Best diesel engine suited to auto gearbox?

[pwm]

I'm looking to buy an A3 Sportback and its got to be an automatic.
As it will be doing quite a few miles i guess the diesel will be the best option economy wise but I'm interested if anyone has an opinion as to the best suitable engine option, the 1.6 or 2.0?

TIA

 

[Zoowatch]

I am partial to this, but I think that the 2.0 150-BHP TDI is the best option with S-tronic transmission. Personally haven't seen as many 1.6 TDI as the 2.0's.

 

[h5djr]

I'm looking to buy an A3 Sportback and its got to be an automatic.
As it will be doing quite a few miles i guess the diesel will be the best option economy wise but I'm interested if anyone has an opinion as to the best suitable engine option, the 1.6 or 2.0?

TIA

The 2.0TDI comes with the 6-speed wet-clutch s-tronic which is generally regarded as the better of the two s-tronic's available for the A3. The 1.6TDI has the dry-clutch 7-speed s-tronic. Personally I've owned four A3 (8P) 2.0TDIs with s-tronics and they have all been great. The new 150 version should be just as good if not better. When I decide to buy another car it will certainly be the one I will go for.

 

[dieseldoug]

I personally think the bigger the engine for the Automatic mode, as I also think small engines are under powered for auto/s-tronics.

 

[snakehips]

What about adding the 184PS to the mix? I'd love to know how that matches up to the S tronic compared with the 150PS (and also the 1.8 petrol, which I've heard isn't that great with the auto box).

 

[pwm]

Dealer has a 184ps S line demonstrator arriving in the next few days so I've booked for a test drive on Friday. Maybe more power than is needed (and cost/mpg).

 

[dieseldoug]

You can never have too much power on hand when delivered correctly, as mentioned on previous posts some people prefer the MPG better buying manual and lower HP engine..

 

[snakehips]

Dealer has a 184ps S line demonstrator arriving in the next few days so I've booked for a test drive on Friday. Maybe more power than is needed (and cost/mpg).

For my needs I cannot imagine there ever being more power than is needed!

 

[pwm]

Looks like I'm moving towards more power and less economy! This car was meant to be a 'sensible' second car for us.
Problem is I've been used to BMW. I've gone through three 3 series coupes, last one was a 330 and then got a 650. Sold that 3 years ago and have been sharing the wife's x5 as I walk to work. The car was always a luxury not a necessity. Only needed the car very occasionally. Now I've got to get a car as 2 days a week I've got to do a 120 mile round trip. So the thought was an economical diesel :-(.
So I've got to balance my preference for luxury and power with the economy (and not annoying the wife )

 

[Daveotto]

If I were going to be spending 4+ hours a week commuting I would downgrade "er in doors" shopping and school run x5 and spec up my new A3 and enjoy the lengthy commutes rather than trying to eek out the gas on a daily basis so the mrs can chug around in the x5 at 20mpg.

 

[smk82]

For my needs I cannot imagine there ever being more power than is needed!

lol. I know what you mean. I decided to upgrade to the 184ps version when it came out (I did have the 150hp version on order). I drive a 175hp diesel TT at the moment, and would miss the extra power. TBH I've found that the TT actually meets its expected MPG quite often now its run it. I often get low 40's around town, with an average on longer motorway trips of mid 50's. The other reason I went for the engine (apart from missing the power), is that I think a larger engine "loping" along as is were is preferable to a smaller engine being thrashed to get the same effect.

 

[RossR]

lI think a larger engine "loping" along as is were is preferable to a smaller engine being thrashed to get the same effect.

Having done 7000 rpm in 2nd gear this morning on a quiet B road I'd have to disagree. A small revvy petrol engine can be loads of fun.

For a relaxing motorway drive though I can see the appeal of a bigger diesel engine.

 

[pwm]

Looks like i'll go for the 2.0 then, unless i hate the test drive. Just got to decide on the extras then