Which A3 Sportback Quattro

[BADDave]

I am thinking of changing my 2001 A4 1.8T sport (Front wheel drive) for something a bit different, smaller, sharper and quicker.

An 2005-06 A3 Sportback Quattro would fit the bill (and the kids!).

Question is, which one?
3.2 DSG Quattro (expensive to run but quick)
2.0 Tdi 170 Manual Quattro (economical and not so quick)
2.0 TFSi Manual Quattro (compromise)

So far i have only driven the 3.2 DSG, which I liked but could not enjoy due to the inhibitory salesman sitting in the passenger seat. Will try to get a drive of 2.0 TDi & 2.0 TFSi.

Any thoughts from those who know, or who have compared them would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[DaveS3Turbo]

2.0T is very thirsty. No better than a 3.2 really. Sounds silly I know.

I had a 2.0 TDI but hated the short rev range as with all diesels. But the torque is very nice.

3.2 - tax is silly.

 

[cliveywolves]

IMO 2.0 Tdi 170 best of the bunch love mine.....Borrowed 3.2 Quat didnt like....
i agree short range, but the Torque is something else for a 2.0 Diesel !!!
also running cost are great 40mpg and cheap road tax if you get one with DPF ...

 

[BADDave]

2.0T is very thirsty. No better than a 3.2 really. Sounds silly I know.

Thanks for that. Unexpected!

I had a 2.0 TDI but hated the short rev range as with all diesels. But the torque is very nice.

Do you mean always having to change gear?

.3.2 - tax is silly

I know...£440 as from January 2009. But that will make the price drop very soon!
I expect that if I wait, the price of 3.2 will fall faster & further than 2.0 Deisel or Petrol and the bigger 3.2 will become just too tempting!

 

[BADDave]

IMO 2.0 Tdi 170 best of the bunch love mine.....Borrowed 3.2 Quat didnt like....
i agree short range, but the Torque is something else for a 2.0 Diesel !!!
also running cost are great 40mpg and cheap road tax if you get one with DPF ...

I think the 170 deisel is the sensible choice for running costs (and probably fun too). I will watch the prices of all 3 models with interest over the next 3 months or so. But i half expect the 3.2 to become just too tempting!

 

[PaulAr]

Putting mpg and Tax aside, buying a car you dont really want because its a bit cheaper to run isnt cost effectice if you factor in smiles per mile and ownersip satisfaction.
Depends on what price you put on having the `one you want` compared to the one that makes financial sense.

One will make you feel good every time you get in it.
The others wont.

(Im assuming you dont do mega miles of course)

Happy shopping
Paul

 

[Carl.S]

manual 2.0TFSi with code would be a fair comprimise; silghtly better mpg with software, more power with software.

that's what i'd have without a doubt, on the otherhand if you're happy to spend a fortune putting cams etc in the 3.2 do it because those engines are simply awsome with cams, headers and an exhaust

 

[maars]

Chipped 2.0TDI 170

 

[BADDave]

manual 2.0TFSi with code would be a fair comprimise; silghtly better mpg with software, more power with software.

Sorry to dumb things down but what does coding mean? Is it a computer engine management remap thing? How much does it affect performance & mpg? And insurance!?
Thanks

 

[GlasgowRangers]

In Turkey they do the 1.8 TFSi in Quattro mode. That's what I'll be opting for the next time. Chipped of course. The taxes here are ridiculous on 2.0 and above.

http://www.audi.com.tr/fiyatlar/fiyatlistesi.asp

Note: In Turkey 45K Sterling buys you a basic model S3

WTF????