As promised here are my thoughts on the first 1500 miles in my A3 1.4 TFSI COD Sportback. The bottom line is I love it and I've absolutely no regrets going for this model. The spec I chose is in my signature so I won't repeat it.
What I really like
What changes I've made
What I really like
- the amazingly smooth and responsive engine - I have had many types of engine (including V8) but this is just soooo smooth. No NVH and I cannot detect when it changes from 4 to 2 cylinders. 40+mpg is easily obtainable irrespective of driving style so once run-in I think closer to 50mpg will be achievable. And £20 pa road tax! It's needed NO oil in the first 1500 miles so my careful running in puts paid to the theory of thrashing it to minimise oil consumption!
- the smoothness of the 7 speed S-Tronic gearbox (I have it with my TT and that was one of the reasons why I went for the A3)
- the design especially the detail in front of the front wheel
- the fantastic interior - it just oozes class especially with the extended mono-pur interior finish which really lifts it to the class above
- the LED headlights - they are bright and have a colour balance close to daylight
- the high beam assist which detects cars in front and coming towards me quicker than I could. And how it knows that a bright street light is not a car is beyond me.
- Tech package - I'm still learning it but the Google Earth and Street View is wonderful as is the picture destinations feature
- The Audi Sound System is perfectly good enough for me and whilst I haven't heard the B&O I don't think with my hearing I'd detect much difference
- LED DRL and turn lights - just look amazing
- Adaptive Cruise Control - takes a while to trust it (and sometimes I still don't!) but it makes driving less stressful
- the Stop/Start system (but see below)
- I specced the driver assistance package and whist the speed limit display works well I can't say that the active lane assist is something that I'll use a lot
- reversible load floor mat was, in retrospect, a mistake as I didn't realise that it is only really of use when the seats are folded. So I bought a boot liner (see below)
- the Hold Assist - the jury's out on this one for me. Of course I can switch it off but I like the idea and it's just that if held on the HA I need to either give a small tap to release it before I pull away or else there is a slight jolt which annoys me.
What changes I've made
- Kufatec device to disable stop/start (but can be re-enabled any time in the future using the same device)
- Alloy pedal covers (same as S3)
- Metal foot rest
- Audi power light (4F0947175) to replace the 12v socket dummy cover - useful and good looking.
- Carbox Form LS low boot liner 20-1466 PLUS the Carbox Anti-Slip Mat which poppers onto the liner and gives protection when loading and unloading from the boot. All bought from www.roofbox.co.uk. Photo of course is not from an A3 cos I haven't taken a photo yet!
- OSIR gloss black key cover (just pops around the existing key but is nicer!)