Loaned A3 s-line convertible

[XPOWER]

Got give an A3 s-line convertible as a loan car today whiles mine was in the garage having its electrics checked.

I was so impressed with its engine. I couldn’t believe how diesel technology has improved. My previous experience of diesels was 1994 Ford Escort TD which was a dog to drive because there was such a small power band to play with. The only way I knew the A3 was a diesel was that it didn’t rev as high as a petrol engine and it was a bit clattery on tick over but you can say that about my S3 anyway. It pulled so smoothly, I really liked its low end toque without needing to rev. So I think this power delivery unit suited the car’s relaxed driving style.

I’m not a fan of the convertible’s apportionments as it reminds me of a Metro convertible. There seems to be a bit of shake through the steering whilst driving, I guess this is what they call scuttle shake.

The all-round visibility wasn’t great with its rollover hoops but the larger wing mirrors did help.

 

[Igdos]

Do you notice if it was the 1.9 or the 2.0 diesel engine?

 

[XPOWER]

It's a 2.0TDI, so it would would be the 140PS version.

 

[Hastie1776]

It's a 2.0TDI, so it would would be the 140PS version.

I found the 140 Diesel sluggish in the avant I tested but that might just be down to the size of the car. You sure this wasn't a 170 version? If so, I totally agree, very impressive engine..

 

[XPOWER]

I checked the May 2009 brochure and the only diesel options are for the A3 Cabriolet are 1.9 TDI 105PS or 2.0 TDI 140PS. It isn’t fast but the torque makes progress feels smooth and responsive which is keeping with the car.

 

[dragon]

I have the new 170 2.0TDi engine in my new Sportback and agree its excellent for a diesel, especially when compared to the old 140 2.0TDi.

 

[a3motion]

ha must be an audi thing i had one as well 1.8 T the other day while my s line was getting serviced, nice to drive but just looks so ugly, bmw 1 series cabrriolet is the one i would buy,

 

[Matt]

I found the 140 Diesel sluggish in the avant I tested but that might just be down to the size of the car. You sure this wasn't a 170 version? If so, I totally agree, very impressive engine..

Was it the old 140 PD version you tested? As I would agree that is sluggish but the new common rail 140 engine is a really nice drive feels like it has significantly more power than than the PD engine it replaces

 

[Matt]

ha must be an audi thing i had one as well 1.8 T the other day while my s line was getting serviced, nice to drive but just looks so ugly, bmw 1 series cabrriolet is the one i would buy,

You do realise you just said the A3 cab was ugly and then went on to suggest a 1 series

 

[330_2_S3]

I got a loan A3 Convertible 2.0T and after that I got a A4 Estate 1.9TDI and I found the ESTATE more fun to drive than the convertible!

I found the A3 delivering too much power to the front and the steering way to light. But it was fun to drive I guess...

The Diesel was alot more torquey though...especially in the lower rev zone

 

[royjk]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Having now had my A3 cab for about 9 months, it still gives me the same pleasure as the day I drove it home From Sinclaire Audi. I looked at the BMW 1 series but IMO the A3 cab was far superior in looks & comfort. For the type of car my wife & I were looking for it suited the two us down to the ground. Having had loads of different Audi's & a number of MX5's including the latest over the past 40 years this Audi has probably given me greatest pleasure.
Hope soon to get it remaped once I can decide which is the best remap to go for.,
Some times wonder if the A3 cab would get the same critical comments if it was an S3 Cab.

 

[Scott]

Hope soon to get it remaped once I can decide which is the best remap to go for.

P Torque, Wolverhampton.

 

[royjk]

Bit far for me, I live in South Wales