The 170 Ps TDi really is a superb engine in an A3.
All my friends who have yest driven mine have been very surprised at the performance and general characteristics of the engine, even though its only done just over 5k and not loosened up properly yet.
One friend has driven his Subaru STi daily for over 3 years but again was seriously impressed with the 170Ps engine.
I find it pulls very cleanly from 1200rpm upwards and in economy/cruise mode I change up at 2200rpm. None of my previous diesel engined cars ie Nissan, Mazda and Fords etc have performed so well or even worked so low down the rev range and been so easy and relaxing to drive.
I do like a car with decent performance and recently owned a WRX. In this department the 170Ps engine is grin inducing. It accelerates alot quicker than my friends A6 2.8 Quattro (we drive in convoy alot so is good comparison), and the wife tells me its give her a firm shove in seat under hard acceleration.
I do find the 6 speed box abit notchy at the moment and occasionally find the wrong gear when in play mode and hustling along.
Economy wise with just over 5k on the clock with mixed driving 75% motorway (70-80mph max) 25% urban I get 500 miles to a tank. With the wife driving she gets 550miles +
The thing my friends find most odd about my diesel A3 is that when they are following me my car does not belch clouds of black soot when changing down or accelerating hard.
I test drove quite a few cars including the 140PD TDi A3. Within 5 minutes of driving the 170ps TDi A3, I knew I'd found the car I wanted. Due to delays on supply I bought the dealers demonstrator which they'd only owned for 3 weeks!!! :thumbsup:
