bowfer said:
I commented on the general consensus that the 1 series is a better drive than the A3,which is generally considered to be a bit dull and uninvolving.
I don't go for this 'biased press' crap,sorry.
It seems to work two ways.
If the press report badly on an Audi,it's because they're biased.
If an Audi gets a good report,it's because it's a good car.
I drive an A3 because of circumstance really.
The new Alfa 159 was months away,so that was out.
The new Lexus was a year away,so that was out.
I didn't like the look of the then new A4,so that was out.
I stupidly ignored the 3 series because of the image.
I regret the BMW thing now the most,as it is a much better car.
As good as the glowing press reports suggest,for sure.
I was willing to give the A3 a go though,as I liked the look of it in Akoya and S-line spec.
Unfortunately,it quickly transpired that it's badly built and full of annoying,niggling (but not serious) faults,many of which are common to loads of A3's and it simply is not worth the money it cost the company (£24400).
Apologies for treading old ground but if you can't stand the car why are you on this forum still? And no, i'm not telling you what you can and can't do, it's simply a question.
With respect to the original points made, i'm not sure i go for this whole "better drivers car" guff with the 1 Series. Basically, it's a 5 door hatchback with rear wheel drive. People are going to be buying it not only for the handling but for its practicality. Sadly, the rear of the car is cramped, the boot is small and as a family car, it's not the best in the market. Yes, the drive is good (with the right engine) but if handling is so important, why not buy a sports car?
The 159 (whilst a stunning car) is not the handler we all hoped it would be - it's heavy and needs a lot of horsing if its to be kept at a decent speed. The diesels are the best of the bunch but the thing that lets Alfa's down (and this is coming from an owner of 2 in the last 5 years) is not the reliability (mine were fine), nor the depreciation (can't change that), it's the dealerships. The buying experience is ko but the servicing is absolutely dreadful.
The Lexus suffers from the same weight issues and also sadly the Partridge factor (but that's not a drivers issue is it?). The new diesel is intriguing enough but it's just another "white good" when it comes down to it IMHO, typical of the Japanese thouroughness and attention to detail but with the character rubbed out. The drive reflects this too.
I agree with the A4 comment, although the RS4 does have a certain "something" to it
racer: ) and the 3 series is a victim of it's own success. Also, having driven and owned 4 in the last few years, the build quality which has been improving seemed to dip with the face lift version of the previous gen model. The new model, unless it's sport pack equipped and big wheeled (ruining the ride) looks bland and Euro box. At least the 5 Series has the courage of its convictions - the 3 series is a cop out unless body kitted up.
And yes, i've either owned or driven over a prolongued period all of the cars noted above. And still chose an A3 S-Line with DSG.
To the OP, i'd say this - the C-Class is much more of a cruiser than the A3 and as such, if that's your bag, then compared to the comfort of the C you'll not like the hardness and uncomfortable ride of the A. However, if your attitude is more along the lines of "wallowy" and "taut", then i'm sure you'll appreciate it's qualities.
Despite the comments of certain parties about DSG, i'd definitely try a car equipped with it and for a duration of time too. Depends on your day to day requirements i suppose. I use the DSG every trip (naturally) and felt i wouldn't get the same use out of the Quattro.
Then again, i'm the same as you also - the name evokes memories of fire spitting cars driven by unpronouncable people from the nordic regions. Shame Audi seem to think the ultimate incarnation of the name is now a monstrous (and hideous) SUV designed for people who think Quattro is "foreign" speak for how many gallons of full fat Coke can be fitted into one drinks holder.
Conclusion? Test, test, test. Try all your options and make up your own mind. And don't discount anything.