no flashing lights on the dash, and hardly any lift-off oversteer unless you really ask for it.
Overall, I loved this car. I drove 380 miles today and managed to average 19.8mpg, and that plus the initial cost would rule it out as a real world option for me. But give me the handling, grip, and ride of this car plus the torque and gadgets of my car and I would be a very happy bunny.
You lot with 3.2Qs are a bunch of jammy bas*ards.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif
Interior
For a flagship model I expected all the usual SE trimmings and was disappointed to find non-dimming mirrors, non-auto wipers and non-auto lights. I missed having cruise control more than anything else. Given that most 3.2s will get these options added by the buyers, maybe Audi are having the last laugh, but I expected more.
Ride
Confusing - low profile tyres and sport suspension = better ride quality?? The ride is more supple than my SE. If anyone can explain this, I'm all ears.
Engine
Fantastic motor. Sounds brilliant (especially when you are used to diesels) and has a great top end. I was surprised at the comparative lack of midrange, and the engine felt a bit gutless below 4k, but this is more than compensated by the kick from 4,500 to just below 7,000. Especially noticeable above 100mph (I saw 155mph on a private road... and it was snowing). Injection felt a bit snatchy from a closed throttle - perhaps Audi could take a leaf from the bike world and try a double butterfly system above the injectors to modulate initial power?
Suspension
Faultless - excellent body control and unbelievably composed on the brakes - hardly any nose dive or rear "wiggle" - and the brakes are so much better than the 2.0TDi's that it took me a while to use them without risking a pile-up behind me.
Quattro
Best 'til last. I have whinged on several occasions about Audi handling traits. Well Quattro has just restored my faith. Weight distribution felt so much better (again, can anyone explain why?) and the car felt less nose heavy. I was able to drive like I would ride a bike, brake up to entry and balance the throttle through the first part of the bend, and nail it from the apex on. Awesome - great traction, no flashing lights on the dash, and hardly any lift-off oversteer unless you really ask for it.
Overall, I loved this car. I drove 380 miles today and managed to average 19.8mpg, and that plus the initial cost would rule it out as a real world option for me. But give me the handling, grip, and ride of this car plus the torque and gadgets of my car and I would be a very happy bunny.
You lot with 3.2Qs are a bunch of jammy bas*ards.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif