New to the forum, with a typical Newbie Question

[_GRP_]

Hi Guys.

Just registered on the forum and in typical 'newbie' style, I've got a simple question I hope you can help with.
Looking at purchasing an A3, although I'm not sure what engine/spec as yet.

First off, I'm getting conflicting information regarding when the facelift version was released
Am I right in thinking:

First generation (Typ 8L, 1996–2003)
Second generation (Typ 8P/8PA, 2003–present)

The second generation, is this the version where the bigger grill that runs from the bonnet to the bottom bumper
or is this a further revised/facelift version?

Also, can anyone explain the various trim levels/extras eg s-line spec, Sports, SE, etc, etc as when looking at the classifieds I'm just trying to get my head around how well spec'd some cars are against others.

Engine wise, 2.0FSI or 1.9 TDI your opinions?

Thanks in advance.
George

 

[CJ3BLUE]

Parkers guide online should give you all the answers especially when comparing trim levels and equipment etc .
Out of the two engines id go for the diesel only the 2.0 version not the 1.9.

 

[_GRP_]

Thanks for your reply CJ3BLUE, looks like the 'Sport' Spec seems better then the 'SE' to me.

So is it just the 4 door Sportback version that has the newer style bigger grill that runs from the bonnet to the bottom bumper
or is this a further also on Hatchback on later models?

 

[AuldReekie]

Have a look.in the FAQs at the top of the page for a thread on the revisions on the 8P chassis. 5 dr Sportback mate I cant link but it it is the post by Staz 8/9 Aug 09.

 

[Staz]

Hi George :sign_welcome:

you're right with your dates for the two models 8L and 8P. The 8P has so far been facelifted twice. Once to take it from the split grill to the single grill and then to modify the front end slightly but keeping the single grill.

The thread Auldreekie is referring to is this one: http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?76906-8P1-8P2-or-8P3

It shows the differences in the grills on all the 8P models.

In terms of trim levels you'll see in that thread that there are differences in the body kit for each trim BUT when S-Line was first introduced you had to pay to have S-Line and then you also had to pay for the different bumper or a spoiler. This means that its possible to find an 8P2 S-Line which looks just like an SE. There will be some differences inside I think but I don't know what exactly. I do know for certain that for models from at least as far back as July 2006 this doesn't apply, an S-Line had the full S-Line kit.

 

[andykn]

See this post:

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showth...n-SE-and-Sport&p=886623&highlight=#post886623

The SE and Sport were equivalent spec levels (same price) up until the last facelift, the S-line was additional to the Sport spec.

 

[_GRP_]

Thanks guys for your fast reply, the links posted by AuldReekie / andykn really helped.
Staz the link regarding the grills is excellent, exactly what I wanted to know, unfortunately I love the look of the newer style A3's from 05' onwards but doubt I'll be able to get one within budget (about 8k)
although I see that you can get a conversion from what I've seen in the classified section.

Regarding spec, I've not seen many S-Line's advertised so I guess the Sport is the next best thing.

Cheers for all your help and advise... within 24hrs you've answered some questions I've been struggling with for the last few weeks!
Keep your eyes peeled for any cars on the market that maybe of interest for me.

George

 

[V6Pete]

BUT when S-Line was first introduced you had to pay to have S-Line and then you also had to pay for the different bumper or a spoiler. This means that its possible to find an 8P2 S-Line which looks just like an SE. There will be some differences inside I think but I don't know what exactly. I do know for certain that for models from at least as far back as July 2006 this doesn't apply, an S-Line had the full S-Line kit.

Can you expand on this? I've never seen an S-Line that looks like an SE?

 

[Staz]

Can you expand on this? I've never seen an S-Line that looks like an SE?

I bought my first A3 on a 56 plate. It was an S-Line and it had the S-Line front end and a spoiler. I just ASN soon after and I remember that it was mentioned that when S-Line came out it was a trim level above sport but Audi charged extra again for the body kit. I found an example:

In fact here's an 8P1 S-Line!!

 

[V6Pete]

I know on the pre-facelift 8P S-Line there was the optional Votex kit. Not sure if that's what you're referring to?

 

[Staz]

It may well be mate all I know is what I have told you but if that's right then yeah it was optional on top of the S-Line price.

 

[Lee_R]

I have an A3 8P1 2004 and yes all of these early models had the same exterior trim as an SE/sport apart from the s-line badge. Even the rear spoiler was extra! The trim/wheels/suspension though has always been the same. Even when the 3 door was facelifted to match the sportback in 2005 the s lines still had the normal bumpers. It wasnt until 2006 for MY07 when they finally got revised bumpers. This was because 2003-2006 S-line was a package that you added to the sport, From 2006 the S-line became a proper model in its own right. Its also the same reason that us with early S lines insure them as sports (also on log book) because thats all they are to begin with.

To add to the confusion, before the 2007 year got new bumpers, a bodykit was available that fitted all models called votex. If you see them, they tend to be on 3.2 V6 models as a lot of customers moaned that the V6 didnt look special enough compared to all the other lesser models . Audi offered the kit as a dealer fit sweetener for free

Hope that helps

 

[V6Pete]

Hope that helps

It did indeed! All makes sense now.

 

[Staz]

Yeah for sure! I take it you have the Votex kit on yours then Pete?

 

[V6Pete]

Yeah for sure! I take it you have the Votex kit on yours then Pete?

I do indeed. It means I can look down my nose at all the S-Line's that are really just Sports with rock hard suspension and 5 spokes

 

[Staz]

 

[andykn]

I think the S-Line has the same suspension as the Sport, just 18 in wheels instead of 17in.("valid from 10 Nov 2006" brochure)

 

[V6Pete]

I think the S-Line has the same suspension as the Sport, just 18 in wheels instead of 17in.("valid from 10 Nov 2006" brochure)

No, S-Line is lower and harder.

 

[Lee_R]

I do indeed. It means I can look down my nose at all the S-Line's that are really just Sports with rock hard suspension and 5 spokes

Dont forget the black headlining!

 

[andykn]

No, S-Line is lower and harder.

I think that's only the latest 8P3 model, it's only the later brochures from about June 2008 onwards that refer to the S-Line suspension being 10 mm lower than the Sport. The 2006 brochure makes no mention of different suspension to the Sport.

 

[V6Pete]

Dont forget the black headlining!

I'll never forget that! It's the only reason I bought my car.