140 or 184 TDi A3 Sportback?

[MarkyH]

I am finalising the spec for my new A3 Sport Sportback and have so far decided on:

Metallic paint - floret silver?
CJ1 5 arm kinetic alloys - not keen on standard 5 arm design alloys
Comfort pack
Xenon light pack - cannot afford LED!
Audi sound system
Non smoking pack
Electric fold and auto dim mirrors
Hill hold assist
Electrical lumber support for the ageing back!

Was thinking of the progressive steering but now not keen after reading the comments on here.

Was gonna go for 150 TDi which I have test driove and feels nice but I currently have the previous 140 TDi after having previously had the 170 TDi and I missed the extra power that much that I had to modify with a Chip Express tuning box which did help. I do like to push it when possible so do what do people think I should go for - is it worth the extra? Is the fuel economy of the 184 significantly worse than the 150? I think I also read somewhere that the 184 engine is not as smooth as the 150?

 

[smk82]

I think it is. I test drove the 150 before i ordered the 184(there wasnt one available to test drive) and felt underpowered compared to my 175hp TT. I find the 184 a bit more grumbly when cold but once at temp, smooth and progressive. Ive done just under 18K now and ive left the second trip computer alone for the last 3k. Avg is reporting as 48mpg. I know my DIS is about 5% out so equates to 46mpg. Havd had the dis showing over 60mpg after a run so over 50mpg is possible. Are you going for FWD or quattro if you do? Its the one thing i regret not speccing again ..

 

[M_D_O_London]

Floret Silver gets my vote - is a good colour - doesn't show dirt much and suits the A3 SB shape, (if you get the metal roof rails, they compliment it well).

Has much more of a blue tint under light than the previous silver Audi offered with the A3 (Ice Silver).

Good spec, otherwise. Guessing this is an Sport you are speccing? Have you considered an S-Line as you get Xenon Plus headlights and 18' alloys as part of the package (although the adaptive light / high beam assist functions are options)

 

[h5djr]

I am finalising the spec for my new A3 Sport Sportback and have so far decided on:

Was gonna go for 150 TDi which I have test driove and feels nice but I currently have the previous 140 TDi after having previously had the 170 TDi and I missed the extra power that much that I had to modify with a Chip Express tuning box which did help. I do like to push it when possible so do what do people think I should go for - is it worth the extra? Is the fuel economy of the 184 significantly worse than the 150? I think I also read somewhere that the 184 engine is not as smooth as the 150?

My previous A3 was a 170TDI and when I drove the 8V with the 150 engine for a day long test drive I did find it a bit lacking in power. It was quite good but there were occasions when the loss of 20bhp and less torque was noticeable. I also test drove several Golf VII with the same engine and came to the same feelings. So in the end, as I wanted an s-tronic I went for the 184TDI s-tronic quattro and I can only say it a wonderful car to drive. On my normal driving around I am getting around 45mpg but when I took it to Germany last October for a holiday I got an overall figure of 53mpg. That was with some fast (120-130 mph) autobahn driving and quite a lot of normal road driving at around 60mph maximum.

Your spec looks good although I specified the Hold Assist and find I never use it. I much prefer to just click the Electronic Parking Brake so that I'm not shining bright red stop-lights into the face of the driver behind, especially at night. The EPB is so easy to use. Just click the switch to apply it and then drive away and it automatically releases. I also have Xenons and find them more than adequate and it does give the LED DRLs. I also have heated front seats mainly because my wife came with me on one of the test drives and it was very cold. The demo car had heated seats and she decided to try them and thought they were lovely so they were added as well. Auto lights and wipers and the interior lighting package come with the Xenon Light Package so you will have those as well. The only other things I have is the front and rear parking sensors, the rear-view camera and Adaptive Cruise Control. I don't think the front sensors are that much use but the rear ones and the camera I do use quite a lot. Adaptive Cruise Control, especially as I have an s-tronic is great for when your in a traffic queue but I don't use it for other than that. My car is also Silver which makes it different from all the black and white ones you see on the road.

 

[arad85]

184 - no question in my mind. I'd also agree with spec'ing the s-line - given you are spec'ing the Xenons, you'll probably get the difference back in residual value when you sell and the s-line looks that bit more special. Personally, I use hold assist all the time (our other car also has it). Haven't used a handbrake in the last year or so....

 

[h5djr]

But

184 - no question in my mind. I'd also agree with spec'ing the s-line - given you are spec'ing the Xenons, you'll probably get the difference back in residual value when you sell and the s-line looks that bit more special. Personally, I use hold assist all the time (our other car also has it). Haven't used a handbrake in the last year or so....

But S-Line's are so 'common'. Almost every A3 on the road is an S-Line. I spec'd the Sport model because there are items that are standard on the S-Line that I would not want, like black headlining, flat bottomed steering wheel, 18" wheels and cloth/leather seats and adding the items to the Sport which I did want worked out cheaper. As far as Hold Assist is concerned perhaps you are the driver I stopped behind yesterday evening with his brake lights shining in my eyes!! Perhaps you should read paragraph 114 of the Highway Code.

 

[leosayer1]

Your spec looks good, not a lot different to what I chose.

I recommend the Adaptive Cruise if just for novelty value.

Sports suspension delete. You say you like to push it where possible....so do I but I find the standard suspension copes fine on twisty roads and it's worth it for the other 90% of driving through towns, pot holes, speed humps etc.

Floret looks like a great colour, one I would have chosen if it was available when I specced mine.

 

[arad85]

But S-Line's are so 'common'. Almost every A3 on the road is an S-Line.

Nahh.. There are far more Sports around here.

I spec'd the Sport model because there are items that are standard on the S-Line that I would not want, like black headlining, flat bottomed steering wheel, 18" wheels and cloth/leather seats

Which just goes to show - it's a matter of opinion as I like all of those things. The exterior styling is far better on the s-line too IMHO.

and adding the items to the Sport which I did want worked out cheaper. As far as Hold Assist is concerned perhaps you are the driver I stopped behind yesterday evening with his brake lights shining in my eyes!! Perhaps you should read paragraph 114 of the Highway Code.

What... this:

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

I've highlighted the important word for you... it's not mandatory - plus I think leaving them on is a safety feature - especially at night. Anyway, there are far worse things that are often ignored in the Highways Code than brake lights left on - but then I don't believe there is anyone in the UK that complies with the Highway Code 100% of the time...

 

[Vertigo1]

But


But S-Line's are so 'common'. Almost every A3 on the road is an S-Line.

I'd completely disagree with this. Whilst I don't crane my neck to see what model every A3 I see is, I do see far far more around here with halogen lights than xenons so they can't be S-Lines.

This would make sense to me as I think the vast majority of them will be leased company cars and I think most companies will stick with a more basic Sport model to keep costs down.

As for the OP's original question, I can't answer directly as I've never driven an 8V 184 but I also came from an 8P 170 to an 8V 150. I tend to agree with Dave that there was a noticable drop in power but I never really felt the 150 was underpowered. The 184 wasn't available when I ordered so it wasn't a decision I had to make.

One thing I will say is that the 170CR engine I had in my last 8P (60 plate) was the smoothest diesel I've had in an A3 (out of a total of four). The 8V 150 was very slightly rougher.

 

[h5djr]

I had a very hard job try to find a dealer with a Sport when I wanted a test drive. Every one seemed to have S-Lines and nothing else and I've have seem a lot around my area.

As far as the Hold Assist is concerned, I was taught to drive in an age when consideration for other road users was considered important. That does not seem to be the case any more. When I drove a manual I always moaned about the drivers of automatics who were too lazy to apply the hand-brake so as to switch off their brake lights and when I had my first s-tronic I vowed I would not fall in to that bad habit. With the 8V life is even easier with just a flick of a switch to apply the EPB and nothing to do to release it. Is that really asking too much!

 

[SJC]

I would check what a sline comes in as well. But that's my 2ps worth. The time you add some of your options like the xenon lights and comfort pack. We would probably be at the same price.

I have the 150. As you don't get a 140. And for me it returns 50mpg and had cheaper tax / insurance. Once I'm up to speed on the dualler it's cruise control on anyway. So no point spending the extra money to depreciate.

 

[arad85]

As far as the Hold Assist is concerned, I was taught to drive in an age when consideration for other road users was considered important.

Me too

With the 8V life is even easier with just a flick of a switch to apply the EPB and nothing to do to release it. Is that really asking too much!

When the car does it all for you - yes

Just as a side note. our other car - a 2012 Touareg - also has Hold Assist and stop/start. The stop/start works differently though - it cuts the engine when you come to a stop, but restarts it as soon as you take your foot off the brake. There is no way to be both considerate (as far as you are concerned) to both other drivers AND the planet at the same time - although you could claim anyone driving a 2.2 tonne car with 3l V6 diesel doesn't really give two hoots about the environment...

 

[h5djr]

Just as a side note. our other car - a 2012 Touareg - also has Hold Assist and stop/start. The stop/start works differently though - it cuts the engine when you come to a stop, but restarts it as soon as you take your foot off the brake. There is no way to be both considerate (as far as you are concerned) to both other drivers AND the planet at the same time - although you could claim anyone driving a 2.2 tonne car with 3l V6 diesel doesn't really give two hoots about the environment...

My s-tronic A3 was the same. When I first had it I had the start/stop would reset the engine as soon as I took my foot off the brake which is one reason I always used the EPB. With that engaged the engine does not restart until you press the throttle to go. I'm not over keen on the start/stop, especially with the s-tronic, so I've now have it switched of permanently. If I was that concerned for the environment I would not be driving a 184TDI quattro in the first place.

 

[veeeight]

Hey look
Here's a whole 3 page thread about Hold Assist and glaring brake lights
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/hold-assist-and-brake-lights.209289/

 

[Flying Pig]

184 Sline STronic Quattro standard suspension. Only had it 2 months so probably still bedding in on the fuel economy - but what a beautiful drive!! Love love love it.

 

[Vertigo1]

I had a very hard job try to find a dealer with a Sport when I wanted a test drive. Every one seemed to have S-Lines and nothing else and I've have seem a lot around my area.

Of course the dealers all have S-Lines in the showroom and as demonstrators - they want to show the car "at it's best" so to speak.

As far as the Hold Assist is concerned, I was taught to drive in an age when consideration for other road users was considered important. That does not seem to be the case any more. When I drove a manual I always moaned about the drivers of automatics who were too lazy to apply the hand-brake so as to switch off their brake lights and when I had my first s-tronic I vowed I would not fall in to that bad habit. With the 8V life is even easier with just a flick of a switch to apply the EPB and nothing to do to release it. Is that really asking too much!

Yep, as I've said before the hold assist is the most anti-social feature ever. After electro-mechanical handbrakes encourage people to use them rather than the footbrake all the time through their ease of use, they undo all that work with the hold assist. Anyone who has hold assist and uses it instead of the handbrake at night is an anti-social driver who needs to learn some manners, end of.

See above linked thread for more ranting

 

[arad85]

Anyone who has hold assist and uses it instead of the handbrake at night is an anti-social driver who needs to learn some manners, end of.

That'll be me

Perhaps you should vent more at Audi for not turning off the lights when you have hold assist activated and your foot off the brake. It's only software after all....

 

[Vertigo1]

That'll be me

Perhaps you should vent more at Audi for not turning off the lights when you have hold assist activated and your foot off the brake. It's only software after all....

Yes they're idiots but the mere fact you can sit at a set of lights, at night, knowing full well you're blinding the guy behind you but don't actually care speaks volumes. I just couldn't do that as I was taught to have more manners, sorry but that's how it is.

 

[arad85]

Yes they're idiots but the mere fact you can sit at a set of lights, at night, knowing full well you're blinding the guy behind you but don't actually care speaks volumes.

No, because I don't ever roll up to a traffic light and thought I wish the person in front would take their foot off the brake as I'm dazzled - in fact, I've never even thought about it until I saw it posted on a forum. It just doesn't bother me....

Having said that, I've occasionally been grateful for someone having their brake lights constantly on on a long dark road (without traffic lights!) as it has allowed me to see they are, in fact, stationary and not just moving slowly and therefore anticipate a problem ahead (last time this happened, there were 2 cars stationary in the middle of a B-road waiting for a rabbit to move out of the way). I have always seen it as a safety feature TBH - far better to be dazzled than to have another car up the back of yours..

 

[a3_phil]

In the last quarter of a million miles I've done on the road I can't say I've ever felt that the guy in front's brake lights were dazzling me.

If anything I'd rather they have the brake lights on as it's going to reduce the risk of someone ploughing into me when I'm stationary at the back of a queue of traffic on an otherwise fast moving road.

 

[veeeight]

Not dazzling the driver behind with bright brake lights, falls under 2 categories:

1. Consideration
2. Good Practice/Advisory

Agreed that if you are the last in the long line of traffic, its sensible to keep your brake lights on until someone else draws up behind.

The wording in the Highway Code is "should" (as opposed to "must") - which is where the good practice/advisory comes in. It is good practice, but because its mentioned as a "should" in the highway code, means, that if it were to be shown as a contributory factor in an incident, you could be prosecuted for it (under a relevant Act),

eg: You "should" not cross/enter hatched area bordered by a broken white line - it's legal to do so, but, if it can be shown that it is a contributory factor in an incident, you can be prosecuted. On the other hand, you "must" not cross/enter a hatched area bordered by a solid white line.

But just because you personally aren't affected by dazzling bright brake lights - it doesn't mean that everyone else isn't

As you get older, macular degeneration sets in, and cataracts, and these conditions make you much more susceptible to starbursts, halos and glare in your eyesight, particularly in night vision.



We've had 3 pages of this already, in this thread
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/hold-assist-and-brake-lights.209289/

 

[arad85]

Not dazzling the driver behind with bright brake lights, falls under 2 categories:

1. Consideration
2. Good Practice/Advisory

Yes, you're right. I don't disagree.

There are far more inconsiderate drivers on the road than me. And there's many who are more considerate and are completely incapable of driving safely.

 

[mister.c.]

We've had 3 pages of this already, in this thread
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/hold-assist-and-brake-lights.209289/

Tiime to lock the thread then folks...

 

[Bristle Hound]

Tiime to lock the thread then folks...

Oh sarcasm ...

 

[MarkyH]

Thanks for all the comments guys. Looks like the 184 then but think I will ditch the progressive steering. Looked at a floret silver in Carlisle Audi today and liked it but also quite liked scuba blue?

 

[M_D_O_London]

My s-tronic A3 was the same. When I first had it I had the start/stop would reset the engine as soon as I took my foot off the brake which is one reason I always used the EPB. With that engaged the engine does not restart until you press the throttle to go. I'm not over keen on the start/stop, especially with the s-tronic, so I've now have it switched of permanently. If I was that concerned for the environment I would not be driving a 184TDI quattro in the first place.

What I think you are describing here with stop-start is an issue only with diesels and S-Tronic. On S-Tronic petrols, when you come to a halt and stop start kicks in along with Hold Assist, you can take your foot off the brake and the engine won't restart until you tap the accelerator. (And if you want to turn off your brake lights, click up the EPB).

 

[h5djr]

What I think you are describing here with stop-start is an issue only with diesels and S-Tronic. On S-Tronic petrols, when you come to a halt and stop start kicks in along with Hold Assist, you can take your foot off the brake and the engine won't restart until you tap the accelerator. (And if you want to turn off your brake lights, click up the EPB).

It is exactly the same with a my 184 diesel with s-tronic if I was to use Hold Assist but I don't. It stays off all the time and I use the EPB. In a situation where the car is going to be stopped for a few minutes I would be quite happy for the Start/Stop to cut in and stop the engine. But I have had several occasions where I've been waiting to pull out from a roundabout and just as a gap appears the engine decides to cut-out and I have to re-start it using the throttle which means I can miss the gap on a very busy roundabout. This is the reason I have now disengaged permanently the Start/Stop. If I know I'm going to be stopped for some time, for example at a level crossing, I will quite happily turn off the engine manually as I always did before the advent of Start/Stop, and then re-start as the barriers start to go up.

On my wife's A1, which is a manual, it works fine, but not so well with the s-tronic.

 

[steeve]

I had a 184, it's a stunning engine for a diesel. You need to try it.
I would suggest you go sit down with a large dealer and see if you can pick up a stock car. It's surprising how many 184's (and others) are available. You could get a good deal and no wait either.

 

[arad85]

I But I have had several occasions where I've been waiting to pull out from a roundabout and just as a gap appears the engine decides to cut-out and I have to re-start it using the throttle which means I can miss the gap on a very busy roundabout.

That's just a question of learning to use the system as designed. With hold assist (yes, I know...) just bring the car to a stop and you take your foot off the brake after hold assist engages - the engine keeps running and you are ready to go. If you keep your foot on the brake, then start/stop engages. To get the car ready to go again, just dip the accelerator once - the engine restarts but hold assist has the brake on, so you don't go anywhere. I suspect the reason you don't like it is because you have turned off the system (hold assist) which is designed to work in conjunction with stop/start.

IMHO, the key with these two systems is to remember to take your foot off the brake once HA or SS have kicked in.

 

[veeeight]

^ Thats no good for me, at the traffic light Grand Prix , or at a busy roundabout, where you have to creep forward in minute amounts. Plus there is the HA release delay, compared to no delay without HA.

If driving a S-tronic, I prefer not using the hold assist.
(actually I prefer no HA, period)

There are also (frequently) times when I don't want it to apply the foot brake, or parking brake for me automatically, for example, after a high speed run I want to sit and idle on level ground with the DSG Park Pawl engaged, but not have hot brake pads clamped against a relatively hot disc.

Plus HA doesn't work well going through conveyor type car washes


For me Hold Assist is not a good option.

 

[h5djr]

That's just a question of learning to use the system as designed. With hold assist (yes, I know...) just bring the car to a stop and you take your foot off the brake after hold assist engages - the engine keeps running and you are ready to go. If you keep your foot on the brake, then start/stop engages. To get the car ready to go again, just dip the accelerator once - the engine restarts but hold assist has the brake on, so you don't go anywhere. I suspect the reason you don't like it is because you have turned off the system (hold assist) which is designed to work in conjunction with stop/start.

IMHO, the key with these two systems is to remember to take your foot off the brake once HA or SS have kicked in.

Having been driving an A3 (8P and 8V) with Start/Stop for some time and also using Hold Assist for a while I do know exactly how the systems work and I prefer not to have either of them. So HA switched off and Start/Stop permanently switched off is how I prefer my car to operate. I much prefer my own start/start when I'm going to be stopped for more than a very short time.

 

[Vertigo1]

Two common gripes in here seem to be that firstly the popup screen always pops up when you start the car, even if you lowered it previously and secondly that you have to disable start/stop each time you start the car.

What we patently need is for someone to rig up some kind of switch/relay gubbins so that, when you start the car, the popup screen action triggers a switch which then activates a relay when then activates the stop/start button, disabling it. At least then the first annoyance could be used to solve the second!

(Disclaimer: I'm joking! )

 

[h5djr]

Two common gripes in here seem to be that firstly the popup screen always pops up when you start the car, even if you lowered it previously and secondly that you have to disable start/stop each time you start the car.

What we patently need is for someone to rig up some kind of switch/relay gubbins so that, when you start the car, the popup screen action triggers a switch which then activates a relay when then activates the stop/start button, disabling it. At least then the first annoyance could be used to solve the second!

(Disclaimer: I'm joking! )

They is a very simply change that can be made using VCDS that will permanently switch off the Start/Stop but I have yet come across one to sop the screen from popping up apart from not have the radio or any other media switched on (as I do in my car)

 

[arad85]

Having been driving an A3 (8P and 8V) with Start/Stop for some time and also using Hold Assist for a while I do know exactly how the systems work and I prefer not to have either of them. So HA switched off and Start/Stop permanently switched off is how I prefer my car to operate. I much prefer my own start/start when I'm going to be stopped for more than a very short time.

Just going on this:

My s-tronic A3 was the same. When I first had it I had the start/stop would reset the engine as soon as I took my foot off the brake which is one reason I always used the EPB. With that engaged the engine does not restart until you press the throttle to go. I'm not over keen on the start/stop, especially with the s-tronic, so I've now have it switched of permanently. If I was that concerned for the environment I would not be driving a 184TDI quattro in the first place.

That's not the way it works.


Unless you meant an older 8P A3...

 

[Bristle Hound]

^ Thats no good for me, at the traffic light Grand Prix , or at a busy roundabout, where you have to creep forward in minute amounts. Plus there is the HA release delay, compared to no delay without HA.

If driving a S-tronic, I prefer not using the hold assist.
(actually I prefer no HA, period)

There are also (frequently) times when I don't want it to apply the foot brake, or parking brake for me automatically, for example, after a high speed run I want to sit and idle on level ground with the DSG Park Pawl engaged, but not have hot brake pads clamped against a relatively hot disc.

Plus HA doesn't work well going through conveyor type car washes


For me Hold Assist is not a good option.

Take it you don't like Hold Assist then V8!

 

[veeeight]

I know that it's choice and each to their own and all that, but I must confess to a certain amount of puzzlement for the need for this particular option (Hold Assist).

Given that Hill Hold is standard on every A3/S3, and therefore hill starts can be tackled with ease, what exactly is the particular hardship of putting your foot on the brake pedal, and keeping it there for short periods of time? Is this convenience for convenience's sake?

Getting the car to keep the brake pedal pressed, so you don't have to?
It''s a primary driving control, I'd rather be in charge

The other convenience options (e.g.: cruise control) can be argued, as for example, you may be undertaking a journey of 3 hours or more, so may find ankle or shin strain on your right foot for 3 or more hours.

But putting your foot on the brake pedal for 30 seconds or less? Or using the EPB switch (no strength required) for longer periods? Not exactly a hardship, is it!

There are downsides to the Hold Assist option, which I found irritating. Apart from those listed above in my post #30, slow speed precision manoeuvring, particularly precision reversing up a steep incline are situations where HA hinders, rather than assists.

But thankfully its an option, and those that want to spec it, can.

(cue all the post arguing for the validity of clutch pedals, electric windows, park assist etc.)

 

[h5djr]

I know that it's choice and each to their own and all that, but I must confess to a certain amount of puzzlement for the need for this particular option (Hold Assist).

Given that Hill Hold is standard on every A3/S3, and therefore hill starts can be tackled with ease, what exactly is the particular hardship of putting your foot on the brake pedal, and keeping it there for short periods of time? Is this convenience for convenience's sake?

Getting the car to keep the brake pedal pressed, so you don't have to?
It''s a primary driving control, I'd rather be in charge

The other convenience options (e.g.: cruise control) can be argued, as for example, you may be undertaking a journey of 3 hours or more, so may find ankle or shin strain on your right foot for 3 or more hours.

But putting your foot on the brake pedal for 30 seconds or less? Or using the EPB switch (no strength required) for longer periods? Not exactly a hardship, is it!

There are downsides to the Hold Assist option, which I found irritating. Apart from those listed above in my post #30, slow speed precision manoeuvring, particularly precision reversing up a steep incline are situations where HA hinders, rather than assists.

But thankfully its an option, and those that want to spec it, can.

(cue all the post arguing for the validity of clutch pedals, electric windows, park assist etc.)

I agree completely. I found it more irritating that useful, hence, although I did specify it on my current car I never have it switched on, much preferring to use the ETB. Even at my age I can still manage to pull up the switch!!

Also arad85, How I described what happened with my s-tronic with HA NOT engaged is exactly what does happen. When I stop with my foot on the brake pedal the Start/Stop system stops the engine. If I keep pressure on the brake pedal the engine would stay stopped. As soon as I released that pressure the engine would start again. It is possible to only apply very light pressure on the brake and then the engine will not cut out but it is a bit hit and miss as to exactly how little pressure to apply and still stop the car from moving.

 

[arad85]

How I described what happened with my s-tronic with HA NOT engaged is exactly what does happen.

Actually, that makes sense as HA applies the brakes. If you have it switched off, the engine needs to restart to hold the car after the HH has "timed out" (for want of a better word).

 

[leosayer1]

I know that it's choice and each to their own and all that, but I must confess to a certain amount of puzzlement for the need for this particular option (Hold Assist).

Given that Hill Hold is standard on every A3/S3, and therefore hill starts can be tackled with ease, what exactly is the particular hardship of putting your foot on the brake pedal, and keeping it there for short periods of time? Is this convenience for convenience's sake?

Getting the car to keep the brake pedal pressed, so you don't have to?
It''s a primary driving control, I'd rather be in charge

The other convenience options (e.g.: cruise control) can be argued, as for example, you may be undertaking a journey of 3 hours or more, so may find ankle or shin strain on your right foot for 3 or more hours.

But putting your foot on the brake pedal for 30 seconds or less? Or using the EPB switch (no strength required) for longer periods? Not exactly a hardship, is it!

There are downsides to the Hold Assist option, which I found irritating. Apart from those listed above in my post #30, slow speed precision manoeuvring, particularly precision reversing up a steep incline are situations where HA hinders, rather than assists.

But thankfully its an option, and those that want to spec it, can.

(cue all the post arguing for the validity of clutch pedals, electric windows, park assist etc.)

Here’s my defence of hold assist.

My previous car was an automatic BMW which had hold assist as standard and I liked it so specced it on my A3 S-tronic. There are a few reasons why I like it.

Firstly, if I have stopped the car then I don’t want it to move off again until I make a positive action ie. pressing the throttle pedal. In an S-tronic, moving off by releasing the footbrake (ie. a negative action)) feels wrong and has safety implications in that my car could be shunted forward if hit from behind when stationary. I’m not sure I’d trust the EPB or my right foot to stop that happening.

Secondly, of course, there’s no hardship in keeping the brake pedal pressed but being able to rest my right foot when stopped just makes town driving ever so slightly more relaxing. Llike auto-wipers and auto-lights, why should’t I get the car to do something mundane for me if it can be done without compromising safety?

Thirdly, hold assist also means that I don’t need to user the EPB unless I want to avoid dazzling people behind. Engaging the EPB is nohardship either, but I find it badly positioned for frequent use. It’s clearly given a lower priority than MMI controls for example. I assume car manfacturers expect drivers to use it for parking only, hence the name. I’d be quite happy never to manually engage the EPB if manufacturers were able to dim the brake lights when they sensed a car close behind when stationary.

In the first few months I also used to switch off hold assist for low speed maneuvring but now I seem to manage fine with it switched on. I think it just takes some time to get in tune with how the car works to get the best out of it.

 

[dts439]

Thanks for all the comments guys. Looks like the 184 then but think I will ditch the progressive steering. Looked at a floret silver in Carlisle Audi today and liked it but also quite liked scuba blue?

Personally I like progressive steering, but you need to drive a car with it to see what you think. The affect of it is noticeable.

Not a big fan of silver on the A3, looks a bit bland? Scuba was my second choice after Daytona.