A3 Sportsback 2.0Tdi S Line Quattro S Tronic

[andy203]

Hi,
New to site, in process of ordering above vehicle, has anyone got some must haves for options, also anybody got some real mpg figures.
Currently running Golf gtd with Dsg
Andy203

 

[snakehips]

Firstly, great choice of car! You won't be disappointed as the 184 Quattro is superb. There are many threads on must-have specs and it all depends on budget but my #1 recommendation for s-tronic is hold assist for £90.
I've just clocked up 1,000 miles and average 42mpg so far.

 

[cuke2u]

Some here Audi A3 2012 - Real MPGs | Honest John

 

[Schizophonic]

hi, there are a few options discussed but it can be down to personal preference.

If I was you, Hold Assist, B&O, front parking sensors and folding wing mirrors.

 

[andy203]

Thanks for that, was going for the hill assist, the mpg does not look to good,is that hard driving?

 

[andy203]

Some here Audi A3 2012 - Real MPGs | Honest John

Yes but no real mpg for the 2.0 TDI Quattro S tronic

 

[andy203]

Some here Audi A3 2012 - Real MPGs | Honest John

But not for the model I'm ordering

 

[snakehips]

Thanks for that, was going for the hill assist, the mpg does not look to good,is that hard driving?

Not hard driving as I have been running it in but I would expect mpg to keep improving as the engine loosens up. What were you getting in the GTD and what engine did that have? Quattro will always affect the economy but for me mpg was never important.

 

[PembsA3]

Excellent choice of spec - same as me! Mine expected March.

As already stated - great and good value options are indeed Hold assist and Folding mirrors. I've also added Comfort pack which is also great value.

The rest I chose are just desirable luxuries...

Daytona grey paint
Pano roof
B&O
Interior light pack
Reversible boot mat
Electric lumbar adjustment
Heated seats
LED lights
Model and engine tech deletion

 

[andy203]

Not hard driving as I have been running it in but I would expect mpg to keep improving as the engine loosens up. What were you getting in the GTD and what engine did that have? Quattro will always affect the economy but for me mpg was never important.

Golf Gtd 2.0 Dsg gear box, 170bhp, Avg 47 mpg over 9000 miles

 

[snakehips]

Golf Gtd 2.0 Dsg gear box, 170bhp, Avg 47 mpg over 9000 miles

I would hope for around 45 eventually but tbh even 42 will do for me, with 4WD + a more powerful engine than your 170.
Re the rest of your spec, PembsA3 has a near identical spec to mine (except I chose a nicer colour ) so if you have the budget I'd go for similar. LED and B&O are fantastic and make me smile every time I use them.

 

[h5djr]

My dealer says he generally takes the Combined figure given by Audi and takes off 20%.

The Combined figure for the 184 quattro is 57.6 less 20% = 46.1. This should be achievable providing you don't push it hard all the time. I have a 170 Sportback s-tronic at the moment and I am getting around 47-48mpg.

 

[cuke2u]

2013 Audi A3 MPG Reports | Fuelly

 

[andy203]

I would hope for around 45 eventually but tbh even 42 will do for me, with 4WD + a more powerful engine than your 170.
Re the rest of your spec, PembsA3 has a near identical spec to mine (except I chose a nicer colour ) so if you have the budget I'd go for similar. LED and B&O are fantastic and make me smile every time I use them.

So what colour? My Gtd is white nice when clean.

 

[PembsA3]

What colour u got snakehips? I like Phantom but went for Daytona cos I didn't want a third black car!

 

[andy203]

What colour u got snakehips? I like Phantom but went for Daytona cos I didn't want a third black car!

I was thinking Daytona, Black is like White great when clean

 

[PembsA3]

Exactly why I didn't want another black car - lovely when clean... But never clean where I live!.. 😣

 

[snakehips]

What colour u got snakehips? I like Phantom but went for Daytona cos I didn't want a third black car!

It's in my sig! Seems to be very rare, which I like, but I wouldn't even try to persuade you as colour choice is a personal thing, like suspension.

 

[andy203]

Snakehips how do you find the ride, I found the Gtd a little firm so had the A.C.C option ran in comfort mode most of the time, with the rural roads of Norfolk to contend with and the associated mud which does not mix well with the White paint.

 

[snakehips]

2013 Audi A3 MPG Reports | Fuelly

Nice find. Make sure you switch to UK units for proper comparison.

 

[snakehips]

Snakehips how do you find the ride, I found the Gtd a little firm so had the A.C.C option ran in comfort mode most of the time, with the rural roads of Norfolk to contend with and the associated mud which does not mix well with the White paint.

The ride and suspension choice is a subject of much debate here. I have just come from a Golf GTi, which didn't have ACC so was basically permanent Sport suspension. Now that I'm an old fart with a dodgy back I decided this to be too firm. I found the Sport suspension on the A3 SB was definitely smoother than the Golf but I went one step further and opted for SE suspension and have found it beautifully smooth yet still handles well. There is a danger this will trigger yet another long discussion on the merits of the suspension options so to save time I refer you to earlier threads on this!

 

[andy203]

The ride and suspension choice is a subject of much debate here. I have just come from a Golf GTi, which didn't have ACC so was basically permanent Sport suspension. Now that I'm an old fart with a dodgy back I decided this to be too firm. I found the Sport suspension on the A3 SB was definitely smoother than the Golf but I went one step further and opted for SE suspension and have found it beautifully smooth yet still handles well. There is a danger this will trigger yet another long discussion on the merits of the suspension options so to save time I refer you to earlier threads on this!

Well I think I may have cracked it, This is the spec I think.......

Shiraz Red, metallic

Interior

Material: Perforated Alcantara/leather with S line embossing on the front seats

Seats: Black Dashboard: Black-Black Carpet: Black Headliner: Black

Adaptive headlights with Xenon Plus headlights

Aluminium roof rails

Audi Parking System Plus

Bang & Olufsen sound system

Comfort package

Cruise control

Deselect sports suspension

Door mirrors – electrically adjustable, folding and heated

Electric lumbar support

Heated front seats

Perforated Alcantara/leather with S line embossing on the front seats

Privacy glass

Reversible load floor mat

Deletion of engine technology designation at rear

Technology package

 

[andy203]

There again this may be if I can afford?

Equipment
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Adaptive headlights with Xenon Plus headlights
Advanced key
Audi Parking System Plus
Audi Phone Box
Black roof rails
Comfort package
Deletion of model and technology designation at rear
Door mirrors – electrically adjustable, folding and heated
Electric lumbar support
Fine Nappa leather with S line embossing on the front seats
Heated front seats
Hold assist
Reversible load floor mat
Technology package
Tyre pressure loss indicator
Privacy glass
Audi Magnetic Ride - I assume this must be like the VW - Adaptaive Chassis Control

 

[Itguy]

adaptive cruise a must IMHO if you have s-tronic as it does stop&go in queuing traffic.

high beam assist?

Hold assist as must

Reversible load floor mat is a waste of time tbh, much better to get a load liner mat with turned up edges.

Don't see the point of advanced key TBH.

Not many people order mag ride too, presumably because it's a whopping cost.

 

[Cumbrian_bob]

Tyre pressure loss is really a must at the price. Frankly should be standard as a safety feature.
If you getting the sline you need the interior LED light pack. The LEDs really make the cabin work, and they are also so much better, just the individual beams for driver and passenger without filling the cabin make it worth while. Again shoulod be standard on the sline and above. (Not sure if it part of one of the packs on the Sline you have picked)

Reversible floor mat, unless you really rally need a floor mat that covers the whole space of the car when the seats are folded down I wouldnt bother. I think there will be better after market boot mats.

 

[PembsA3]

I liked the reversible boot mat in my 8P. Looks like normal carpet when u don't need it but when you've got something mucky to carry, just flip it out over the bumper (which protects it...) and keeps the dirt on the wipe clean surface. Also covers the whole floor area when the seats r folded flat (for when I transport my mountain bike). The fitted plastic liners don't do either and don't look nice when u don't need the protection. IMHO... 😜

 

[h5djr]

Tyre pressure loss is really a must at the price. Frankly should be standard as a safety feature.
If you getting the sline you need the interior LED light pack. The LEDs really make the cabin work, and they are also so much better, just the individual beams for driver and passenger without filling the cabin make it worth while. Again shoulod be standard on the sline and above. (Not sure if it part of one of the packs on the Sline you have picked)

Reversible floor mat, unless you really rally need a floor mat that covers the whole space of the car when the seats are folded down I wouldnt bother. I think there will be better after market boot mats.

The Interior Light package is part of the Comfort package which is on his list. I agree on TPMS (on £75) which is an option at the moment but will no doubt be standard from June 2014 as it's required by law on new cars from November 2014. I also agree about the Reversible floor mat. I ordered one with my current Sportback but I have never used it. Hold assist is a must for just £90. I also don't see the advantage of the Advanced key apart from posing! or Magnetic ride unless you are trying to make the car as expensive as possible. Is this a Sportback or a 3-door. If it's a 3-door personally I think privacy glass makes the car look like a van!!

 

[snakehips]

The Interior Light package is part of the Comfort package which is on his list. I agree on TPMS (on £75) which is an option at the moment but will no doubt be standard from June 2014 as it's required by law on new cars from November 2014. I also agree about the Reversible floor mat. I ordered one with my current Sportback but I have never used it. Hold assist is a must for just £90. I also don't see the advantage of the Advanced key apart from posing! or Magnetic ride unless you are trying to make the car as expensive as possible. Is this a Sportback or a 3-door. If it's a 3-door personally I think privacy glass makes the car look like a van!!

Interior light package isn't part of Comfort, it's extra. But still worth having.

 

[h5djr]

Interior light package isn't part of Comfort, it's extra. But still worth having.

Your right. Getting confused between Interior lighting package and Light and Rain Sensor package, but Andy203 does say his is having the Xenon Light package (WB6) and the Interior Light Package is part of that.

 

[PilotAudi]

Your right. Getting confused between Interior lighting package and Light and Rain Sensor package, but Andy203 does say his is having the Xenon Light package (WB6) and the Interior Light Package is part of that.

Correct you are getting confused . ILP is obligatory with Pan roof . Why don't Audi just increase the price and give it to you as part of Pano roof price . ??

 

[h5djr]

Correct you are getting confused . ILP is obligatory with Pan roof . Why don't Audi just increase the price and give it to you as part of Pano roof price . ??

It's a bit like on my existing Sportback. As I specced Electric seats I had to have the Through Load through option - strange combination.

 

[rdgc]

Back on the MPG question... Same model, I'm getting about 42-43 on a motorway run, and low 30s around town - not hard driving either and clocked up almost 3000 miles. Have managed 48 on a 50mph long run down some a roads

I too was told to take 20% off audi figures.

My last audi diesel (a5 170) took 10k miles before returning good economy, so guess need to be patient, it is quite a capable car too!

 

[Daggerit]

Just a quick question for my interest. Those with A3's, I didn't spec the hill hold and before picking up the car I tried to go back and add it but it was too late. That said, I'm glad I didn't because the s-tronic on the A4 holds the car anyway so I'm not exactly sure why you would ever need the hill hold unless you just couldn't be bothered putting on the handbrake yourself?

So if it's the same on the A3 I'd be saving your money and getting something you can actually appreciate like the interior light package?

Just my 2p.

 

[mindstorm]

I've got a manual 184 being built week 11. Couldn't justify the Quattro cost and mpg loss - hopefully will still get 50-55.

Spec I went for on a Daytona is:

Adaptive headlights with Xenon Plus headlights
Audi Parking System Plus
Audi sound system
Comfort package
Door mirrors – electrically adjustable, folding and heated
Electric lumbar support
Hold assist
Interior lighting package
Non-smoking package
Panoramic glass sunroof
Progressive steering
Reversible load floor mat
Satellite Navigation system – SD card based
Tyre pressure loss indicator

 

[snakehips]

Just a quick question for my interest. Those with A3's, I didn't spec the hill hold and before picking up the car I tried to go back and add it but it was too late. That said, I'm glad I didn't because the s-tronic on the A4 holds the car anyway so I'm not exactly sure why you would ever need the hill hold unless you just couldn't be bothered putting on the handbrake yourself?

So if it's the same on the A3 I'd be saving your money and getting something you can actually appreciate like the interior light package?

Just my 2p.

But the whole point is that it isn't hill hold, it's hold assist. It holds under any circumstances for as long as needed and yes, avoids pretty much ever having to be bothered putting on the handbrake yourself or having to sit in traffic with your foot on the brake.
So I suggest it is very much worth it and that you have wasted your 2p.

 

[Daggerit]

But the whole point is that it isn't hill hold, it's hold assist. It holds under any circumstances for as long as needed and yes, avoids pretty much ever having to be bothered putting on the handbrake yourself or having to sit in traffic with your foot on the brake.
So I suggest it is very much worth it and that you have wasted your 2p.

Was just explaining because no one else had mentioned this and some may decide it's money they could better spend somewhere else on their car.

Since the stop start system only works when you have your foot on the brake or when you're in park, I just don't see the point of the hold assist system if you want to use stop start. Or if you're willing to activate the handbrake yourself.

I was trying to be helpful since it holds itself without the optional extra, that's all.

 

[snakehips]

Was just explaining because no one else had mentioned this and some may decide it's money they could better spend somewhere else on their car.

Since the stop start system only works when you have your foot on the brake or when you're in park, I just don't see the point of the hold assist system if you want to use stop start. Or if you're willing to activate the handbrake yourself.

I was trying to be helpful since it holds itself without the optional extra, that's all.

Sorry, it wasn't supposed to come across as shouting you down. But I wanted to make sure the newbies understood that hill hold and hold assist are 2 different things. All cars get the former.
Good point about stop start (which btw works in neutral too) but my understanding is that stop start still works with hold assist activated, gearbox in D and foot off the brake. In other words hold assist acts as a virtual footbrake.

 

[Daggerit]

Sorry, it wasn't supposed to come across as shouting you down. But I wanted to make sure the newbies understood that hill hold and hold assist are 2 different things. All cars get the former.
Good point about stop start (which btw works in neutral too) but my understanding is that stop start still works with hold assist activated, gearbox in D and foot off the brake. In other words hold assist acts as a virtual footbrake.

Haha, did come across that way a bit, glad that's not how it was intended.

I wonder if maybe the software is a bit different between the cars then as mine definitely doesn't activate stop start in neutral as that was my first option before having to shift to park. Indeed, you're totally right about having hold assist as standard, that's sorta what I was getting at when I said you could probably spend your money on something better than hill hold unless you can't be bothered putting on the handbrake yourself. Haha. I know how these things are though, if you've had it before and gotten used to it, saying things like 'I can't be bothered putting on the handbrake myself' can sound silly. I did the exact thing after having advanced key in a car and then driving one without, was a hassle having to get the key out of my pocket. Lol.

I'd be interested to know how the operation of the hill hold works with stop start and things like that after having this discussion if anyone can enlighten me?

 

[JohnM100]

I'd be interested to know how the operation of the hill hold works with stop start and things like that after having this discussion if anyone can enlighten me?

Daggerit - are you referring to Hill Hold or Hold Assist here?

I have S-Tronic and Hold Assist.

Hold Assist on S-Tronic works really well, and also works fine with Start-Stop even with the gearbox in D or M, whereas with Manual you have to be in Neutral with the clutch pedal released.
Manuals restart the engine when you press the clutch to engage 1st gear but on S-Tronic the engine restarts when you press the accelerator. However, if you just touch the accelerator momentarily you can get the engine to start but not creep forward (ie Hold Assist still on); all with the car still in D or M.

John.

 

[Daggerit]

Daggerit - are you referring to Hill Hold or Hold Assist here?

I have S-Tronic and Hold Assist.

Hold Assist on S-Tronic works really well, and also works fine with Start-Stop even with the gearbox in D or M, whereas with Manual you have to be in Neutral with the clutch pedal released.
Manuals restart the engine when you press the clutch to engage 1st gear but on S-Tronic the engine restarts when you press the accelerator. However, if you just touch the accelerator momentarily you can get the engine to start but not creep forward (ie Hold Assist still on); all with the car still in D or M.

John.

Haha, too much hill hold and hold assist going about!

Sounds like your system works exactly as mine does with hold assist and stop start.

I was more curious if when using the hill hold (which I don't have) you still have to keep your foot on the brake so the engine stays off or put it in park like on my car before you can take your foot off the brake and keep the engine off? If that's the case and you're either holding the brake on yourself or have it in park then what's the point of having the hill hold at all since hold assist is more than enough in those situations?

This is purely for s-tronic, I think that it's a much more useful system in a manual and would be money well spent there.