Q3 - coasting

[h5djr]

Reading an article about the Q3 in the August 2011 issue of the magazine Audi Driver there is the following:

"All the more powerful versions will be fitted, as standard, with the 7-ratio S-tronic transmission. This automatic gearbox has a new innovation: when you take your foot off the accelerator, the clutch automatically disengages so that the car is coasting. Normally under these conditions, the engine is consuming the minimum amount of fuel, but disengaging it from the gearbox and drivetrain improves economy even further".

When I was taught to drive, albeit many years ago, I was taught never to let the car 'coast'. My current A3 has an S-tronic gearbox but it stays engaged at all times unless I move the lever to Neutral.

What do other think about this...

[audicruiser]

I agree with what you are saying, but I am sure if Audi had written that paragraph it wouldn't of been worded quite like that. I am sure the car isn't coasting, even more so if the Q3 was towing something going down hill, from what Audi Driver are saying the brakes would be doing a hell of a lot of work!!