Ordered an new A3 Sportback 2.0 tdi sport s-tronic

[mrash]

So, I have got round to placing an order for my new company car... I currently have a jaguar x-type estate, and previously a bmw 1 series (my best car to date)...

So, a few questions.. The kit list is miserly (as was my 1 series), but why i chose this car is down to the engine/gearbox combo, and the excellent sports seats. It lacks iphone ipod control, and bluetooth, and as its a company car, I would have had to pay for these expensive extras out of my own pocket/ So i would rather buy an aftermarket, easy fit mod that I can remove and sell later when the car goes back at the end of the lease. Dont really need nav, but bluetooth and ipod control via the steering wheel would be good

Anyone had any experience with either of thiese?

http://car-vision.co.uk/audi-a3-s3-...r-audi-a3-with-bluetooth--gps--rds--tmc-.html

or

Dension Gateway Blue GBL1AU2 Audi A2 A3 A4 A6 TT iPod iPhone USB Bluetooth Interface Adaptor

Or are there any others I should consider? Thanks

 

[sub39h]

welcome to the forum, and congrats on your new purchase. i've been driving this model of A3 for 6 years now, and they are really nice cars - tho i perhaps would have recommended something else at this point in the model cycle if you were buying privately. you aren't, so the depreciation when they release the new model soon-ish isn't your problem.

Dension is usually a good bet. not had any personal experience of them, but they seem the most OEM-esque. do a google search to see if you can get any personal reviews. i decided against getting a Dension one because it didn't do EXACTLY what i wanted, but i'm proper OCD about some stuff. for a normal (read "non crazy") person they would be perfectly adequate.

welcome again, and don't forget photos when the car arrives

 

[mrash]

Thanks, I will try some more google searches on it. Always wary of internet reviews unless on a forum, where they are more likely honest views. Regarding the new model, as you say, its no biggie. I quite like the shape of the current model, and I believe the boot shape in the current sportback will be slightly more practical than the new one. I am guessing my car wont arrive until the end of May, which feels like such a long time away!!! grrrrrr!!!

 

[nicksa3]

I'm waiting for my 2.0 tdi BE to arrive at the end of May too. Like yours it's a company car, so didn't want to fork out on too many extras. The Black Edition has bluetooth, so I'm sorted there but still want to integrate my iPhone.

I'm currently using a kit from Xcarlink in my Honda, which has been excellent. I put one in my girlfriend's car too. You can choose a bluetooth addition as required, but I have no experience of this. The one thing I'm not sure of is whether the song info will display on the DIS or not. I think it does with the Dension 100/300. The Xcarlink can be used with the steering wheel controls.

As for mounting the phone, I've always used Brodit kits with an active (powered) holder. The xcarlink then just plugs into this. That way you can just drop the phone into the holder and off you go.

 

[mrash]

Thanks for that nicksa3. When did you have the order physically placed? Is it being held back to may for a particular reason? The Xcarlink looks good to me, was it easy to fit/remove? Thanks in advance

 

[A3Tony9]

Not to put a dampener on your enthusiasm, I hope you are luckier than the rest of us who have orders A3 Sportbacks (mines an S-Line without extras) but waiting times are longer than 4 months. I placed my order in July last year and I have only just had a confirmed build date of the 7th Feb, with delivery mid March, all in all 7-8 months! Someone else I know who ordered a black edition hasn't got a confirmed build date yet and he ordered about 3-4 weeks after me!!

 

[mrash]

Not to put a dampener on your enthusiasm, I hope you are luckier than the rest of us who have orders A3 Sportbacks (mines an S-Line without extras) but waiting times are longer than 4 months. I placed my order in July last year and I have only just had a confirmed build date of the 7th Feb, with delivery mid March, all in all 7-8 months! Someone else I know who ordered a black edition hasn't got a confirmed build date yet and he ordered about 3-4 weeks after me!!

When the order is placed, we should get a build/delivery date, and I was told by our fleet manager that my order was being placed this week so hopefully there has been no hiccups, i've not heard anything so assumed that its all good. If it is later than May, then I will probably have to order something else as my current car goes back the end of may. I was told that there was a delay in production due to the TDi engine by my local dealer, so, I may just plump for the 1.4tsi instead if that is the case. However, he did say that if we ordered this week, then we should get it end of may. The problem lies with the TDi engine, being spread across the whole group, VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat.

 

[A3Tony9]

My Order was confirmed by the lease company the second week of August. I didn't get any confirmation of the provisional build date until the midddle of November. I ordered mine back in July because my current lease car was due to go back at the end of December, but this date has passed and no new replacement, luckily my company has been able to extend the lease on my current car on a monthly basis until the new one arrives.

 

[mrash]

My Order was confirmed by the lease company the second week of August. I didn't get any confirmation of the provisional build date until the midddle of November. I ordered mine back in July because my current lease car was due to go back at the end of December, but this date has passed and no new replacement, luckily my company has been able to extend the lease on my current car on a monthly basis until the new one arrives.

That is actually quite shocking. All my cars have had a confirmed delivery date within a week of order, not 3 months later.... If this is typical of Audi, I may just cancel and order something else....

 

[A3Tony9]

I would check first before cancelling and see if you can get the un-confirmed build date, this is what I got in November and the date didn't change when it was confirmed. If I had been made aware of the build time issues when I had placed the order I would have been driving a BMW now, and wouldn't have touched Audi.

If I had know Audis attitude towards their customers was going to be so poor, I would have cancelled the order!! I should have guessed it would have been after my initial visit to the dealership, the salesman was there in a flash while I was looking around, but when I mentioned it was a lease car I didn't see him for dust!! I had been in the BMW dealership just before and it was a totally different experience even when I told them it would be a lease car they couldn't do enough to help, it didn't worry them. My decision to go for the Audi was only on the basis that the Audi was a little bigger then the 1 series M-Sport I had been looking at and I could do with the extra space for work equipment etc.

I hope Audis after sales service etc is much improved on the experienced I have had so far, this is my first Audi and due to their attitude and the way I have been treated possibly my last, un-less there is a dramatic change in attitude.

Some who have experienced delays similar to mine have been lucky enough to get some free extras fitted to their vehicles or a discount off the vehicle as a guesture of good will for the delays. But since mine is a lease vehicle they weren't interested and I have been offered nothing (hardly an appology). Even though the vehicle will now cost me more in contributions due to the TAX change in January because of their delays!! Audi are just not interested in getting things sorted or trying to assist in any way, very poor attitude, and that is Audi UK!!

 

[Vertigo1]

When the order is placed, we should get a build/delivery date, and I was told by our fleet manager that my order was being placed this week so hopefully there has been no hiccups, i've not heard anything so assumed that its all good. If it is later than May, then I will probably have to order something else as my current car goes back the end of may. I was told that there was a delay in production due to the TDi engine by my local dealer, so, I may just plump for the 1.4tsi instead if that is the case. However, he did say that if we ordered this week, then we should get it end of may. The problem lies with the TDi engine, being spread across the whole group, VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat.

FWIW, my 3Dr was ordered at the beginning of August last year and arrived in November, although I've heard that there are fewer delays with the 3Dr as it's less popular than the sportback. Not heard about the supply of TDI engines being an issue but I guess it makes sense as they're used so widely throughout VAG. I have the 170PS version so I spose it's possible that had a bearing as I'd imagine the 140PS is more in demand.

 

[mrash]

I would check first before cancelling and see if you can get the un-confirmed build date, this is what I got in November and the date didn't change when it was confirmed. If I had been made aware of the build time issues when I had placed the order I would have been driving a BMW now, and wouldn't have touched Audi.

If I had know Audis attitude towards their customers was going to be so poor, I would have cancelled the order!! I should have guessed it would have been after my initial visit to the dealership, the salesman was there in a flash while I was looking around, but when I mentioned it was a lease car I didn't see him for dust!! I had been in the BMW dealership just before and it was a totally different experience even when I told them it would be a lease car they couldn't do enough to help, it didn't worry them. My decision to go for the Audi was only on the basis that the Audi was a little bigger then the 1 series M-Sport I had been looking at and I could do with the extra space for work equipment etc.

I hope Audis after sales service etc is much improved on the experienced I have had so far, this is my first Audi and due to their attitude and the way I have been treated possibly my last, un-less there is a dramatic change in attitude.

Some who have experienced delays similar to mine have been lucky enough to get some free extras fitted to their vehicles or a discount off the vehicle as a guesture of good will for the delays. But since mine is a lease vehicle they weren't interested and I have been offered nothing (hardly an appology). Even though the vehicle will now cost me more in contributions due to the TAX change in January because of their delays!! Audi are just not interested in getting things sorted or trying to assist in any way, very poor attitude, and that is Audi UK!!

That is the same reason I am going for one, slightly more boot space and a better boot shape. My experience of Audi dealers in the past has been shocking to be honest, where as, as you say, at BMW I got treated with respect, and very well, without the usual "car shark" attitude. However, I have been dealing with a guy called Mark at Warrington Audi, and he has been brilliant. I told him it would be a lease car, yet he stlill helped me out. I even turned up with one of my boxes last week to see if it fitted in the boot without folding the seats down, and he fetched a sportback round for me to test. Very helpfull. I guess I will know by the end of this week, early next week what the outcome will be...

 

[nicksa3]

Mine was ordered on 13th December. The lease company are telling me that the estimated delivery is 31/5/11, though I think that is probably a bit optimistic!

The xcarlink was a breeze to fit. You just plug the connector block into where the CD changer would normally go. In my Honda I had to remove all the trim back to the handbrake just to get to the back of the stereo. Seeing as you can remove the Audi stereo with just the keys I can imagine it would take no longer than 10 minutes to fit. Unfortunately my installed unit is an old version, which uses the old pinouts for charging ipods. I have to use an adapter to charge my phone. The new units are fine and will power all ipods/iphones. I'll be leaving my kit in when I give the car back.

 

[mrash]

I think I might give the dealership a call and ask for build dates. Mark at Warrington has been very helpful so far, and wouldnt hesitate in recommending him for future sales. I will let you know what they say!

 

[mrash]

Well, I've been informed by the lease company that it could be anywhere between 3 and 5 months for my car to arrive as they are not given any dates. My fleet manager told me he gets 2 weeks notice for the delivery. What happened to the days of placing your order and getting an approx delivery date, usually a weeks tolerance is built in? Or is this just the way Audi do things?

 

[A3Tony9]

I'm not sure, but to be honest I haven't been that impressed with Audi so far, lets hope the car when it arrives redeems the companies name!!

I fear that the company now think they are bigger than the customers who purchase the vehicles. I have to be honest they have lost a great deal of business from my company after the experience that I have had, as they say "good news travels fast". If I was going through this process again I would have chosen a different make of car. The only reason I didn't cancel this order due to timescales to re-order a different car and cancellation charge etc, I only found out about the delay about a month before my car was due to be replaced, 4 months after the order was placed.

 

[A3Tony9]

Quick update, the car is now in the UK and waiting delivery to the dealers. Hopefully should be with me in the next couple of weeks at the outside. Only 8 months from the time of order!! Apparently the car is in Audis UK compound where ever that is, does anyone know what port Audis are shipped into?

 

[mrash]

I was given August as an approx delivery date yesterday. Not impressed. However, today, my fleet manager got a call from the dealer saying there was a cancelled order and can I take a car next month? I had ordered the Sportback 140 tdi with s-tronic, non smokers pack, and in White (changed from the dakota grey). They have the same car, but in phantom black, with parking sensors and phone prep, so I am taking that next month. I would have cancelled if it had been august, and bought something else. Hopefully it will all go smoothely and when I go to collect the car it wont be a 1.6 petrol manual

 

[Ninja21]

Hi everyone - just joined today but i have a little info for those waiting delivery of the A3, I ordered the 170 Black Edition Sportback on june 18th 2010 through my companies lease provider, i was originally told 6 months, and in December i was given this info from the lease company which is if anyone else is using this company Lease21.

Firstly Audi were not allocating UK dealerships as many build slots as normal due to the pound against the euro and basically not making as much on supplying vehicles to the UK compared with europe.
Secondly in November 2010 Audi factory orders were moved from one platform onto a new system platform and the orders did not go across in date order so some orders actually moved down the list and some went up, i know this as fact because my company has ordered at least 30 A3s in the last 12 months and some people who ordered after me have been delivered.
Third there was also an issue with a supplier of the A3 bumpers going bust and Audi having to source a new supplier.

I was given a build date last week from Audi as week 18 which is the second week of May and expect delivery early June - that will be for me nearly 12 months wait.

21

 

[A3Tony9]

Wow..... And I thought my 8 months wait was long enough. I'm glad I have had confirmation that mine is now in the UK and has been allocated a registration number!

 

[dorgs]

Hi everyone - just joined today but i have a little info for those waiting delivery of the A3, I ordered the 170 Black Edition Sportback on june 18th 2010 through my companies lease provider, i was originally told 6 months, and in December i was given this info from the lease company which is if anyone else is using this company Lease21.

Firstly Audi were not allocating UK dealerships as many build slots as normal due to the pound against the euro and basically not making as much on supplying vehicles to the UK compared with europe.
Secondly in November 2010 Audi factory orders were moved from one platform onto a new system platform and the orders did not go across in date order so some orders actually moved down the list and some went up, i know this as fact because my company has ordered at least 30 A3s in the last 12 months and some people who ordered after me have been delivered.
Third there was also an issue with a supplier of the A3 bumpers going bust and Audi having to source a new supplier.

I was given a build date last week from Audi as week 18 which is the second week of May and expect delivery early June - that will be for me nearly 12 months wait.

21

that makes some sense now, Im based in Ireland and ordered about 6 weeks ago, spoke with the dealer this morn and apparently it's built! just waiting on shipping now. was shocked to see how long some uk cars were taking and was expecting delays...hopefully your's will be worth wait. Don't think I could bare it, best of luck with it!

 

[Ninja21]

Thanks, I have considered cancelling to be honest and ordering a BMW 318d sport plus saloon but have decided to keep the Audi as i do a few Bike track days and need the boot space for my kit and spares.

21

 

[mrash]

3 weeks to go.... Actually not 3 weeks, just had a call, its in the dealers awaiting PDI!

 

[A3Tony9]

Miine has arrived had it a week now, and I'm very pleased. Superb car, lovely to drive and already hitting between 57 and 60 to the gallon!! It has been worth the wait but to be honest 8 months waiting in my opinion was taking the p**s.

 

[mrash]

Miine has arrived had it a week now, and I'm very pleased. Superb car, lovely to drive and already hitting between 57 and 60 to the gallon!! It has been worth the wait but to be honest 8 months waiting in my opinion was taking the p**s.

pics pics pics!!!!

 

[A3Tony9]

Here is one I took earlier:thumbsup: I'll try and take some more and post them in when I get chance. I love the Monza Silver it looks different colours depending on the light.

 

[frank98]

I ordered mine, a 1.4TFSI last August and was given mid-Jan as a delivery date. It actually came at the new year and was just registered in time for the old VAT rate. Although I'm very pleased with it and the dealer in general, I do think that the fuel consumption is way below what is being advertised. With my style of driving I expect to see the advertised combined figure of 53 mpg. I am getting 39 mpg, a big disappointment. All of my previous cars have come up to expectation. I had the car checked on Friday past after 2300 miles of mixed use and they say that all is "normal", a blessing in some ways but a disappointment in others.

 

[Lings]

Petrols dont get 53mpg thats total bull ..diesel mpg that is...

 

[mrash]

Petrols dont get 53mpg thats total bull ..diesel mpg that is...

Actually for the 1.4 tfsi it quotes 58.9 on extra urban, 47.1 combined. Still, realistically you'll never get close o lab conditions to achieve these figures.

 

[mrash]

Whoop! Pick it up a week today! Lets hope it is actually reliable and not like some of the others ive been reading about...

 

[sub39h]

congrats mate. enjoy your new car when it comes!

Petrols dont get 53mpg thats total bull ..diesel mpg that is...

best indicated mpg i got in my 1.6MPI AUTOMATIC was 50mpg, and that was meant to have rubbish fuel economy. the 1.6FSI 6sp manual will be better than that, and the new 1.4T will be better again almost certainly.

 

[Lings]

So your saying that is what you actually got all the time?
Did you ever go over 3000 rpm ?
Or is that what the dis told you?

 

[sub39h]

i regularly got over 40mpg in most conditions (stop start was the obvious exception) and this was driving totally normally as i would do. on economy runs i'd get more like 45mpg regularly, and this 50mpg was a one off best. i used the word "indicated" because it was what the DIS told me which i know is often incorrect, but it can go either way because yesterday in my 2.0T my DIS was telling me i did 33.4mpg when a calculator told me i'd done 34.8mpg

i'm not saying it's all the time, just that it's not totally inconcievable for a petrol engine to return semi-decent mpg figures especially when my underpowered 1.6 with old injection technology and an automatic gearbox could do it.

 

[mrash]

Well, picked it up this morning, the difference between this and my Jag is night and day. The A3 is so refined, the engine is incredibly quiet, to the point I got nervous filling it up with diesel! The gearbox is fantastic, silky smooth and suits the engine really well. Flappy paddles present, but I will use them at the weekend on the B roads The stop/start technology that the "press" have been keen to abuse works really well. I was nervous of this due to the reports in the motoring press, but as usual, none of the reporters clearly used it properly :roll: Again, the sports seats are really comfy, supportive and along with the firm ride, makes a comfortable cruiser.
On my run back to Wigan from Welwyn, via Oxford, I managed a respectable 52mpg! This includes lots of crappy M6 traffic... So far, VERY impressed. Only used to manage about 40mpg from the jag, so my company will be please with the 25% fuel saving!

Will add a few more tomorrow...

To compare it with the 1series I had, well, its hard. The 1er handles better and is definately the drivers car of the 2. More space in the A3, by quite some margin. Sports seats are better in the A3. It would be unfair for me to compare this engine with the 120d because I havent driven the newer ones. I prefer the dash of the 1er, but there is no denying the quality of the Audi. I guess after 70k miles I will be able to do a proper comparison! And comparing it to my jag? Well, it puts the jag to shame in every way.

 

[Lings]

Jags are fords

 

[Smoothie]

Whats the little illuminated switch far left? tyre pressure monitor?

 

[jbs2472]

That's the stop/start button

 

[mrash]

That's the stop/start button

Yup, you can switch it on or off. Must say, it works a treat...

and jags are NOT fords. They only share a small part of the engine, and the floorplan, thats it. A common misconception. Still, its way behind the A3. Loving it so far!!!